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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/7-20.htm" title="Romans 7:20">◄</a> Romans 7:21 <a href="/romans/7-22.htm" title="Romans 7:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So I find the principle in my desiring to do good, that evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I find then the principle that in me evil is present—in me who wants to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I find <i>it to be</i> the law [of my inner self], that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I discover this law: When I want to do what is good, evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Law has shown me that something in me keeps me from doing what I know is right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So I've discovered this truth: Evil is present with me even when I want to do what God's standards say is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So I find that this law is at work: when I want to do what is good, what is evil is the only choice I have. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So I find this to be a principle: when I want to do what is good, evil is right there with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So, I find the law that when I want to do good, evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I find therefore the law of my nature to be that when I desire to do what is right, evil is lying in ambush for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I find then the law that, while I desire to do good, evil is present. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I find, then, the law, that when I desire to do what is right, the evil is present with me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So I find the principle in my desiring to do good, that evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I find, then, the law, that when I desire to do what is right, with me the evil is present,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I find therefore a law to me, wishing to do good, that evil lies near me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I find then a law, that when I have a will to do good, evil is present with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, I discover the law, by wanting to do good within myself, though evil lies close beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I find therefore, that the law agrees with my conscience when I wish to do good, but evil is always near, distracting me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I find, therefore, a law agreeing with my conscience which wants to do good, because evil is near me.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I find, then, this law: That, when I wish to do good, evil is present with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then I find a law, that, to me wishing to do that which is beautiful, that the evil is present with me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I find then a law, that, when I wish to do good, evil is presented to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I find then a settled custom, that evil is objected in my way whenever I have a mind to act well:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I find therefore the law of my nature to be that when I desire to do what is right, evil is lying in ambush for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Consequently, I find the law, that, when I wish to do good, evil is present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I find then a <i>kind of</i> law, that when I would do good, evil besets me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/7-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=1746" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Struggling with Sin</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>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. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/686.htm" title="686: ara (Conj) -- Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.">So</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">this is the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">principle</a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: Heuriskō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">I have discovered:</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emoi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">When I</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelonti (V-PPA-DMS) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">want</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiein (V-PNA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">to do</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-ANS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakon (Adj-NNS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">evil</a> <a href="/greek/3873.htm" title="3873: parakeitai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To be at hand, be present with, rest with. From para and keimai; to lie near, i.e. Be at hand.">is right there with</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emoi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a></span><br />For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1</a></span><br />What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a></span><br />Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a></span><br />“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-5.htm">Psalm 51:5</a></span><br />Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a></span><br />Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a></span><br />Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8</a></span><br />If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a></span><br />For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a></span><br />Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.</p><p class="hdg">a law.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Romans 7:23</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Romans 6:12,14</a></b></br> Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-2.htm">Romans 8:2</a></b></br> For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.</p><p class="hdg">evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/30-18.htm">2 Chronicles 30:18,19</a></b></br> For a multitude of the people, <i>even</i> many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a></b></br> Who can understand <i>his</i> errors? cleanse thou me from secret <i>faults</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12</a></b></br> For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Close</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Find</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Present</a> <a href="/romans/5-1.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Want</a> <a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/romans/10-8.htm">Close</a> <a href="/romans/8-19.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/8-26.htm">Find</a> <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/7-25.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/romans/7-22.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Present</a> <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Want</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/7-1.htm">No law has power over a man longer than he lives.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/7-4.htm">But we are dead to the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Yet is not the law sin;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/7-12.htm">but holy, just and good;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/7-16.htm">as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So this is the principle I have discovered:</b><br>Paul is articulating a fundamental truth he has observed in his spiritual journey. This principle is not merely theoretical but experiential, reflecting the internal conflict he faces. The term "principle" suggests a consistent pattern or law, akin to the "law of sin" he mentions earlier in the chapter. This discovery is part of Paul's broader discourse on the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, a theme prevalent in his letters, particularly in <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a>, where he discusses the desires of the flesh opposing the Spirit.<p><b>When I want to do good:</b><br>Paul's desire to do good reflects the regenerated heart's inclination towards righteousness. This echoes the struggle of the believer who, despite being justified, still battles with sin. The desire to do good is rooted in the new nature given through Christ, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>, where believers are described as new creations. This internal desire aligns with the moral law of God, which Paul upholds as holy and good (<a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12</a>).<p><b>evil is right there with me:</b><br>The presence of evil alongside the desire to do good highlights the ongoing battle with sin that believers face. This duality is a result of the sin nature that remains even after conversion. The phrase suggests proximity and persistence, indicating that evil is not a distant threat but an immediate and constant companion. This struggle is reminiscent of the conflict described in <a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Genesis 4:7</a>, where sin is depicted as crouching at the door, ready to pounce. Theologically, this underscores the doctrine of sanctification, where believers are progressively being made holy, yet still contend with sin until glorification.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is writing to the believers in Rome. He shares his personal struggle with sin and the law, providing insight into the Christian experience.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were navigating the complexities of faith and law in a diverse cultural setting.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Mosaic Law, which Paul discusses extensively in Romans, highlighting its role in revealing sin but not in providing salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_conflict.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Conflict</a></b><br>Believers must recognize the ongoing battle between the desire to do good and the presence of sin. This awareness is crucial for spiritual growth and reliance on God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a></b><br>The law reveals sin but cannot save us from it. Understanding this helps believers appreciate the necessity of grace and the work of Christ for salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_the_holy_spirit.htm">Dependence on the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Victory over sin is not achieved through human effort but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to seek the Spirit's guidance and strength daily.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community.htm">The Importance of Community</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability in the struggle against sin. Fellowship encourages perseverance and mutual edification.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ's_deliverance.htm">Hope in Christ's Deliverance</a></b><br>Despite the struggle with sin, believers have hope in Christ's ultimate deliverance. This hope motivates perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian walk.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'all_men_are_liars'_imply.htm">What insights does the Bible offer on hacking?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_christians_support_war_despite_jesus.htm">Why do Christians often support war and violence despite Jesus' teachings on loving enemies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_knowing_good_and_evil_mean.htm">What is the meaning of knowing good and evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_the_church_fail_if_christ_sanctifies.htm">Ephesians 5:25–27: If Christ sanctifies the church, how do we explain the church’s historical failures and corruption? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">I find then a law.</span>--Of the many ways of taking this difficult verse, two seem to stand out as most plausible or possible. In any case "<span class= "ital">a</span> law" should be rather "<span class= "ital">the</span> law." This is taken by the majority of commentators, including Bishop Ellicott, in the sense of "rule," "habitually-repeated fact." "I find this law, or this rule, that when I would do good evil is present with me." Such is my constant and regular experience. The objection to this interpretation is that it gives to the word "law" an entirely different sense from that which it bears in the context, or in any other part of St. Paul's writings. The other view is that which is maintained by Dr. Vaughan. According to this we should have to assume an <span class= "ital">anacoluthon.</span> The Apostle begins the sentence as if he were going to say, "I find therefore the Law (the Mosaic law), when I desire to do good, <span class= "ital">unable to help me;"</span> but he changes somewhat the form of the sentence in the latter portion, and instead of saying "I find the Law unable to help me," he says, "I find that evil is at my side." "To me" is also repeated a second time, in the Greek superfluously, for the sake of greater clearness. Or perhaps a still simpler and better explanation would be that the Apostle had intended in the first instance to say, "I find the Law, when I wish to do good, <span class= "ital">putting evil before me</span>," and then shrank (as in <a href="/romans/7-7.htm" title="What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. No, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, You shall not covet.">Romans 7:7</a>) from using so harsh an expression, and softened it by turning the latter half of the sentence into a passive instead of an active form--"I find the Law, when I wish to do good--that evil <span class= "ital">is put</span> before me."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/7-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄρα</span> <span class="translit">(ara)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_686.htm">Strong's 686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[this is] the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸν</span> <span class="translit">(ton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">principle</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμον</span> <span class="translit">(nomon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have discovered:</span><br /><span class="grk">Εὑρίσκω</span> <span class="translit">(Heuriskō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(emoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">want</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλοντι</span> <span class="translit">(thelonti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(poiein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good,</span><br /><span class="grk">καλὸν</span> <span class="translit">(kalon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="grk">κακὸν</span> <span class="translit">(kakon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is right there with</span><br /><span class="grk">παράκειται</span> <span class="translit">(parakeitai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3873.htm">Strong's 3873: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be at hand, be present with, rest with. From para and keimai; to lie near, i.e. Be at hand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(emoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/7-21.htm">Romans 7:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/7-21.htm">NT Letters: Romans 7:21 I find then the law that (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/7-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 7:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 7:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/7-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 7:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 7:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>