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<!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 7:14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/7-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/45_Rom_07_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 7:14 - Struggling with Sin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin." /><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/7-14.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/7-14.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 14</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="/ad14.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/7-13.htm" title="Romans 7:13">◄</a> Romans 7:14 <a href="/romans/7-15.htm" title="Romans 7:15">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/romans/7.htm">New International Version</a> We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/nlt/romans/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. <a href="/esv/romans/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. <a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold under sin. <a href="/kjv/romans/7.htm">King James Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/nkjv/romans/7.htm">New King James Version</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/nasb_/romans/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold into bondage to sin. <a href="/nasb/romans/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. <a href="/nasb77/romans/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. <a href="/lsb/romans/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold into bondage under sin. <a href="/amp/romans/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> We know that the Law is spiritual, but I am a creature of the flesh [worldly, self-reliant—carnal and unspiritual], sold into slavery to sin [and serving under its control]. <a href="/csb/romans/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold as a slave under sin. <a href="/hcsb/romans/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am made out of flesh, sold into sin&#8217s power. <a href="/asv/romans/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/cev/romans/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We know that the Law is spiritual. But I am merely a human, and I have been sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/erv/romans/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/gwt/romans/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I know that God's standards are spiritual, but I have a corrupt nature, sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/gnt/romans/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/isv/romans/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am merely human, sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/msb/romans/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. <a href="/net/romans/7.htm">NET Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual--but I am unspiritual, sold into slavery to sin. <a href="/nheb/romans/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin. <a href="/wbt/romans/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For we know that the Law is a spiritual thing; but I am unspiritual--the slave, bought and sold, of sin. <a href="/web/romans/7.htm">World English Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For we have known that the Law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by sin; <a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold under sin. <a href="/ylt/romans/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for we have known that the law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by the sin; <a href="/slt/romans/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: and I am fleshly, sold under sin.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/cpdv/romans/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For we know that the law is spiritual. But I am carnal, having been sold under sin. <a href="/nabre/romans/7.htm">New American Bible</a> We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into slavery to sin. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am of the flesh enslaved to sin. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For we know that The Written Law is spiritual but I am carnal and I am sold to sin.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into bondage to sin. <a href="/godbey/romans/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, having been sold under sin. <a href="/haweis/romans/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, sold under sin. <a href="/mace/romans/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold a slave to sin. <a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For we know that the Law is a spiritual thing; but I am unspiritual--the slave, bought and sold, of sin. <a href="/worrell/romans/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/worsley/romans/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. <a href="/parallel/romans/7-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=1686" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Struggling with Sin</a> 13Did 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<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: Oidamen (V-RIA-1P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">We know</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: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomos (N-NMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4152.htm" title="4152: pneumatikos (Adj-NMS) -- Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.">spiritual;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/4560.htm" title="4560: sarkinos (Adj-NMS) -- Fleshly, consisting of flesh, carnal. From sarx; similar to flesh, i.e. soft.">unspiritual,</a> <a href="/greek/4097.htm" title="4097: pepramenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.">sold as a slave</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sin.</a> 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-3</a> Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. / I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, / for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? <a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1</a> What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8</a> If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a> Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a> “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” <a href="/galatians/5-24.htm">Galatians 5:24</a> Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-4</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.the law.<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.<a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.<a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Psalm 51:6</a> Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.but.<a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18,22,23</a> For 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… <a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a> Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.<a href="/psalms/119-25.htm">Psalm 119:25</a> DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.carnal.<a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Matthew 16:23</a> But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-3</a> And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ… sold.<a href="/romans/7-24.htm">Romans 7:24</a> O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?<a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Genesis 37:27,36</a> Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content… <a href="/genesis/40-15.htm">Genesis 40:15</a> For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/acts/22-28.htm">Bought</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-36.htm">Carnal</a> <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">Fleshly</a> <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/jude/1-19.htm">Unspiritual</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-20.htm">Bought</a> <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Carnal</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Fleshly</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/romans/7-25.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-25.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">Unspiritual</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 7</div>1. <a href="/romans/7-1.htm">No law has power over a man longer than he lives.</a> 4. <a href="/romans/7-4.htm">But we are dead to the law.</a> 7. <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Yet is not the law sin;</a> 12. <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">but holy, just and good;</a> 16. <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>We know that the law is spiritual; The acknowledgment that the law is spiritual highlights its divine origin and purpose. The law, given by God, reflects His holy and perfect nature. It is not merely a set of rules but a guide to understanding God's will and character. In the context of Romans, Paul often contrasts the law with the flesh, emphasizing that the law is meant to lead us to spiritual truths. This aligns with <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a>, which states, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul." The spiritual nature of the law points to its role in revealing sin and guiding believers toward righteousness.but I am unspiritual, Paul's admission of being unspiritual, or "of the flesh," underscores the human condition post-Fall. This reflects the struggle between the spiritual aspirations of the law and the earthly, sinful nature of humanity. In <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a>, Paul describes the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, indicating that this struggle is a common experience for believers. The term "unspiritual" suggests a state of being influenced by worldly desires, contrasting with the spiritual nature of the law.sold as a slave to sin. This phrase captures the depth of human bondage to sin, a theme prevalent throughout Paul's writings. The imagery of being "sold" suggests a transaction or condition beyond one's control, reminiscent of the slavery in ancient Rome, where individuals could be bought and sold. This metaphor highlights the power and control sin exerts over individuals, echoing Jesus' words in <a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34</a>, "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin." The concept of slavery to sin underscores the need for redemption and deliverance, which Paul later explains is available through Jesus Christ. This ties into the broader biblical narrative of liberation from bondage, as seen in the Exodus story, and points to Christ as the ultimate Redeemer.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Roman Christians, explaining the struggle between the spiritual law and the sinful nature. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law, which is spiritual and holy, given by God to guide His people. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sin.htm">Sin</a> A powerful force that enslaves humanity, causing a struggle between the desire to follow God's law and the sinful nature. 4. <a href="/topical/r/roman_christians.htm">Roman Christians</a> The original audience of the letter, who were living in a diverse and often morally challenging environment. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the Holy Spirit is implied as the source of spiritual strength to overcome sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_spiritual_nature_of_the_law.htm">Understanding the Spiritual Nature of the Law</a> The Law is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of God's holy and spiritual nature. <a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_our_sinful_nature.htm">Acknowledging Our Sinful Nature</a> Recognize that, like Paul, we are inherently unspiritual and in need of God's grace to overcome sin. <a href="/topical/t/the_struggle_within.htm">The Struggle Within</a> The Christian life involves a constant battle between our sinful nature and the desire to live according to the Spirit. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_the_holy_spirit.htm">Dependence on the Holy Spirit</a> Victory over sin is not achieved through human effort but through reliance on the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ.htm">Hope in Christ</a> Despite the struggle, there is hope and assurance in Christ, who provides the power to overcome sin.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 7</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_carnal_christian.htm">What defines a carnal Christian?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_i_do_what_i_don't_want_to.htm">Why do I do what I don't want to?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_paul_'worst_sinner'_yet_righteous.htm">How does Paul calling himself “the worst of sinners” in 1 Timothy 1:15 align with the idea that Christians are transformed and made righteous?</a> <a href="/q/why_sin_nature_without_eating_fruit.htm">Why do I have a sin nature without eating the fruit?</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>(14-25) Further and detailed proof why it was that though the Law appealed to all that was best in man, still he could not obey it.(14) For we know.--There is no need to argue the question. We Christians all know that the Law is spiritual. It is divinely given and inspired. On the other hand, man, though capable of communion with God, is dominated by that part of his nature which is the direct opposite of divine, and is entirely earthly and sensual. This sensual part of his nature is the slave--and just as much the slave as if he had been sold in the auction mart--of Sin. (Comp. <a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm" title="And Ahab said to Elijah, Have you found me, O my enemy? And he answered, I have found you: because you have sold yourself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.">1Kings 21:20</a>; <a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm" title="But there was none like to Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.">1Kings 21:25</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - For we know (we are all already aware of this; we recognize it as a principle; we can surely have no doubt of it; cf <a href="/romans/2-2.htm">Romans 2:2</a>; <a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10</a>) that the Law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. The statement of ver. 12 is here in effect repeated as being one that cannot be gainsaid with respect to the Law, but with use now of the epithet πνευματικός; and this in opposition to myself being σαρκινός. The new word, πνευματικός, is obviously meant to express a further idea with respect to law, suitable to the line of thought now about to be pursued. Without lingering to mention varying suggestions of various commentators as to the sense in which the Law is here called spiritual, we may offer the following considerations in elucidation. Πνεῦμα and σάρξ are, as is well known, constantly contrasted in the New Testament. The former sometimes denotes the "Holy Spirit of God," and sometimes that highest part in ourselves which is in touch with the Divine Spirit. Σάρξ, though it may, in accordance with its original meaning, sometimes denote our mere bodily organization, is usually used to express our whole present human constitution, mental as well as bodily, considered as apart from the πνεῦμα. When St. Paul in one place distinguishes the constituent elements of human nature, he speaks of πνεῦμα ψυχὴ, and σῶμα (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:23</a>). There ψυχὴ seems to denote the animal life or soul animating the σῶμα for the purposes of mere human life, but distinguished from the πνεῦμα, which associates him with the Divine life. Usually, however, πνεῦμα and σάρξ alone are spoken of; so that the term σάρξ seems to include the ψυχὴ, expressing our whole weak human nature now, apart from the πνεῦμα, which connects us with God (see <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a>, etc.). That in this and other passages σάρξ does not mean our mere bodily organization only, is further evident from sins not due to mere bodily lusts - such as want of affection, hatred, envy, pride - being called "works of the flesh" (cf. <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-22</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a>). What, then, is meant by the adjective πνευματικός? Applied to man, it is, in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-2.htm">1 Corinthians 3:2, 3</a>, opposed to σαρκικὸς (or σαρκινὸς), and in <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>, to ψυχικὸς (cf. <a href="/jude/1-19.htm">Jude 1:19</a>); the latter word apparently meaning one in whom the ψυχὴ (as above understood), and not the πνεῦμα, dominates. Further, St. Paul (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-44.htm">1 Corinthians 15:44</a>) speaks of a σῶμα ψυχικὸν and a πνευματικὸν, meaning by the former a tenement fitted for and adequate to the mere psychic life, and by the latter a new organism adapted for the higher life of the spirit, such as we hope to have hereafter; and in the same passage he uses the neuters, τὸ ψυχικὸν and τὸ πνευματικὸν, with reference to "the first Adam," who was made, or became (ἐγένετο) εἰς ψυχὴν ζῶσαν, and "the last Adam," who was made εἰς πνεῦμα ζωοποιοῦν. Thus πμεῦμα, generally, denotes the Divine, which man apprehends and aspires to, nay, in which he has himself a part in virtue of the original breathing into him of the breath of life (πνοὴν ζωῆς) directly from God (<a href="/genesis/3-7.htm">Genesis 3:7</a>), whereby he became a living soul (ἐγένετο εἰς ψυχὴν) for the purposes of his mundane life (itself above that of the brutes), but retained also a share of the Divine πνεῦμα connecting him with God,and capable of being quickened so as to be the dominant principle of his being through contact with the πνεῦμα ζωοποιοῦν. It would seem that the Law is here called πνευματικὸς, as belonging to the Divine sphere of things, and expressive of the Divine order. "The Law, both the moral law in the bosom of man, and the expression of that law in the Decalogue, is, as Augustine profoundly expresses it, a revelation of the higher order of things founded in the being of God. It is hence a πνευματικόν (Tholuck). But man (tἐγὼ δὲ), though still able to admire, nay, to delight in and aspire to, this higher order, cannot yet conform himself to it because of the σάρξ, infected with sin, which at present enthrals him: Ἐγὼ δὲ σαρκινὸς πεπραμένος ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν. Thus is fitly introduced the analysis of human consciousness with reference to law which follows. The word σαρκινὸς (which, rather than σαρκικὸς, is the best-supported reading) may be used to express merely our present constitution Ñ our being of flesh - so as to account for our inability, rather than our being fleshly, or carnally minded, as σαρκικὸς would imply. In two other passages (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1</a> and <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Hebrews 7:16</a>) authority is also in favour of σαρκινὸς instead of σαρκικὸς as in the Textus Receptus. Tholuck, however, doubts whether there was, in common usage, a distinction between the meaning of the two forms. The word πεπραμένος ισ significant. It denotes, not our having been originally slaves (vernae), but our having been sold into slavery (capri). Slavery to sin is not the rightful condition of our nature. We are as the Israelites in Egypt, or as the captives in Babylon who remembered Zion. Hence the possibility of deliverance, if we feel the burden of our slavery and long to be free, when the Deliverer comes. <a href="/commentaries/romans/7-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>We know Οἴδαμεν (Oidamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [the] Law νόμος (nomos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. spiritual; πνευματικός (pneumatikos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4152.htm">Strong's 4152: </a> Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. unspiritual, σάρκινός (sarkinos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4560.htm">Strong's 4560: </a> Fleshly, consisting of flesh, carnal. From sarx; similar to flesh, i.e. soft. sold as a slave πεπραμένος (pepramenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4097.htm">Strong's 4097: </a> A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery. to ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). sin. ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">NT Letters: Romans 7:14 For we know that the law (Rom. 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