What does Romans 7:20 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:20 reads, "Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." This verse is part of a larger discourse where the Apostle Paul addresses the struggle against sin.

Literally, Paul is saying that when he acts against his own will, it is not truly he who acts, but the sin that resides within him.

The deeper meaning reveals the Apostle's understanding of the human condition.

He acknowledges the internal conflict between the desire to do good, which aligns with the law of God, and the power of sin, which leads to disobedience.

It reflects on the dual nature of humans who, even with the intention to do good, often find themselves falling short due to an inherent sinful nature.

Historical Context

Romans 7:20 is part of a letter written by Paul to the early Christian community in Rome during the first century AD.

Paul wrote Romans to establish theological foundations and to address issues in the growing diverse community.

The society in which he wrote was heavily influenced by Roman law, Greek philosophy, and Jewish religious principles.

Paul employs these familiar concepts to convey his message, grappling with the Jewish law's role after the coming of Christ.

The chapter falls within a section where Paul engages in a complex discussion about the law, sin, and grace. He debates the purpose of the law (Torah) and its relationship to sin, recognizing that the law highlights sin but does not empower individuals to overcome it.

Theological Insights

There are varied theological interpretations of Romans 7:20 across different Christian denominations.

• Reformed Theology (Calvinism): Emphasizes total depravity, arguing that this verse illustrates the inability of humans to do good on their own, necessitating divine grace for redemption.
• Arminianism: Takes a less deterministic approach, suggesting that while the sin nature is strong, humans still have the capacity to choose good with the help of prevenient grace that restores free will.

Additionally, Roman Catholic theology acknowledges the concupiscence or inclination to sin but also emphasizes the role of sacraments and grace for strengthening the will to resist sinful urges.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage self-reflection and humility in daily life.

It acknowledges human fallibility, reminding believers to be patient with themselves and others when they fail.

It also calls individuals to rely on grace rather than their strength and fosters a sense of empathy toward the struggles of others.

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."
• 1 John 1:8 - "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is "sin that dwelleth in me." The Greek word for "sin" in this context is "ἁμαρτία" (hamartia), which often means a failure or missing the mark.

The term "dwelleth" translates from "οἰκέω" (oikeō), indicating a continuous inhabitation or an established presence within. This language suggests a permanent, indwelling force of sin that affects actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths often personify evil or discord, such as the Greek mythological characters like Eris, demonstrating an external influence on human behavior.

Early Gnostic beliefs posited a strict dualism between the spirit and the flesh, somewhat akin to Paul's description of the battle between the inner will and sin.

Comparatively, in Judaism, there is the concept of yetzer hara (the evil inclination), which is intrinsic to humans and balanced by yetzer hatov (the good inclination), reflecting an internal moral struggle mirrored in Paul's discussion.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, particularly in psychology, the idea of an inner conflict aligns with theories of the human psyche involving the id, ego, and superego as described by Sigmund Freud.

The id relates to instinctual drives and desires, which can be seen as parallel to "sin" in Paul's context, while the superego aligns with the moral and ideal aspect of personality, similar to the "I would" that Paul desires to follow.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse, offering various insights:

• John Stott: Suggests that Paul's struggle is a Christian experience and that the very fact of the struggle is a sign of life, as dead people do not struggle.
• Douglas Moo: Argues that Romans 7 describes not Paul's personal pre-Christian experience but a typical Jewish person under the law, illustrating the inability of the law to sanctify.
• **N.T.

Wright**: Affirms that Paul speaks of the human plight under sin, but sees it resolved in Jesus Christ, as Romans 7 leads to Romans 8, where the life in the Spirit is introduced as the answer to this dilemma.