Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Read it in contextThe Believer's Struggle with Sin and the Law
Start reading at Romans 7:1 (Romans 7:1 to Romans 7:25).
This section details the relationship between the believer, the Law, and indwelling sin, culminating in the cry for deliverance and the answer in Christ.
7:1Know 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?
7:2For 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.
7:3So 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.
7:4Wherefore, 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.
7:5For 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.
7:6But 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.
7:7What 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.
7:8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
7:9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
7:10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
7:11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
7:13Was 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.
7:14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
7:15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
7:16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
7:17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:18For 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.
7:19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
7:20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
7:23But 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.
7:24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
7:25I 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.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the internal struggle of a regenerate person with indwelling sin, where the 'I' (the true self) desires to do good but finds itself doing what it hates due to the power of 'sin that dwelleth in me'. The passage highlights the Law's inability to deliver from this struggle, instead revealing sin's exceeding sinfulness.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the persistent power of indwelling sin even in a believer, the holiness and goodness of the Law, and the profound need for deliverance from this internal conflict, which is ultimately found through Jesus Christ.
What is the literary style? The literary style is that of a didactic epistle, employing rhetorical questions, personal testimony (using 'I'), and illustrative analogies (like the marriage bond) to explain theological truths.
When
When was it written? Circa A.D. 57. book background
When does the event take place? The internal struggle described by the 'I' is an ongoing experience for the believer, occurring after conversion, as the 'I' delights in the law of God after the inward man (Romans 7:22). The writing of the epistle itself occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. stated in the text
Where
Where did it happen? The internal struggle with sin described in the passage takes place within the believer. The epistle was written to the church in Rome. stated in the text
Where was the author located? Corinth. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Believer's Struggle with Sin and the Law (Romans 7:1 to Romans 7:25).
Start reading at Romans 7:1. This section details the relationship between the believer, the Law, and indwelling sin, culminating in the cry for deliverance and the answer in Christ.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Romans 7:17 is a key statement within Paul's extended argument (Romans 7:7-25) demonstrating the Law's inability to provide righteousness or sanctification. It explains that the Law, though holy and good, serves to expose sin and highlight the believer's ongoing struggle with indwelling sin, setting the stage for the deliverance and victory found in the Holy Spirit in chapter 8. It reiterates the distinction between the regenerate 'I' and the sin that still dwells within the flesh. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? This passage, particularly leading to the cry in Romans 7:24, 'O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?', powerfully highlights the desperate need for a deliverer from the power of indwelling sin. The answer is immediately given in Romans 7:25: 'I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Christ's work on the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit (introduced in chapter 8) provide the victory over this struggle that the Law could not, offering freedom from the law of sin and death. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can find comfort and understanding in this passage, recognizing that the struggle against indwelling sin is a common experience. It encourages us not to despair when we fail, but to distinguish between our true identity in Christ and the sin that still 'dwelleth in me'. This understanding drives us to greater reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and sanctification, and to continually confess our sins, trusting in Christ's finished work for forgiveness and ongoing deliverance. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 7
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholeThe marriage illustration explains release from the law through Christ's death, directing the readers toward service in newness of spirit.
Connection to the wholeThe account of inward conflict leads to the cry for deliverance and thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, preparing the movement into chapter 8.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.