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Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

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For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can&#8217;t.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For I know that there dwells in me nothing good, that is, in my flesh. For to will is present with me, but not to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but <i>how</i> to perform that which is good I find not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but <i>how</i> to perform what is good I do not find.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good <i>is</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good <i>is</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the working out of the good <i>is</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness&#8212;my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/7.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don't do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I know that good does not live in me--that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but I cannot carry it out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot discover how to carry it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do the good, but I cannot do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For the desire is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my lower self, nothing good has its home; for while the will to do right is present with me, the power to carry it out is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don&#8217;t find it doing that which 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 />for I have known that there does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and I do not find to work that which is right,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For I know that there dwells in me nothing good, that is, in my flesh. For to will is present with me, but not to do good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I know that in me dwells no good, (that is, in my flesh:) for to will lies near me; but to work good I find not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I know that there dwelleth not in me, that is to say, in my flesh, that which is good. For to will, is present with me; but to accomplish that which is good, I find not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For I know that what is good does not live within me, that is, within my flesh. For the willingness to do good lies close to me, but the carrying out of that good, I cannot reach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Yet I know that it does not fully dominate me, (that is in my flesh) but as far as good is concerned, the choice is easy for me to make, but to do it, that is difficult.<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 />For I know that good does not dwell within me, ( but this is in my flesh ), for it is easy for me to delight in the good, but I am unable to perform it.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good; for to will is present with me; but to perform that which is good, I find not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my carnal mind, there dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but to do that which is beautiful is not:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that there dwelleth not in me (that is, in my flesh) any good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for I experience, that in the carnal part of me dwells no good: for it is familiar to me, to will, but not to execute that which is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that in me, that is, in my lower self, nothing good has its home; for while the will to do right is present with me, the power to carry it out is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that there dwells not in me, that is, in my flesh, any good; for to wish is present with me: but to do that which is good a not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good: for to will is present with me, but <i>how</i> to perform <i>that which is</i> good, I find not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/7-18.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=1717" 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>&#8230;<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. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><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: Oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I 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/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">nothing</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-NNS) -- A primary word; good.">good</a> <a href="/greek/3611.htm" title="3611: oikei (V-PIA-3S) -- To inhabit, dwell, indwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, i.e. Reside; by implication, to cohabit.">lives</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</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> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tout&#8217; (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">that</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/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#275; (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh;</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</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.">have</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelein (V-PNA) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">desire</a> <a href="/greek/2716.htm" title="2716: katergazesthai (V-PNM/P) -- From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion.">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.">what is</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/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</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/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">I cannot carry it out.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/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="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a></span><br />&#8220;Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.&#8221;<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="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.<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_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="/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="/mark/14-38.htm">Mark 14:38</a></span><br />Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a></span><br />Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.<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="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1-3</a></span><br />And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / 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="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Proverbs 20:9</a></span><br />Who can say, &#8220;I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin&#8221;?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a></span><br />I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a></span><br />I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.</p><p class="hdg">that in me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a></b></br> And GOD saw that the wickedness of man <i>was</i> great in the earth, and <i>that</i> every imagination of the thoughts of his heart <i>was</i> only evil continually.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/8-21.htm">Genesis 8:21</a></b></br> And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart <i>is</i> evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-4.htm">Job 14:4</a></b></br> Who can bring a clean <i>thing</i> out of an unclean? not one.</p><p class="hdg">in my.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Romans 7:5,25</a></b></br> For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3-13</a></b></br> For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Romans 13:14</a></b></br> But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to <i>fulfil</i> the lusts <i>thereof</i>.</p><p class="hdg">for to will.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15,19,25</a></b></br> For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-5.htm">Psalm 119:5,32,40,115-117,173,176</a></b></br> O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a></b></br> For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/27-30.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Dwells</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Find</a> <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Home</a> <a href="/acts/27-30.htm">Lower</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/4-21.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Present</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Self</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/1-15.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Within</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Dwells</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Find</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Home</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">Lower</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Present</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/7-22.htm">Self</a> <a href="/romans/7-25.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Within</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/romans/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>I know that nothing good lives in me</b><br>This phrase reflects the Apostle Paul's deep awareness of human depravity and the sinful nature inherent in humanity. It echoes the biblical teaching found in <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a>, where God observes the wickedness of man. Paul's acknowledgment aligns with the doctrine of original sin, which suggests that sin has tainted every part of human nature. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the need for divine intervention and grace.<p><b>that is, in my flesh;</b><br>Here, "flesh" refers to the sinful nature or the human condition apart from God's influence. In biblical terms, "flesh" often symbolizes human weakness and propensity to sin, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>, where the works of the flesh are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit. This distinction is important in understanding the internal conflict believers face between their sinful nature and their new life in Christ.<p><b>for I have the desire to do what is good,</b><br>Paul expresses the internal struggle between his spiritual desires and his fleshly inclinations. This reflects the universal human experience of knowing what is right but struggling to do it, as seen in the broader context of <a href="/romans/7.htm">Romans 7</a>. This desire to do good is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, as described in <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a>, where God works in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose.<p><b>but I cannot carry it out.</b><br>This admission highlights the limitations of human effort in achieving righteousness. It underscores the necessity of relying on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, as human strength alone is insufficient. This struggle is further elaborated in <a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8</a>, where Paul discusses living according to the Spirit. The inability to carry out good intentions without divine help points to the need for salvation through Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to overcome sin.<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 Roman Christians, sharing his personal struggle with sin and the law.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/roman_christians.htm">Roman Christians</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, living in a diverse and often morally challenging environment, needing guidance on living a Christian life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a></b><br>Refers to the sinful nature inherent in humanity, which Paul describes as being devoid of anything good.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>The Mosaic Law, which Paul discusses extensively in Romans, highlighting its role in revealing sin but not in providing salvation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_inner_conflict.htm">The Inner Conflict</a></b><br>The struggle between the desire to do good and the inability to carry it out, a universal human experience Paul articulates.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_flesh.htm">Understanding the Flesh</a></b><br>Recognize that the "flesh" refers to our sinful nature, which is inherently opposed to God's will. This understanding is crucial for identifying the source of our struggles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_inner_conflict.htm">The Reality of Inner Conflict</a></b><br>Accept that the struggle between the desire to do good and the inability to carry it out is a common experience for all believers. This acknowledgment can lead to greater reliance on God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_the_holy_spirit.htm">Dependence on the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers us to live according to God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a></b><br>Understand that the Law reveals sin but cannot save us. Salvation and the power to live righteously come through Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ.htm">Hope in Christ</a></b><br>Encourage believers to find hope in the fact that, despite our struggles, Christ has overcome sin and offers us victory through His sacrifice and resurrection.<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_the_bible_say_on_desires.htm">How can you eliminate the body's sinful actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'double-tongued'_mean.htm">What does the Bible teach about willpower?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_stop_sinful_body_actions.htm">How can you eliminate the body's sinful actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_temptation_and_sin_differ.htm">How do temptation and sin differ?</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>(18-20) Enthralled it is, and the will is powerless. What I do and what I will are opposite things. It is therefore sin that acts, and not I.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/7-18.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">I know</span><br /><span class="grk">&#927;&#7990;&#948;&#945;</span> <span class="translit">(Oida)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8005;&#964;&#953;</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">nothing</span><br /><span class="grk">&#959;&#8016;&#954;</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#947;&#945;&#952;&#972;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(agathon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lives</span><br /><span class="grk">&#959;&#7984;&#954;&#949;&#8150;</span> <span class="translit">(oikei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inhabit, dwell, indwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, i.e. Reside; by implication, to cohabit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#956;&#959;&#943;</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">that</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#959;&#8166;&#964;&#8217;</span> <span class="translit">(tout&#8217;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7956;&#963;&#964;&#953;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#959;&#965;</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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">flesh;</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#945;&#961;&#954;&#943;</span> <span class="translit">(sarki)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">&#947;&#8048;&#961;</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#959;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(moi)</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">have</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#945;&#961;&#940;&#954;&#949;&#953;&#964;&#945;&#943;</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">the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8056;</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter 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">desire</span><br /><span class="grk">&#952;&#941;&#955;&#949;&#953;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(thelein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<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">&#954;&#945;&#964;&#949;&#961;&#947;&#940;&#950;&#949;&#963;&#952;&#945;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(katergazesthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2716.htm">Strong's 2716: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what is</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8056;</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter 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">good,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#955;&#8056;&#957;</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">but</span><br /><span class="grk">&#948;&#8050;</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">[I] cannot [carry it out].</span><br /><span class="grk">&#959;&#8020;</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/7-18.htm">NT Letters: Romans 7:18 For I know that in me that (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/7-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 7:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 7:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/7-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 7:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 7:19" /></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>

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