Romans 7 18

Romans 7:18 kjv

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.

Romans 7:18 nkjv

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

Romans 7:18 niv

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7:18 esv

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.

Romans 7:18 nlt

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't.

Romans 7 verses

Romans 7 18 Meaning

Romans 7:18 is a profound expression of the internal struggle faced by humanity, and particularly by the believer, against the pervasive power of sin. Paul declares his deeply personal conviction that within his inherent human nature (his "flesh"), no moral good resides intrinsically. While he possesses the genuine desire and intention to do what is good and right, he consistently finds himself lacking the ability or power to perfectly execute or fully accomplish that good. This verse highlights the tension between a regenerate will and the persistent, hindering influence of indwelling sin, revealing human inadequacy apart from divine enabling.

Romans 7 18 Context

Romans 7:18 is found within a profound and highly debated section of Paul's letter, Romans 7:14-25. In this chapter, Paul intensely examines the relationship between the Law and sin, particularly how the Law exposes sin and, rather than enabling righteousness, often intensifies the experience of sin's power. Immediately preceding verse 18, Paul describes an internal paradox: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Rom 7:15). He asserts that it is not truly he who acts, but sin dwelling within him (Rom 7:17). Verse 18 then solidifies this understanding by directly addressing the source of this inability – the "flesh."

Historically and culturally, Paul, as a former Pharisee, understood the Jewish expectation of strict adherence to the Mosaic Law as the path to righteousness. However, his experience of conversion to Christ revealed the Law's true purpose: not to save, but to reveal the depth of human sinfulness and to highlight the inability of fallen humanity to perfectly obey God (Rom 3:20). This chapter powerfully deconstructs any notion that mere human will, even with the aid of divine law, can overcome sin's dominion. The passage ultimately leads to the lament of a "wretched man" (Rom 7:24) and points towards the necessity of salvation and empowerment through Jesus Christ, setting the stage for the triumph described in Romans 8. The "I" in this section is widely understood by many scholars as the wrestling of a believer (not merely the unregenerate) with persistent sin, showing that even those with renewed spirits continue to battle the "flesh."

Romans 7 18 Word analysis

• For I know (οἶδα γὰρ - oida gar): "Oida" signifies a deep, experiential, and certain knowledge, not merely intellectual apprehension. Paul is stating a profound, personal conviction and understanding, not just a casual observation. "Gar" provides an explanatory link, introducing the reason or evidence for his previous statements about sin's indwelling power.
• that in me (ἐν ἐμοὶ - en emoi): "En emoi" means "in me" or "within me," indicating an internal sphere. This refers to his personal being, but Paul immediately clarifies and defines this sphere further in the following parenthetical phrase.
• (that is, in my flesh - τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου - tout' estin en tē sarki mou): This parenthetical phrase is crucial for interpreting "in me." "Flesh" (σάρξ - sarx) in Pauline theology is far more than just the physical body. It signifies the entire unredeemed or fallen human nature, the principle of sin, or the human sphere dominated by sin. It denotes humanity apart from the Spirit of God, alienated from divine grace, characterized by weakness, corruption, and an orientation towards self rather than God. It represents the inherited sinful disposition.
• nothing good (οὐδὲν ἀγαθὸν - ouden agathon): "Ouden" is an emphatic negative, meaning "nothing at all," indicating an absolute lack. "Agathon" refers to that which is intrinsically good, morally excellent, pleasing to God, or conducive to divine righteousness. Paul emphasizes that the flesh, in its very essence, cannot originate true, spiritual good.
• dwells (οἰκεῖ - oikei): "Oikei" means "to inhabit," "to reside permanently," or "to dwell." It suggests that sin, or the inclination of the flesh, is not an occasional visitor but an ingrained resident, a settled principle within the human nature, even for those who desire righteousness.
• for to will (τὸ γὰρ θέλειν - to gar thelein): "To thelein" denotes the act of willing, wishing, or desiring. It points to a genuine desire, intention, and aspiration towards good. The presence of this "will" to do good distinguishes the person Paul is describing from someone completely depraved and indifferent to God's standards.
• is present with me (παράκειταί μοι - parakeitai moi): "Parakeitai" means "to lie alongside," "to be at hand," or "to be present/available." It suggests that the desire or intent to do good is readily accessible to him, constantly there.
• but to do what is good is not. (τὸ δὲ κατεργάζεσθαι τὸ καλὸν οὔ. - to de katergazesthai to kalon ou.):
  • To do (κατεργάζεσθαι - katergazesthai): This verb means "to work out," "to perform fully," "to accomplish," or "to carry out to completion." It implies bringing something into effective reality, not just wishing for it.
  • what is good (τὸ καλὸν - to kalon): While similar to "agathon," "kalon" often carries a nuance of something ethically beautiful, noble, honorable, or outwardly commendable. It's good in appearance and essence, the 'fine' or 'excellent' good.
  • is not (οὔ. - ou.): This is an emphatic negative. It highlights an absolute lack of power or ability to consistently and perfectly actualize the desired good. The "ou" starkly contrasts with "parakeitai," demonstrating the chasm between intent and performance.

Romans 7 18 Bonus section

This verse forms part of a critical exposition on the believer's ongoing struggle (or bellum internum) against sin, even with a renewed mind. It’s a counter-polemic against any self-reliance or legalistic assumption that human effort, even with divine Law, can achieve righteousness. The phrase "in my flesh" is not an abdication of personal responsibility but a recognition of the sphere from which sin's influence operates. The distinction between "will" and "doing" underscores that justification is by faith alone, while sanctification is an ongoing process empowered by the Holy Spirit. The recognition that "nothing good dwells" in the flesh forces reliance entirely on Christ, fostering humility and a continuous looking to God for strength and transformation. This honest assessment of human inability and persistent sinful nature is foundational to understanding the New Covenant's promise of new life through the Spirit.

Romans 7 18 Commentary

Romans 7:18 is a raw, honest declaration of the Christian's (and perhaps all humanity's, though primarily read as the believer's) internal paradox: the desire to do good battling an innate inability due to indwelling sin. Paul, despite his regenerate mind and will that delights in God's Law (Rom 7:22), confesses that in his fallen nature, his "flesh," no inherent moral goodness resides to empower him for perfect obedience. He distinguishes between the sincere longing for righteousness ("to will is present") and the actual power to fulfill that longing ("to do what is good is not"). This is not an excuse for sin, but a profound theological insight into the persistence of the sinful nature even after conversion. It illustrates that true goodness and the ability to perform it must come from an external, divine source – specifically, the Holy Spirit. This verse emphasizes human insufficiency and underscores the absolute necessity of God's grace and empowering presence for any genuine, sustained righteousness. It leads inevitably to the conclusion that deliverance from this spiritual paralysis must come through Jesus Christ, setting the stage for the victorious life in the Spirit detailed in Romans 8.