Romans 7 14

Romans 7:14 kjv

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Romans 7:14 nkjv

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Romans 7:14 niv

We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

Romans 7:14 esv

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.

Romans 7:14 nlt

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.

Romans 7 verses

Romans 7 14 Meaning

The Apostle Paul asserts that the Law itself is inherently spiritual, reflecting God's divine nature and intent. However, he contrasts this with his own fallen human condition, where he finds himself sold under sin. This state of bondage prevents him from aligning his actions with the spiritual nature of the Law, leading to his distress and lack of fulfillment.

Romans 7 14 Context

In Romans chapter 7, Paul is exploring the profound implications of the Law of Moses for human sinfulness and righteousness. He uses a hypothetical scenario, identifying himself with those under the Law, to illustrate a universal struggle. The preceding verses discuss how the Law exposes sin, but an individual's sinful nature prevents them from perfectly obeying it. This verse marks a critical point in his argument, highlighting the spiritual nature of the Law versus the carnal reality of the speaker's condition. The broader context of Romans leads into chapter 8, where Paul will present the solution: life in the Spirit through Christ.

Romans 7 14 Word Analysis

• Ἐγὼ (Egō): "I" - Emphasizes personal experience and testimony. Paul speaks from his own intense internal struggle.
• δὲ (de): "but," "however" - A conjunctive particle indicating contrast. It links the description of the Law to Paul's personal inability.
• σάρκινος (sarkinos): "fleshly," "of flesh," "carnal" - Describes that which is related to the physical body and its appetites, or the unredeemed human nature, influenced by sin. Contrasts with "spiritual" (pneumatikos).
• εἰμι (eimi): "I am" - States existence or identity.
• πεπραμένος (pepramenos): "sold" (perfect passive participle of πείραμαι, peirōmai, or more likely of πιπράσκω, piprasko) - Signifies being delivered up to, subjected to, or in bondage to something. It implies a state of servitude resulting from a past transaction. The perfect tense indicates a continuing condition.
• ὑπὸ (hypo): "under," "by" - A preposition indicating subjection or agency. Here it denotes subjection "under" sin.
• τὴν ἁμαρτίαν (tēn hamartian): "sin" (accusative singular) - The concrete reality of sin as an opposing force and a state of being. It refers to sin as a master or an authority.

Word Group Analysis:

• "ἐγὼ σάρκινος εἰμι" (egō sarkinos eimi): "I am fleshly/carnal" - This statement starkly presents Paul's identification with the limitations of human nature, tainted by sin.
• "πεπραμένος ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν" (pepramenos hypo tēn hamartian): "sold under sin" - This powerful metaphor conveys an utter loss of freedom and complete subjection to the power of sin. It's not just about sinning occasionally, but about sin's absolute dominion. This reflects the idea of being a slave.

Romans 7 14 Bonus Section

The phrase "sold under sin" powerfully encapsulates the reality of original sin and its pervasive influence on human will and action. It signifies that humanity, due to the fall, has transferred its allegiance from God to sin. The active choice of Adam and Eve resulted in a bondage passed down through generations. This spiritual enslavement means that the unregenerated person's will, though appearing free, is inherently biased and enslaved towards sin, unable to choose or do good in God's sight as a genuine act of love and obedience apart from divine intervention. The perfect passive participle emphasizes a past definitive act of enslavement that has ongoing consequences and effects on the present state of being.

Romans 7 14 Commentary

Paul unequivocally states that he (and by extension, humanity in its natural state) is "fleshly." This means he operates from a disposition rooted in his unredeemed human nature, which is prone to sin. The profound and devastating state he describes is being "sold under sin." This imagery depicts a complete surrender of will and agency, like a slave bought by a master. Sin has taken over as the controlling force. Even though he knows the Law is "spiritual" and "good," his carnal condition renders him incapable of perfect obedience. He is enslaved by sin's power, preventing him from fulfilling the Law's righteous demands. This is a poignant expression of the inability of the Law alone to deliver from sin; it can reveal the problem but not provide the power to overcome it. The condition of being "sold under sin" is a state of complete bondage from which one cannot liberate themselves.

Practical Application: This verse helps believers understand the persistent internal conflict between their new identity in Christ and the lingering power of the sinful nature. It highlights the need for continuous reliance on the Holy Spirit and the finished work of Christ for true liberation and obedience, rather than trying to achieve righteousness solely through self-effort or adherence to the Law.