Romans 7 17

Romans 7:17 kjv

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Romans 7:17 nkjv

But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Romans 7:17 niv

As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

Romans 7:17 esv

So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Romans 7:17 nlt

So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

Romans 7 verses

Romans 7 17 Meaning

Romans 7:17 explains the believer's internal struggle: the "I" (the regenerate mind, will, or spiritual person) no longer truly desires or assents to commit sin, but rather it is the indwelling "sin" (the power or principle of sin that remains in the flesh, or fallen nature) that acts within. This highlights a critical distinction between the Christian's renewed identity and the persistent presence of the old sin nature, revealing that even though a believer may commit sinful acts, the act is not an expression of their deepest, renewed desire in Christ.

Romans 7 17 Context

Romans chapter 7 profoundly explores the Law's role, sin's power, and the internal struggle faced by humanity, specifically in its relationship with God's perfect Law. Prior to verse 17, Paul establishes that the Law is good and holy (Rom 7:12), but it is through the Law that sin's exceeding sinfulness is revealed (Rom 7:13). The immediate context of verses 14-16 details a profound inner conflict where the "I" desires to do good, approves of the Law, but finds itself doing the evil it does not wish to do. This internal dissonance sets the stage for verse 17, which offers an explanation for this phenomenon: the actions are not fully reflective of the renewed will of the "I" but stem from the persistent presence of sin. This section (7:14-25) is widely understood as describing the ongoing battle within a believer, struggling with the vestiges of the fallen nature even after being united with Christ. Historically, it combats notions that salvation completely eradicates the presence of sin's principle in life, or that mere knowledge of the Law guarantees obedience. It leads into Romans 8, where the solution to this struggle is found in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 7 17 Word analysis

<ul><li><strong>So then</strong> (Ἄρα οὖν - Ara oun): This Greek conjunction signals a conclusion or a summary derived from the preceding statements, particularly verses 14-16, where Paul described his bewilderment and lack of control over his actions.</li><li><strong>it is no longer</strong> (οὐκέτι - ouketi): This adverb emphasizes cessation or discontinuance. It suggests a qualitative change has occurred, distinguishing the present state from a former one. It is not an absolute denial of participation but a re-identification of the primary actor.</li><li><strong>I myself</strong> (ἐγὼ - egō): This is the emphatic first-person singular pronoun. In this context, it refers to the inner, conscious, and volitional self, especially the part of the believer that has been made new in Christ and delights in God's Law. It represents the regenerated mind or true spiritual identity.</li><li><strong>who do it</strong> (κατεργάζομαι - katergazomai): To work out, accomplish, perform. It implies bringing something about, executing a deed. The negative here means the renewed "I" is not the ultimate or willing agent of sinful acts.</li><li><strong>but</strong> (ἀλλὰ - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast or a correction to the previous statement, presenting the true actor.</li><li><strong>it is sin</strong> (ἡ ἁμαρτία - hē hamartia): "Sin" is not just an act, but here often viewed as a dynamic, indwelling force, a hostile power or principle. Paul frequently personifies "sin" in Romans 6 and 7 as a master, a ruler, or an entity capable of action.</li><li><strong>living in me</strong> (ἐνοικοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ - enoikousa en emoi): The verb enoikeō means "to dwell in," "to inhabit." The present participle "living" emphasizes its continuous and persistent presence. It's an internal adversary, not just an external temptation.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>"it is no longer I myself... but it is sin living in me"</strong>: This phrase is the core antithesis of the verse. It describes the conflict between the new creation and the residual sinful nature within the believer. The "I" (the regenerate part, the spiritual will) does not endorse the sinful action, even as it is committed. The culpability for the unwanted actions is assigned to an alien force, the indwelling principle of sin. This does not excuse personal responsibility, but clarifies the inner dynamic: the regenerated spirit opposes the sinful inclinations of the flesh, even when occasionally overwhelmed by them. It highlights that the believer's core identity in Christ is not in alignment with sin, but sin's power can still manifest itself due to its dwelling within.</li></ul>

Romans 7 17 Bonus section

The strong language "it is no longer I myself who do it" is a critical aspect often misunderstood. It is not a declaration of freedom from personal accountability or an excuse for sin. Instead, it’s a theological statement of the believer's re-aligned identity in Christ. While a Christian does still sin (1 Jn 1:8), the governing principle of their new life is not sin, but Christ. The acts of sin do not originate from their true, regenerated "I" which delights in God's Law (Rom 7:22), but from the remnants of the fallen nature (the principle of "sin living in me") which wars against the spirit (Gal 5:17). This perspective affirms the reality of an inner transformation, while honestly acknowledging the continuing struggle within the temporal existence of this life. The goal of this profound confession is not self-exculpation, but rather a profound appreciation for Christ's victory over sin and the indwelling Spirit's power to overcome its remaining influence, moving towards the eschatological hope of full freedom from sin's presence.

Romans 7 17 Commentary

Romans 7:17 concisely distills Paul's profound and paradoxical experience of the Law, sin, and self. It functions as an explanation for the disjunction described in prior verses where he observes himself doing the very evil he abhors. Paul argues that the essential self, the part regenerated by God and desiring His will ("I myself"), is no longer the true author or willing participant in sinful actions. Instead, he attributes such actions to "sin living in me"—a potent, indwelling principle or power that maintains a foothold within his mortal body (referred to as "flesh" elsewhere in the chapter). This perspective recognizes the persistent reality of the sin nature even after conversion, distinct from the new spiritual identity in Christ. It doesn't absolve the believer of responsibility but redefines the primary allegiance and nature of the core self. This ongoing internal warfare against "sin living in me" underscores the continual need for divine grace and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit (as addressed in Romans 8) for progressive sanctification and ultimate liberation. For example, when a Christian yields to impatience despite a desire for kindness, Romans 7:17 suggests that their deepest, renewed desire is not impatience; rather, it is the remnant of indwelling sin that briefly asserted its power. This understanding should drive believers to lean more on the Spirit, not to excuse sin, but to understand its nature and source in the daily battle for holiness.