Romans 7:20
What does Romans 7:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 7:20 means
Again Paul draws a conclusion: if he does what he does not will, “it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.” The consistent contradiction between desire and deed reveals a power within competing with his renewed mind. This is not a plea of innocence, but an explanation of divided agency—his true self aligned with God’s law, and indwelling sin pulling the other way. Recognizing sin as an internal lawbreaker prepares the heart to seek help beyond self-effort. Naming the problem accurately is a step toward the cure that cannot arise from the same powerless flesh.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if I do what I have no mind to do, it is no longer I who do it, but the sin living in me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And if what I do not will, this I do, it is no longer I that work it, but the sin that is dwelling in me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now if I do that which I will not, it is no more I that do it: but sin that dwelleth in me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if what I do not will, this I practise, [it is] no longer I [that] do it, but the sin that dwells in me.
Context
Verse 20 echoes verse 17, bracketing the section that described repeated failure (verses 18–19). With the diagnosis firm—indwelling sin—Paul is ready in verses 21–23 to speak of a “law” or principle he finds: evil present when he would do good. That analysis will crest in verse 24’s anguished appeal for deliverance and verse 25’s thanksgiving to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, which points to the only sufficient answer.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 7:17
So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.
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