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 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/7-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/45_Rom_07_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 7:15 - Struggling with Sin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do." /><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/7-15.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/7-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/7-14.htm" title="Romans 7:14">◄</a> Romans 7:15 <a href="/romans/7-16.htm" title="Romans 7:16">►</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> I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. <a href="/nlt/romans/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. <a href="/esv/romans/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. <a href="/bsb/romans/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. <a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For what I do, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not do; but what I hate, this I do. <a href="/kjv/romans/7.htm">King James Bible</a> For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. <a href="/nkjv/romans/7.htm">New King James Version</a> For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. <a href="/nasb_/romans/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. <a href="/nasb/romans/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. <a href="/nasb77/romans/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. <a href="/lsb/romans/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For what I am working out, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. <a href="/amp/romans/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]. <a href="/csb/romans/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate. <a href="/hcsb/romans/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate. <a href="/asv/romans/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do. <a href="/cev/romans/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> In fact, I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate. <a href="/erv/romans/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do. <a href="/gwt/romans/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I don't realize what I'm doing. I don't do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate. <a href="/gnt/romans/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. <a href="/isv/romans/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> I don't understand what I am doing. For I don't practice what I want to do, but instead do what I hate. <a href="/msb/romans/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. <a href="/net/romans/7.htm">NET Bible</a> For I don't understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want--instead, I do what I hate. <a href="/nheb/romans/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I do not know what I am doing. For I do not practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. <a href="/wbt/romans/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that I do. <a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For what I do, I do not recognize as my own action. What I desire to do is not what I do, but what I am averse to is what I do. <a href="/web/romans/7.htm">World English Bible</a> For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for that which I work, I do not acknowledge; for not what I will, this I practice, but what I hate, this I do. <a href="/blb/romans/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For what I do, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not do; but what I hate, this I do. <a href="/ylt/romans/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for that which I work, I do not acknowledge; for not what I will, this I practise, but what I hate, this I do. <a href="/slt/romans/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For what I work I know not: for what I would not, this I do; but what I hate, this I do.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For that which I work, I understand not. For I do not that good which I will; but the evil which I hate, that I do. <a href="/cpdv/romans/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I do things that I do not understand. For I do not do the good that I want to do. But the evil that I hate is what I do. <a href="/nabre/romans/7.htm">New American Bible</a> What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I do not know what I do: and I do not do the thing which I want, but I do the thing which I hate. That is exactly what I do. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For that which I committed I did not understand, neither was it anything that I chose, but I was doing what I hated.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For what I do, I know not: for that which I wish to do, this I do not; but that which I hate, this I do. <a href="/godbey/romans/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For that which I do, I know not: for I do that which I do not will; but I do that which I hate. <a href="/haweis/romans/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For that which I am doing I approve not: for not the thing which I wish, that do I practise; but the very thing I hate, that I do. <a href="/mace/romans/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> what I do I allow not: for what my mind leads me to, that do I not; but what I have an aversion to, that I do. <a href="/wey/romans/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For what I do, I do not recognize as my own action. What I desire to do is not what I do, but what I am averse to is what I do. <a href="/worrell/romans/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For what I accomplish, I know not; for not what I wish, this do I practice; but what I hate, this I do. <a href="/worsley/romans/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For that which I do, I allow not: for I do not that which I would; but what I hate, this I do. <a href="/parallel/romans/7-15.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=1694" 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> …14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></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/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">I do not understand</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/2716.htm" title="2716: katergazomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion.">I do.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I want to do,</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/4238.htm" title="4238: prassō (V-PIA-1S) -- To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. ">I do not do.</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/3404.htm" title="3404: misō (V-PIA-1S) -- To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.">I hate,</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> 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.…<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="/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="/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/5-16.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_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="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? <a href="/psalms/51-5.htm">Psalm 51:5</a> Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. <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="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7-9</a> 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. <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12</a> Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. <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. <a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a> 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. <a href="/mark/14-38.htm">Mark 14:38</a> Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a> No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a> to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.For that.<a href="/romans/14-22.htm">Romans 14:22</a> Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.<a href="/luke/11-48.htm">Luke 11:48</a> Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.allow.<a href="/psalms/1-6.htm">Psalm 1:6</a> For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.<a href="/nahum/1-7.htm">Nahum 1:7</a> The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.<a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a> Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.what.<a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Romans 7:16,19,20</a> If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good… <a href="/1_kings/8-46.htm">1 Kings 8:46</a> If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;<a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a> Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.what I hate.<a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a> Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.<a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Psalm 36:4</a> He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.<a href="/psalms/97-10.htm">Psalm 97:10</a> Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Action</a> <a href="/romans/4-6.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/acts/27-7.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/micah/2-8.htm">Averse</a> <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/7-8.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/4-10.htm">Not</a> <a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Practicing</a> <a href="/romans/3-8.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/acts/27-39.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/romans/3-3.htm">Want</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-29.htm">Action</a> <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/micah/2-8.htm">Averse</a> <a href="/romans/8-33.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/9-13.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-35.htm">Not</a> <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Practicing</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Want</a> <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Work</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>I do not understand what I do. This phrase reflects the internal conflict and struggle with sin that Paul experiences. It highlights the human condition of being caught between the desire to do good and the reality of sinful actions. This struggle is a common theme in Paul's writings, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and grace. The phrase can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of human fallibility, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> with the fall of man, where Adam and Eve's disobedience introduces sin into the world. It also echoes the sentiments of <a href="/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51</a>, where David acknowledges his sinful nature and pleads for God's mercy.For what I want to do, I do not do. Here, Paul expresses the frustration of knowing the right thing but failing to act on it. This reflects the tension between the law and human nature. The law, as given in the Old Testament, sets a standard of righteousness that humans are unable to meet on their own. This phrase can be linked to the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He raises the standard of the law to a heart level, showing the impossibility of achieving righteousness without Him. It also points to the need for the Holy Spirit's empowerment, as later discussed in <a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8</a>, where Paul describes the Spirit's role in enabling believers to live according to God's will.But what I hate, I do. This part of the verse underscores the power of sin and the human tendency to act against one's own moral convictions. It highlights the concept of the "flesh" in Pauline theology, which represents the sinful nature that opposes the Spirit. This struggle is not unique to Paul but is a universal human experience, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Peter, who denied Christ despite his strong intentions (<a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">Matthew 26:69-75</a>). The phrase also points to the hope of redemption and transformation through Christ, who offers victory over sin and death, as elaborated in <a href="/romans/7-24.htm">Romans 7:24-25</a> and further in <a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8:1-2</a>, where Paul declares freedom from condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the Book of Romans. He is writing to the believers in Rome, addressing the struggle between the sinful nature and the desire to follow God's law. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The city to which Paul is writing. It was a significant center of culture and power in the ancient world, and the church there was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_inner_conflict.htm">The Inner Conflict</a> The event or experience Paul describes, which is the internal struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of doing what is wrong.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_the_sinful_nature.htm">The Reality of the Sinful Nature</a> Paul’s struggle is a universal human experience, highlighting the reality of our sinful nature. We must acknowledge this struggle to seek God’s help effectively. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_self-awareness.htm">The Importance of Self-awareness</a> Understanding our weaknesses is crucial. Like Paul, we must be honest about our struggles to grow spiritually. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god's_grace.htm">Dependence on God’s Grace</a> The struggle Paul describes shows our need for God’s grace. We cannot overcome sin by our strength alone; we need the Holy Spirit’s power. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a> The law reveals our sinfulness but cannot save us. It points us to our need for a Savior, Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_sanctification.htm">Hope in Sanctification</a> Though we struggle, we have hope in the process of sanctification. God is at work in us, transforming us into the image of Christ.<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/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/what_does_the_bible_say_about_arabs.htm">Why do I do what I don't want to?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_i_do_what_i_hate_doing.htm">Why do I do what I hate doing?</a> <a href="/q/can_good_intentions_cause_harm.htm">Do good intentions lead to negative outcomes?</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>(15) That which I do I allow not.--Rather, that which I perform I know not. I act blindly, and without any conscious direction of the will; that higher part of me which should preside over and direct my actions, is kept down by the lower physical nature.Which I do.--St. Paul uses three words for "to do" in this passage, the distinction between which is hard to represent in English. That which is employed here and in <a href="/romans/7-17.htm" title="Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.">Romans 7:17</a>; <a href="/romans/7-20.htm" title="Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.">Romans 7:20</a>, is the strongest, "perform"--deliberate action, thoroughly carried out. The other two words differ, as "do" and "practise," the one referring to single, the other to habitual and repeated actions.What I would.--If my will had free course I should act very differently.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 15-25. - For that which I do (rather, work, or perform, or accomplish, κατεργάζομαι) I know not (rather than I allow not, as in the English Version, this being the proper meaning of the verb γινώσκω. The idea may be that, when under the delusion of sin I do wrong, I do not know what I am accomplishing): for not what I would, that I do (rather, practise; the verb here is πράσσω); but what I hate, that I do (ποιῶ). But if what I would not that I do, I consent unto the Law that it is good (καλός). Now then (νυνὶ δὲ, not in temporal sense, but meaning, as the case is) it is no more I that work (κατεργάζομαι, as before) it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth not good (ἀγαθόν): for to will is present with me; but to perform (κατεργάζεσθθαι) that which is good (τὸ καλὸν) is not (οὐ, rather than οὐχ αὐρίσκω ασ ιν the Textus Receptus, is the best-supported reading). For the good (ἀγαθόν) that I would I do not (οἰ ποιῶ): but the evil which I would not, that I practise (πράσσω). But if what I (ἐγὼ, emphatic) would not, that I do (ποιῶ), it is no longer I (ἐγὼ, again emphatic) that work (κατεργάζομαι) it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then the law, that to me who would do good, evil is present. For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man. But I see a different law in my members (on what is meant by "members" (μέλεσι) see note under Romans 6:13) warring against the law of my mind, and brining me into captivity to (or, according to some readings, by) the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (probably in the same sense as "the body of sin" in <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Romans 6:6</a>; see note thereon. Translate certainly as in the English Version; not this body of death, as if it meant this mortal body) Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. In the note introducing this whole section (vers. 7-25)its general drift has been intimated. The following additional comments may further explain the part of it which begins at ver. 15. (1) The initial γὰρ introduces proof of the ἐγὼ being in the condition spoken of in the preceding clause, viz. "sold under sin." For (the meaning is) am I not a bond-slave, when, as I feel is the case with me, I am not my own master? But, observe, the state that goes on to be described is that of an unwilling bond-slave; not of one who likes his bondage, and has no desire to be free. The conscience is supposed already, through the operation of law, to protest against sin; to hate its thraldom; not willingly to acquiesce in it. (2) The distinction between the verbs ποιῶ, πράσσω κατεργάζομαι, not observed in the English Version, but to which attention has been drawn in the above translation, has its meaning. Attention to the places where they occur will show their appropriateness in each case, denoting severally single acts, habitual practice, and general working, performance, or accomplishment. (3) The English Version is wrong in rendering, in ver. 15, "What I would, that I do not," so as to make the idea the same as that in ver. 19. There are really two different statements in the two verses - the first, of our doing what we wish not to do; the second, of our not doing what we wish to do; and after each the same conclusion is drawn in the same words, viz. that sin is the real worker (κατεργάζομαι being here the word appropriately used). . . . <a href="/commentaries/romans/7-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I do not understand γινώσκω (ginōskō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. what ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. I do. κατεργάζομαι (katergazomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2716.htm">Strong's 2716: </a> From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. what ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. I want [to do], θέλω (thelō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. I do not do. πράσσω (prassō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4238.htm">Strong's 4238: </a> To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. But ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. what ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. I hate, μισῶ (misō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3404.htm">Strong's 3404: </a> To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less. I do. ποιῶ (poiō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">NT Letters: Romans 7:15 For I don't know what (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/7-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 7:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 7:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/7-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 7:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 7:16" /></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>