Romans 7:15

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

For {G1063} that which {G3739} I do {G2716} I allow {G1097} not {G3756}: for {G1063} what {G3739} I would {G2309}, that {G5124} do I {G4238} not {G3756}; but {G235} what {G3739} I hate {G3404}, that {G5124} do I {G4160}.

I don’t understand my own behavior — I don’t do what I want to do; instead, I do the very thing I hate!

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.

For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.

Commentary

Romans 7:15 KJV presents a profound and often-cited expression of the internal conflict faced by a believer. In this verse, the Apostle Paul articulates the frustrating reality of a divided will, where one's actions do not align with one's intentions or desires.

Context of Romans 7:15

This verse is part of a larger discussion in Romans Chapter 7, where Paul explores the relationship between the Law of Moses, sin, and the believer. He illustrates that the Law, while holy and good, does not provide the power to overcome sin; instead, it reveals sin and even provokes it. The "I" in this passage is widely understood as representing either Paul himself, a person under the Law, or a new convert grappling with indwelling sin. The immediate context of Romans 7:14 speaks of being "carnal, sold under sin," setting the stage for the deep internal struggle described here.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Internal Conflict: The verse vividly portrays the battle within. The individual acknowledges a desire to do good ("what I would"), yet finds themselves doing the very opposite ("that do I not"). Conversely, what they despise ("what I hate"), they end up doing. This highlights the persistent influence of sin within the believer, even after conversion.
  • The Weakness of the Will Apart from Grace: It underscores that human will, even when aligned with God's commands, is insufficient to perfectly obey without divine enablement. The Law identifies sin but cannot empower righteousness.
  • Understanding Sin's Power: This passage is crucial for understanding the pervasive nature of sin, which is not merely external actions but an internal principle or power that can lead one to act contrary to their deepest convictions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "I allow not" translates the Greek ou ginōskō (οὐ γινώσκω), which literally means "I do not know" or "I do not recognize/approve." This implies a profound disconnect: "What I am doing, I do not approve of; I do not acknowledge it as truly 'me' or my will." The word for "would" is thelō (θέλω), indicating a strong desire or will. The contrast between this desire and the actual doing ("that do I not") and the doing of what is hated (misō - μισῶ) profoundly expresses the agony of the divided self. This isn't just weakness; it's a deep inner contradiction.

Practical Application

For believers today, Romans 7:15 offers comfort and challenge:

  • Comfort in Shared Experience: It assures us that the struggle against sin is a universal experience for those who desire to follow God. You are not alone in feeling this internal conflict.
  • Reliance on the Spirit: It points to the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit, not just willpower, to live a righteous life. The solution to this struggle is found in Romans 8:1-4, which moves from the Law's inability to the Spirit's power to fulfill the righteousness of the Law.
  • Humility and Grace: This verse fosters humility, reminding us of our continued need for God's grace and forgiveness, even as we strive to obey. It encourages a deeper appreciation for Christ's work in setting us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:17 (53 votes)

    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

  • Romans 7:19 (22 votes)

    For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

  • Romans 7:20 (22 votes)

    Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

  • Nahum 1:7 (18 votes)

    The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

  • James 3:2 (16 votes)

    For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20 (16 votes)

    For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

  • Philippians 3:12 (15 votes)

    Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.