Romans 7:18
What does Romans 7:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 7:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 7:18 means
Paul admits a stark reality: “in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” He clarifies the sphere—his flesh, the fallen human nature. He can will what is good—“to will is present with me”—but he cannot carry it out consistently—“to do that which is good is not.” The verse underscores the incapacity of unaided human nature to perform what it approves. Desire alone cannot overcome indwelling sin. This is humbling but hopeful: the will for good suggests a renewed heart, yet the lack of power points away from self-reliance and toward the grace that supplies what the flesh cannot.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I am conscious that in me, that is, in my flesh, there is nothing good: I have the mind but not the power to do what is right.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I know that there dwelleth not in me, that is to say, in my flesh, that which is good. For to will is present with me: but to accomplish that which is good, I find not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, good does not dwell: for to will is there with me, but to do right [I find] not.
Context
Continuing the analysis from verses 16–17, verse 18 distinguishes willing from doing and locates the failure in the flesh. Verses 19–20 will repeat the pattern of frustrated obedience to emphasize the point. By bringing the reader to feel the impasse, Paul prepares for the next section (verses 21–23), where he articulates the principle at work and the warring laws, and then for the climactic cry for deliverance and thanksgiving in verses 24–25.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 4:2
that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
- Genesis 8:21
And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.
- Psalms 119:32
I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. ה HE.
- Psalms 119:176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.
- Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
- Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About The Law
A collection of Bible verses exploring the nature, purpose, and fulfillment of God’s law, both in the Old and New Testaments.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.