Devine Scripture

Romans 7:21

What does Romans 7:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 7:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 7:21 means

Paul summarizes his findings: “I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.” Here “law” means a principle at work, not the Mosaic law. Whenever he aims at the good, a contrary force shows up, resisting and enticing. This predictable pattern strips away naivety about moral effort. The battleground is not only external temptations but an internal presence of evil. Knowing this keeps the believer watchful and dependent. It also explains why sincere resolutions alone fail; the opposition is organized and constant within, requiring a greater, ongoing power to overcome it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So I see a law that, though I have a mind to do good, evil is present in me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I find, then, the law, that when I desire to do what is right, with me the evil is present,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I find then a law, that when I have a will to do good, evil is present with me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I find then the law upon me who will to practise what is right, that with me evil is there.

Context

Verse 21 gathers the repeated experiences of verses 15–20 into a principle. Verses 22–23 will further define the opposing sides: an inward delight in God’s law and a different law in his members warring against the law of his mind. This deepens the sense of conflict and captivity. The narrative momentum is toward an honest cry for rescue (verse 24), which then finds its answer not in technique, but in a Person—Jesus Christ our Lord (verse 25).

v.20But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.

v.21This passage

v.22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 2:19

    promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he also brought into bondage.

  • John 8:34

    Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin.

  • Psalms 40:12

    For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me.

  • Romans 6:14

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

  • Isaiah 6:5

    Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts.

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