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Romans 7

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

What does Romans 7:19 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:19 presents a candid reflection of the Apostle Paul on the internal conflict between his desire to do good and the reality of falling short due to his sinful nature.

Literally, this verse describes the common human experience of not doing the good that one intends to do, but instead doing the wrong that one intends to avoid.

The deeper meaning suggests a struggle inherent within human nature, where the spiritual aspiration to live a righteous life is countered by inherent weaknesses and temptations leading to sinful actions.

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Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 57 AD to the believers in Rome.

During this time, the early Christian community was grappling with understanding the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ, as opposed to the Mosaic Law that Jewish believers had followed for centuries.

Romans 7 is part of a more extensive discourse where Paul explains the role of the law in highlighting sin and the challenge believers face when they attempt to live a righteous life in their own strength, without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Romans 7:19 highlights the doctrine of original sin and the human incapacity to achieve righteousness through personal effort alone.

It emphasizes the need for divine intervention through Jesus Christ and the importance of the Holy Spirit for living a sanctified life.

Calvinists may see this verse as underlining the total depravity of man, while Arminians might focus on the continual struggle against sin.

Furthermore, the verse can be viewed from a sanctification perspective, illustrating that Christians are in a process of being made holy, which will be complete only in glorification.

Practical Applications

Romans 7:19 can be applied to daily life by acknowledging human fallibility and the need for grace. It serves as an encouragement for individuals to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, rather than solely on their willpower.

This verse also invites believers to practice humility, confess their shortcomings, and seek accountability within their faith communities.

Cross-References

Romans 7:15 - "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."
Galatians 5:17 - "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Romans 8:7 - "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "evil" (κακόν - kakon) refers to moral badness or wickedness.

The phrase "I would not" (οὐ θέλω - ou thelō) implies an act of the will, expressing Paul's desire not to perform evil actions. The recurring use of "I do" (πράσσω - prassō) emphasizes the performative aspect of sin, indicating the habitual nature of the wrongful deeds in question.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn to other ancient religious texts that discuss the internal moral struggle, such as the concept of "yetzer hara" (evil inclination) and "yetzer hatov" (good inclination) in Jewish texts.

Similarly, many Eastern philosophies and religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, address the struggle between virtuous living and succumbing to base desires.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology has examined the conflict between one's intentions and actions, which can relate to this verse. Psychological theories regarding behavior, such as cognitive dissonance, reflect the inner tension Paul describes.

Additionally, neuroscience has investigated the brain's role in impulse control and ethical decision-making, further illuminating the complexities of moral actions.

Commentaries

Various theologians and Bible scholars have offered insights on Romans 7:19.

For example, John Stott sees this verse as emblematic of the struggle between the "old self" and the "new self" in Christ.

Other commentators, like Douglas Moo, suggest that Paul is either describing his pre-conversion experience or the experience of a believer who is trying to live under the law rather than by the Spirit.

Matthew Henry emphasizes the law's inability to sanctify, pointing out that deliverance from this inward conflict comes through Jesus Christ.

Romans 7

Romans 7

What does Romans 7:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 7:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?