Devine Scripture

Romans 7:17

What does Romans 7:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 7:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 7:17 means

“So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.” Paul distinguishes the renewed self, which consents to the law, from the indwelling principle of sin. He is not denying responsibility or claiming innocence; he is identifying the source of ongoing failure. The enemy is within—habitual corruption residing in his flesh. This helps explain how a person can sincerely will the good and still repeatedly falter. The statement highlights the need for a power greater than self-determination. Only by confronting sin as an indwelling tyrant can one understand why mere knowledge and resolve are insufficient.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So it is no longer I who do it, but the sin living in me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and now it is no longer I that work it, but the sin dwelling in me,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now then [it is] no longer I [that] do it, but the sin that dwells in me.

Context

Verse 17 follows the acknowledgment of the law’s goodness (verse 16) by identifying the internal antagonist: indwelling sin. This deepens the analysis of the conflict described in verses 15–16. Verses 18–20 will restate the incapacity of the flesh and the recurring pattern of willing the good but doing the opposite, reinforcing that the problem lies in what inhabits the self, not in the law. The repetition drives the reader toward the need for deliverance that will be voiced in verses 24–25.

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

v.17This passage

v.18For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.

Cross references

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

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

  • Philippians 3:8

    Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

  • Romans 7:23

    but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12

    For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

  • Romans 7:18

    For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.

  • Romans 7:20

    But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.

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