Romans 7:19
What does Romans 7:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 7:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 7:19 means
Paul restates the experience to emphasize its stubbornness: “For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise.” This is not a passing inconsistency; it is a pattern. His will leans toward the good, but his practice, under sin’s influence, veers toward evil. The repetition guards us from minimizing the problem or imagining that clearer teaching alone will fix it. It also protects the tender conscience from despair by showing even an apostle knew this battle. The verse urges honesty before God: without His enabling, our good intentions cannot secure the obedience His law rightly requires.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the good which I have a mind to do, I do not: but the evil which I have no mind to do, that I do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the good that I will, I do not; but the evil that I do not will, this I practise.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the good which I will, I do not: but the evil which I will not, that I do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I do not practise the good that I will; but the evil I do not will, that I do.
Context
Verse 19 reinforces the teaching of verse 18 by repeating the mismatch between willing and doing. This prepares for verse 20’s inference that such actions reflect the work of indwelling sin. The steady rhythm of these verses is purposeful, leading to the statement of a governing principle in verse 21 and then to the depiction of an inner delight in God’s law alongside a bodily war (verses 22–23). The mounting tension pushes the reader toward the desperate question and grateful answer in verses 24–25.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 7:15
For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.
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