CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 7:16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/7-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/45_Rom_07_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 7:16 - Struggling with Sin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/7-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/7-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.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/7-15.htm" title="Romans 7:15">◄</a> Romans 7:16 <a href="/romans/7-17.htm" title="Romans 7:17">►</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 />And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now if that which I do not want, this I do, I consent to the Law, that <i>it is</i> good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that <i>it is</i> good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that <i>it is</i> good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, if I do the very thing I do not want <i>to do,</i> I agree with the Law, that <i>the Law is</i> good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But if I do the very thing I do not wish <i>to do</i>, I agree with the Law, <i>confessing</i> that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But if I do the very thing I do not want, I agree with the Law, that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now if I <i>habitually</i> do what I do not want to do, [that means] I agree with the Law, <i>confessing</i> that it is good (morally excellent).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Although I don't do what I know is right, I agree that the Law is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I don't do what I want to do, but I agree that God's standards are good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if I practice what I don't want to do, I am admitting that the Law is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But if I do what I don't want, I agree that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But if I do that which I do not desire to do, I admit the excellence of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the Law that [it is] good,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now if that which I do not want, this I do, I consent to the Law, that <i>it is</i> good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that it is good,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if what I would not this I do, I consent to the law that it is good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If then I do that which I will not, I consent to the law, that it is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So, when I do what I do not want to do, I am in agreement with the law, that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now if I do what I do not want, I concur that the law is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So then if I do that which I do not wish to do, I can testify concerning the law that it is good.<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 />And if I did what I did not choose, I testify of The Written Law that it is excellent.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />If, then, I do that which I wish not to do, I give assent to the law, that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But if I do that which I do not will, I consent to the law that it is beautiful;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But if what I would not, that I do, I concur with the law that it is excellent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />if then I do what I in my mind am against, the consent of my mind is, that the law is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But if I do that which I do not desire to do, I admit the excellence of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But, if what I wish not, this I do, I consent to the law that it is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And if I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/7-16.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=1703" 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">15</span>I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">And</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">I do</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I do not want to do,</a> <a href="/greek/4852.htm" title="4852: symphēmi (V-PIA-1S) -- To assent to, consent, confess, agree with. From sun and phemi; to say jointly, i.e. Assent to.">I admit</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomō (N-DMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalos (Adj-NMS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">is good.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.…<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/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a></span><br />Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.<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="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8-10</a></span><br />If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. / If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a></span><br />No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a></span><br />For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7-9</a></span><br />or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. / Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. / But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a></span><br />All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.<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="/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="/psalms/51-3.htm">Psalm 51:3-4</a></span><br />For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. / Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.<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/20-9.htm">Proverbs 20:9</a></span><br />Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good.</p><p class="hdg">I consent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12,14,22</a></b></br> Wherefore the law <i>is</i> holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-127.htm">Psalm 119:127,128</a></b></br> Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Admit</a> <a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Agree</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/acts/19-18.htm">Confessing</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/nahum/2-2.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Admit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Agree</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Confessing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Want</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>And if I do what I do not want to do</b><br>This phrase highlights the internal struggle Paul describes, reflecting the human condition of battling between the flesh and the spirit. This struggle is reminiscent of the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a>. The acknowledgment of doing what one does not want to do underscores the concept of sin's pervasive influence, which is a recurring theme throughout Romans. This internal conflict can be traced back to the fall of man in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>, where sin first entered the world, affecting human nature.<p><b>I admit that the law is good</b><br>Here, Paul affirms the goodness of the law, which aligns with the Jewish understanding of the Torah as a divine and perfect guide for living. The law, given through Moses, is seen as holy and righteous (<a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12</a>). This statement connects to <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a>, which declares the law of the Lord as perfect. The law serves as a mirror, revealing human sinfulness and the need for a savior, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>). The acknowledgment of the law's goodness also reflects the cultural reverence for the law in Jewish society, where it was central to religious and daily life.<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 addressing the struggle between the sinful nature and the desire to follow God's law.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Mosaic Law, which is seen as holy and good, serving as a guide to reveal sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sin.htm">Sin</a></b><br>The inherent sinful nature of humanity that causes individuals to act against their own desires to do good.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The original audience of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_inner_conflict.htm">The Inner Conflict</a></b><br>The struggle within believers between their sinful nature and their desire to obey God's law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_goodness_of_the_law.htm">The Goodness of the Law</a></b><br>The law serves as a mirror, revealing our sinful nature and our need for a Savior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_inner_conflict.htm">The Reality of Inner Conflict</a></b><br>Believers experience a constant battle between their sinful nature and their desire to follow God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_our_weakness.htm">Acknowledging Our Weakness</a></b><br>Recognizing our inability to fulfill the law on our own leads us to rely on God's grace and strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh and live according to God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_confession.htm">The Importance of Confession</a></b><br>Admitting our struggles and failures is the first step toward spiritual growth and transformation.<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_is_the_bible's_view_on_law.htm">What is the Bible's stance on Christians and the law?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_are_believers_'released'_from_the_law.htm">How can Romans 7:1-6 claim that believers are 'released' from the Law when elsewhere Scripture upholds its importance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_romans_7_15-20_align_with_psychology.htm">Romans 7:15-20 suggests an internal struggle against sin--how does this psychological conflict align with scientific understandings of human behavior?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_role_does_satan_play_in_the_bible.htm">What constitutes the works of the law?</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>(16) But the fact that I desire to do what is right is itself a witness to the excellence of the Law, which commands that which I desire.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/7-16.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">And</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιῶ</span> <span class="translit">(poiō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<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">what</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do not desire,</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλω</span> <span class="translit">(thelō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person 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">I admit</span><br /><span class="grk">σύμφημι</span> <span class="translit">(symphēmi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4852.htm">Strong's 4852: </a> </span><span class="str2">To assent to, consent, confess, agree with. From sun and phemi; to say jointly, i.e. Assent to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative 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">Law</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμῳ</span> <span class="translit">(nomō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative 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">[is] good.</span><br /><span class="grk">καλός</span> <span class="translit">(kalos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/7-16.htm">NT Letters: Romans 7:16 But if what I don't desire that (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/7-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 7:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 7:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/7-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 7:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 7:17" /></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>