Devine Scripture

Romans 7:15

What does Romans 7:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 7:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 7:15 means

Paul describes a divided experience: “For that which I do I know not.” He acts against his better judgment, failing to practice what he wills and doing what he hates. This is not moral indifference but moral conflict—a renewed mind that approves God’s will, yet hands and habits that lag behind. The verse reveals not hypocrisy but helplessness in human strength. Even with right knowledge and desire, he lacks the power to carry the good into lasting practice. This honest self-report strips away self-reliance and shows why the law, though good, cannot by itself produce the obedience that agrees with it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I have no clear knowledge of what I am doing, for that which I have a mind to do, I do not, but what I have hate for, that I do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for that which I work, I do not acknowledge; for not what I will, this I practise, but what I hate, this I do.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For that which I do, I do not own: for not what I will, this I do; but what I hate, this I practise.

Context

With verse 14’s contrast stated, verse 15 begins detailing the inner warfare by describing the mismatch between will and action. This pattern will be repeated to make the point inescapable (verses 16–20). The argument is cumulative: agreement with the law’s goodness does not translate into performance because another force operates within. After establishing this frustration, Paul will name indwelling sin as the culprit and eventually cry out for deliverance (verses 24–25).

v.14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

v.15This passage

v.16But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20

    Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

  • Psalms 97:10

    O ye that love Jehovah, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of his saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Hebrews 1:9

    Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  • Galatians 5:17

    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.

  • Psalms 119:32

    I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. ה HE.

  • 1 Kings 8:46

    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 captive unto the land of the enemy, far off or near;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 7

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 7.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Romans 7:15.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary