Romans 7

Commentary

Released from the Law

(Galatians 3:15-25)

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? 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

God's Law is Holy

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. 8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Struggling with Sin

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.

14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 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. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 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. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Release from the Law
(Galatians 3:15–25)

1 Or don’t you know, brothers (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man for as long as he lives? 2 For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband. 3 So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.

4 Therefore, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you would be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit to death. 6 But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.

God’s Law Is Holy

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn’t have known coveting, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead. 9 I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 The commandment, which was for life, this I found to be for death; 11 for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me. 12 Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.

Struggling with Sin

13 Did then that which is good become death to me? May it never be! But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin. 15 For I don’t know what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. 16 But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good. 17 So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don’t find it doing that which is good. 19 For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice. 20 But if what I don’t desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.

21 I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present. 22 For I delight in God’s law after the inward man, 23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, the sin’s law.

Release from the Law
(Galatians 3:15–25)

1 Do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2 For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3 So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even if she marries another man.

4 Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5 For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death. 6 But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

God’s Law Is Holy

7 What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” a 8 But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead.

9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through the commandment put me to death.

12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.

Struggling with Sin

13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good. 17 In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. 20 And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21 So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. 23 But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me. b

24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

 

Footnotes:

7 a Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21
23 b Literally captive to the law of sin being in my members.

Released from the Law

(Galatians 3:15-25)

1Are ye ignorant, brethren -- for to those knowing law I speak -- that the law hath lordship over the man as long as he liveth? 2for the married woman to the living husband hath been bound by law, and if the husband may die, she hath been free from the law of the husband; 3so, then, the husband being alive, an adulteress she shall be called if she may become another man's; and if the husband may die, she is free from the law, so as not to be an adulteress, having become another man's.

4So that, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law through the body of the Christ, for your becoming another's, who out of the dead was raised up, that we might bear fruit to God; 5for when we were in the flesh, the passions of the sins, that are through the law, were working in our members, to bear fruit to the death; 6and now we have ceased from the law, that being dead in which we were held, so that we may serve in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of letter.

God's Law is Holy

7What, then, shall we say? the law is sin? let it not be! but the sin I did not know except through law, for also the covetousness I had not known if the law had not said: 8'Thou shalt not covet;' and the sin having received an opportunity, through the command, did work in me all covetousness -- for apart from law sin is dead. 9And I was alive apart from law once, and the command having come, the sin revived, and I died; 10and the command that is for life, this was found by me for death; 11for the sin, having received an opportunity, through the command, did deceive me, and through it did slay me; 12so that the law, indeed, is holy, and the command holy, and righteous, and good.

Struggling with Sin

13That which is good then, to me hath it become death? let it not be! but the sin, that it might appear sin, through the good, working death to me, that the sin might become exceeding sinful through the command,

14for we have known that the law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by the sin; 15for that which I work, I do not acknowledge; for not what I will, this I practise, but what I hate, this I do. 16And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that it is good, 17and now it is no longer I that work it, but the sin dwelling in me, 18for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find, 19for the good that I will, I do not; but the evil that I do not will, this I practise. 20And if what I do not will, this I do, it is no longer I that work it, but the sin that is dwelling in me.

21I find, then, the law, that when I desire to do what is right, with me the evil is present, 22for I delight in the law of God according to the inward man, 23and I behold another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of the sin that is in my members. 24A wretched man I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? 25I thank God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord; so then, I myself indeed with the mind do serve the law of God, and with the flesh, the law of sin.

Released from the Law

¹ Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone as long as that person lives? ² For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. ³ So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Our Relationship to the Law

⁴ In the same way, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. ⁵ For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. ⁶ But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

The Purpose of the Law

⁷ What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” ⁸ But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. ⁹ Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ¹⁰ I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.

¹¹ For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. ¹² So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.

The Struggle with Sin

¹³ Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

¹⁴ We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵ I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶ And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷ As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

The Internal Conflict

¹⁸ For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰ Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.

The Hope of Deliverance

²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Footnotes:

7:1: Paul uses marriage as an analogy for understanding the believer’s relationship to the law, emphasizing that death releases one from the law’s demands.

7:4: The concept of being “released from the law” signifies the transition to a life led by the Spirit rather than adherence to the law.

7:8: Sin’s power is highlighted through the law; without the law, sin lacks definition and its destructive influence becomes clear.

7:11: Sin is depicted as active and deceptive, turning the law into a mechanism for condemnation rather than salvation.

7:14: The struggle between the spiritual and the unspiritual nature of humans is introduced, emphasizing human vulnerability.

7:18: This verse reflects the conflict within believers who desire to do good but are hindered by their sinful nature.

7:24: The cry for rescue underscores the despair of the internal struggle, yet it transitions to hope through Christ.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Romans 7?
2Introduction to Romans 7
3Context of Romans 7
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Romans 7 Unique Insights
7Romans 7 Connections to Yeshua
8Romans 7 Scriptural Echoes
9Romans 7 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Romans 7?

Introduction to Romans 7

Romans 7 stands as one of the most profound and personally introspective chapters in all of Scripture, where Paul delves deep into the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit that every believer faces. This chapter presents a masterful analysis of the role of the Torah (Law) in the life of a believer and the ongoing battle with our sinful nature, even after coming to faith in the Messiah.

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The apostle Paul’s transparent confession of his own spiritual wrestling match makes this chapter uniquely relatable to believers of all generations. His candid description of wanting to do what is right but finding himself doing what he hates resonates with every honest follower of the Messiah, making this chapter a crucial exploration of sanctification and the believer’s relationship with the Law.

Context of Romans 7

Romans 7 follows Paul’s powerful teaching in Romans 6 about believers being dead to sin and alive in the Messiah. While chapter 6 established our position in Messiah, chapter 7 addresses the practical reality of living out that position while still in our earthly bodies. It serves as a bridge between the triumphant declarations of chapter 6 and the Spirit-filled victory described in chapter 8.

Within the larger context of Romans, this chapter fits perfectly into Paul’s systematic presentation of the gospel. After explaining justification by faith (chapters 3-5) and our union with Messiah (chapter 6), Paul now addresses the ongoing struggle with sin that believers face. This progression is crucial because it helps readers understand that the presence of this struggle doesn’t negate their salvation but is actually a normal part of the sanctification process.

The chapter also holds special significance within the broader biblical narrative as it provides one of the clearest explanations of the relationship between the Law and grace. It builds upon the Hebrew Scriptures’ teaching about the purpose of the Torah while pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Messiah, demonstrating the continuity of God’s redemptive plan across both covenants.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • νόμος (nomos) – “Law” appears 23 times in this chapter, referring primarily to the Torah. In Hellenistic Judaism, this term encompassed not just the written Law but also its oral interpretation. Paul uses it to represent both God’s perfect standard and the system of legal observance, showing its dual nature as both holy and potentially binding when misused.
  • ἁμαρτία (hamartia) – “Sin” occurs 8 times, portrayed as an active power or force, not just individual acts of transgression. This personification of sin as a ruling power reflects the Hebrew concept of the יצר הרע (yetzer hara) – the evil inclination that struggles against our better nature.
  • σάρξ (sarx) – “Flesh” appears 7 times, representing not just physical existence but the whole person under the dominion of sin. This usage parallels the Hebrew בשר (basar), emphasizing human frailty and moral weakness.
  • πνευματικός (pneumatikos) – “Spiritual” describes the Law’s divine origin and nature. This term, rare in secular Greek, took on special significance in Jewish-Christian usage to describe things pertaining to the Spirit of God.
  • ζάω (zao) – “Live/alive” appears in various forms, creating a powerful contrast between life in the Spirit and death under the Law. This echoes the Hebrew חַי (chai), a term rich with covenantal significance.
  • δουλεύω (douleuo) – “Serve/slavery” reflects the radical change in masters from sin to righteousness. This concept was particularly powerful in the Roman world where slavery was ubiquitous.
  • ἐγώ (ego) – The emphatic “I” appears frequently, highlighting the personal nature of Paul’s struggle. This intense self-reflection follows the pattern of Hebrew psalms of lament and confession.
  • θάνατος (thanatos) – “Death” represents both spiritual and moral death, linking to the Genesis account of the fall. The word carries the Hebrew concept of מות (mavet) – separation from God and life.
  • ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroo) – “Set free” connects to the Exodus theme of liberation, now applied to spiritual freedom from sin’s dominion. This term was politically charged in the Roman world.

Compare & Contrast

  • Romans 7:1-3 uses marriage as an analogy for our relationship to the Law. Paul could have chosen other legal contracts but selected marriage because it involves both legal and personal intimacy, perfectly illustrating our relationship with Torah. The Greek γυνὴ ὕπανδρος (married woman) emphasizes both legal and relational bonds.
  • Romans 7:5 employs παθήματα (passions) rather than ἐπιθυμία (desires) to emphasize the passive nature of being controlled by sin. This highlights our helplessness apart from divine intervention.
  • Romans 7:6 contrasts παλαιότητι γράμματος (oldness of letter) with καινότητι πνεύματος (newness of Spirit), echoing Jeremiah’s new covenant prophecy while maintaining continuity with the old.
  • Romans 7:7 specifically cites the tenth commandment about coveting, chosen because it deals with internal desire rather than external action, demonstrating the Law’s spiritual nature.
  • Romans 7:14 uses σάρκινος (fleshly) instead of σαρκικός (carnal) to emphasize inherent nature rather than chosen behavior.
  • Romans 7:22 employs συνήδομαι (delight with) rather than simple χαίρω (rejoice), suggesting deep spiritual agreement with God’s law.
  • Romans 7:24 uses ῥύσεται (rescue) instead of σώσει (save), emphasizing deliverance from present danger rather than just final salvation.

Romans 7 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of meaning that become apparent when viewed through both Rabbinical and early Christian perspectives. The Talmudic concept of the “two inclinations” (yetzer hatov and yetzer hara) provides crucial background for understanding Paul’s internal struggle. The rabbis taught that even the evil inclination could be channeled for good purposes, which adds depth to Paul’s discussion of how the Law functions to expose sin.

Early church fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom debated whether Paul was describing his pre-conversion or post-conversion experience in verses 14-25. The present tense verbs and deep spiritual sensitivity suggest a mature believer’s perspective, while the intensity of the struggle reflects genuine conviction of sin that only comes through spiritual growth. This paradox illustrates the “already but not yet” nature of salvation.

The chapter also contains hidden Exodus imagery. Just as Israel was legally free from Egypt but still struggled with a “slave mentality,” believers are legally free from sin but must learn to live in that freedom. The phrase “body of death” in verse 24 may reference an ancient punishment where a corpse was tied to a living person, creating a powerful metaphor for our connection to our sinful nature.

Mystically, some Jewish scholars saw in this chapter a reflection of Adam’s experience in Eden – knowing God’s command but struggling with temptation. This adds universal significance to Paul’s personal testimony, showing it as archetypal of the human condition.

Romans 7 Connections to Yeshua

The Messiah’s role becomes crucial in this chapter as the only solution to humanity’s desperate condition. Paul’s cry “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24) finds its answer in “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25). This shows that the Law’s inability to transform human nature wasn’t a design flaw but was intended to drive us to the Messiah.

Yeshua’s perfect fulfillment of the Law demonstrates that the problem was never with the Law itself but with human inability to keep it. His active obedience provides the righteousness we need, while His death and resurrection break sin’s power over us. This fulfills Jeremiah’s prophecy of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34), where God’s law would be written on hearts rather than just tablets of stone.

Romans 7 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with several Old Testament passages: The struggle with sin echoes David’s confession in Psalm 51. The Law’s role in exposing sin parallels Exodus 20. The internal conflict reflects Ezekiel 36:26-27‘s promise of a new heart.

Paul’s experience mirrors Israel’s inability to keep the covenant despite good intentions (Exodus 19:8). The marriage metaphor connects to Jeremiah 3 and Hosea 2, where Israel is portrayed as God’s unfaithful wife. The solution in Messiah fulfills Isaiah 53‘s prophecy of the Suffering Servant who bears our iniquities.

Romans 7 Devotional

This chapter calls us to honest self-examination while maintaining hope in the Messiah. When we experience internal struggle with sin, we shouldn’t despair – this awareness actually evidences spiritual life and growth. Just as physical growth brings growing pains, spiritual maturity often involves increasing awareness of our need for grace.

Paul’s transparency invites us to be honest about our own struggles while keeping our eyes fixed on Yeshua. Rather than being discouraged by the gap between what we want to do and what we actually do, we can see this tension as evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in us, creating holy dissatisfaction with sin.

The practical application involves:

  1. Embracing the Law’s role in revealing sin without trying to achieve righteousness through it
  2. Being honest about our struggles while maintaining faith in God’s transforming power
  3. Finding hope in the Messiah rather than our own efforts
  4. Walking in the Spirit’s power rather than relying on willpower

Did You Know

  • The Greek word order in verse 25 is deliberately awkward, reflecting the ongoing tension between serving God and struggling with sin. This grammatical tension mirrors the spiritual reality Paul describes.
  • The phrase “sold under sin” in verse 14 uses slave market terminology that would have been very familiar to Paul’s Roman readers, as the Empire’s capital had the largest slave market in the ancient world.
  • The “law of sin” mentioned in verse 23 may reference the Roman legal concept of dominica potestas – the absolute power of a master over a slave, illustrating sin’s tyrannical control.
  • Paul’s use of the present tense in verses 14-25 follows a Greek rhetorical device called “vivid present,” making past experiences immediate and personal for the readers.
  • The martial language of “waging war” in verse 23 would have special significance for Roman readers, as military metaphors were deeply embedded in Roman culture.
  • The marriage analogy in verses 1-3 reflects Jewish marriage law more than Roman law, suggesting Paul was writing with Jewish legal concepts in mind.
  • The word “member” (μέλος) in verse 23 was commonly used in Greek philosophical writings about the relationship between body and soul, giving Paul’s argument additional resonance with Gentile readers.
  • The description of the Law as “spiritual” in verse 14 uses terminology that would have been familiar from the Septuagint’s description of the Torah, linking Paul’s teaching to Jewish tradition.
  • The concept of inner conflict described in verses 15-20 parallels discussions in both Greco-Roman philosophy and rabbinic literature about the nature of human will and moral choice.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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