King James Bible
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
Paul describes the flesh-focused mindset as actively hostile toward God, not merely indifferent or misguided. The Greek term for "enmity" denotes warfare or hatred, emphasizing that human nature apart from the Spirit stands in fundamental opposition to the divine will. This hostility manifests in rebellion against God's moral standards and commands. The carnal mind refuses to submit to divine authority, explaining why unregenerate humanity consistently violates God's law despite knowing right from wrong. Paul intensifies his argument by declaring the carnal mind's submission to God as impossible, not just unlikely. This total inability underscores humanity's desperate need for spiritual transformation, as the flesh lacks any capacity to please God or obey His law on its own.