Devine Scripture

Romans 7:16

What does Romans 7:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 7:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 7:16 means

“But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.” The very fact that he disapproves of his own actions shows his heart’s agreement with God’s standard. His conscience is not at war with the law; it stands with it. This acknowledgment is important: the law’s goodness is affirmed from within the struggler’s own experience. He is not trying to adjust the law to fit his behavior. Rather, he judges his behavior by the law and finds it wanting. Such consent is the mark of a renewed inner man, even when outward obedience falters.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But, if I do that which I have no mind to do, I am in agreement with the law that the law is good.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that <FI>it is<Fi> good,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If then I do that which I will not, I consent to the law, that it is good.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if what I do not will, this I practise, I consent to the law that [it is] right.

Context

Verse 16 draws an inference from the struggle of verse 15: inner agreement with the law’s goodness. This is part of Paul’s larger argument that the law is not the problem; indwelling sin is. Verse 17 will take the next step, distinguishing between the true “I” that agrees with the law and the sin that operates within, without excusing responsibility. The flow continues building toward the recognition of a rival power, climaxing in the anguished plea of verses 24–25.

v.15For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.

v.16This passage

v.17So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Timothy 1:8

    But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully,

  • Psalms 119:127

    Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold.

  • Romans 7:14

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

  • Romans 7:22

    For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

  • Romans 7:12

    So that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.

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