Romans 7:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For 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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For I know that there is nothing good housed inside me — that is, inside my old nature. I can want what is good, but I can’t do it!

Berean Standard Bible:

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

American Standard Version:

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} I know^{G1492} that^{G3754} in^{G1722} me^{G1698}(that is^{G5123}, in^{G1722} my^{G3450} flesh^{G4561},) dwelleth^{G3611} no^{G3756} good thing^{G18}: for^{G1063} to will^{G2309} is present^{G3873} with me^{G3427}; but^{G1161} how to perform^{G2716} that which is good^{G2570} I find^{G2147} not^{G3756}.

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Commentary for Romans 7:18

Romans 7:18 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christian community in Rome, written around AD 57. This verse is situated within a larger passage where Paul discusses the struggle between the desire to do good and the propensity to sin. In the historical context, Paul is addressing the internal conflict experienced by those who seek to live righteously under the new covenant established by Jesus Christ, while still being confronted with their own sinful nature.

The theme of Romans 7:18 centers on the human inability to achieve goodness purely through one's own efforts. Paul acknowledges that while he has the intention ("to will") to do good, he finds himself incapable of carrying it out ("but [how] to perform that which is good I find not"). This verse reflects the apostle's deep understanding of the ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh—a common theme in his writings. The "flesh" here represents the human inclination towards sin and moral weakness, which Paul suggests is an inherent part of our earthly existence.

Paul's assertion that "in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" underscores the totality of human depravity apart from the grace of God. It is a candid admission of personal moral struggle and a recognition that true goodness and righteousness cannot originate from one's own sinful nature, but rather come from reliance on God's strength and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This realization leads to a profound sense of dependence on divine aid for sanctification and the pursuit of a life that is pleasing to God.

In summary, Romans 7:18 encapsulates the Christian belief in the insufficiency of human effort to achieve moral perfection and the need for divine intervention through Christ. It speaks to the inner turmoil of believers who, despite their best intentions, fall short of God's standards and must rely on His grace for salvation and moral progress. This verse has been a source of comfort and encouragement for Christians throughout history, reminding them of their need for continual reliance on God in their spiritual journey.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1492
   There are 626 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἴδω
   Transliteration: eídō
   Pronunciation: i'-do
   Description: a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent ὀπτάνομαι and ὁράω; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3754
   There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅτι
   Transliteration: hóti
   Pronunciation: hot'-ee
   Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1698
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐμοί
   Transliteration: emoí
   Pronunciation: em-oy'
   Description: a prolonged form of μοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.
   
6. Strong's Number: G5123
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τουτέστι
   Transliteration: toutésti
   Pronunciation: toot-es'-tee
   Description: contraction for τοῦτο and ἐστί; that is:--that is (to say).
   
7. Strong's Number: G3450
   There are 471 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μοῦ
   Transliteration: moû
   Pronunciation: moo
   Description: the simpler form of ἐμοῦ; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4561
   There are 130 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σάρξ
   Transliteration: sárx
   Pronunciation: sarx
   Description: probably from the base of σαρόω; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such):--carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
   
9. Strong's Number: G3611
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οἰκέω
   Transliteration: oikéō
   Pronunciation: oy-keh'-o
   Description: from οἶκος; to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit:--dwell. See also οἰκουμένη.
   
10. Strong's Number: G3756
    There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὐ
    Transliteration: ou
    Pronunciation: ookh
    Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
    
11. Strong's Number: G18
    There are 929 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀγαθός
    Transliteration: agathós
    Pronunciation: ag-ath-os'
    Description: a primary word; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):--benefit, good(-s, things), well. Compare καλός.
    
12. Strong's Number: G2309
    There are 201 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θέλω
    Transliteration: thélō
    Pronunciation: eth-el-eh'-o
    Description: apparently strengthened from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι; to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas βούλομαι properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in:--desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)).
    
13. Strong's Number: G3873
    There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: παράκειμαι
    Transliteration: parákeimai
    Pronunciation: par-ak'-i-mahee
    Description: from παρά and κεῖμαι; to lie near, i.e. be at hand (figuratively, be prompt or easy):--be present.
    
14. Strong's Number: G3427
    There are 227 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μοί
    Transliteration: moí
    Pronunciation: moy
    Description: the simpler form of ἐμοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.
    
15. Strong's Number: G1161
    There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέ
    Transliteration: dé
    Pronunciation: deh
    Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
    
16. Strong's Number: G2716
    There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κατεργάζομαι
    Transliteration: katergázomai
    Pronunciation: kat-er-gad'-zom-ahee
    Description: from κατά and ἐργάζομαι; to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion:--cause, to (deed), perform, work (out).
    
17. Strong's Number: G2570
    There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καλός
    Transliteration: kalós
    Pronunciation: kal-os'
    Description: of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from ἀγαθός, which is properly intrinsic):--X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
    
18. Strong's Number: G2147
    There are 168 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εὑρίσκω
    Transliteration: heurískō
    Pronunciation: hyoo-reh'-o
    Description: a prolonged form of a primary , which (together with another cognate form) is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively):--find, get, obtain, perceive, see.