Romans 7:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Romans 7:15 powerfully articulates the profound internal conflict experienced by an individual who desires to obey God's law but finds themselves repeatedly acting contrary to their deepest convictions and moral will. This verse encapsulates the agonizing struggle with indwelling sin, where the self is divided, unable to consistently perform the good it intends and instead committing the very evil it despises. It highlights the human inability to achieve perfect righteousness through willpower alone, setting the stage for the liberating solution found in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 7:15 is a pivotal statement within Paul's extended argument in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and the Believer"). Following his discussion in [Romans 7:7-13](/romans/7-7-13 "Romans 7:7-13 - The Law's Role in Revealing Sin"), where he clarifies that the Law itself is holy and good, but sin, using the Law, produces death, Paul transitions to a deeply personal and experiential account of the struggle. [Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Paul's Struggle with Sin") introduces the "I" as "carnal, sold under sin," directly preceding verse 15 and establishing the context of a person (whether Paul himself, a representative Israelite, or a struggling believer) grappling with the pervasive power of sin despite a desire for righteousness. This internal monologue continues through [Romans 7:25](/romans/7-25 "Romans 7:25 - Deliverance through Jesus Christ"), leading into the triumphant declaration of freedom in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. A significant part of his theological project in Romans is to explain the relationship between the Mosaic Law, sin, grace, and justification by faith, particularly for those who had previously lived under the Law or were influenced by Jewish legalism. The struggle described in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and the Believer") would resonate deeply with Jewish Christians who understood the demands of the Law but experienced their inability to perfectly fulfill it. For Gentile converts, it underscored the universal human condition of sinfulness and the need for a divine solution beyond human effort or any legal code. The cultural context emphasizes the human aspiration for moral uprightness, which, apart from divine intervention, proves futile.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 7:15 contributes significantly to several major themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it vividly portrays the **internal conflict** between the regenerate will and the persistent power of indwelling sin, often termed "the flesh." Secondly, it underscores the **impotence of the Law** to provide power for obedience, serving primarily to reveal sin and condemn. The Law, though good, cannot empower righteousness ([Romans 7:5](/romans/7-5 "Romans 7:5 - Sinful Passions Aroused by the Law")). Thirdly, it highlights the **pervasive nature of sin**, not merely as external acts but as an internal principle or power that enslaves the will ([Romans 7:23](/romans/7-23 "Romans 7:23 - The Law of Sin in My Members")). This verse sets the stage for the grand solution presented in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"), where the **power of the Holy Spirit** is introduced as the means by which believers can overcome this internal struggle and walk in newness of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _prássō'_):** G4238. This verb signifies to "practise" or "perform repeatedly or habitually," distinguishing it from verbs that denote a single act. In Romans 7:15, when Paul states "that which I do," he is referring not to an isolated mistake but to a pattern of behavior that is contrary to his will, indicating the persistent and habitual nature of the sinful actions he finds himself committing despite his intentions.
* **allow not (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** G1097. Literally meaning "I do not know" or "I do not recognize/approve." This phrase conveys a profound sense of alienation from one's own actions. It's not merely a lack of understanding, but a strong disapproval and disavowal. The "I" here is expressing that the actions performed are so contrary to their true, inner self and desired will that they cannot acknowledge them as truly their own.
* **would (Greek, _thélō'_):** G2309. This word denotes a strong desire, choice, or preference stemming from subjective impulse. It speaks to the inner inclination and intention of the will. Paul's use of _thelō_ here emphasizes that there is a genuine, internal desire to do good, a conscious moral choice that is nevertheless thwarted by an opposing force, highlighting the deep conflict between intention and execution.
* **hate (Greek, _miséō'_):** G3404. This verb means "to detest" or "to love less." Its inclusion here escalates the intensity of the internal conflict. It's not just a passive disapproval, but an active abhorrence of the sin that is nevertheless committed. This strong emotional term underscores the agony of the divided self, forced to engage in actions that are utterly repugnant to its deepest moral convictions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For that which I do I allow not:"** The verse opens with a direct assertion of a disconnect between action and internal assent. The "I" performs certain actions ("that which I do"), but crucially, these actions are not acknowledged, approved, or recognized as aligned with the true self's will ("I allow not"). This sets up the central paradox of the passage: a person acting in a way that is fundamentally contrary to their conscious desire and moral identity.
* **"for what I would, that do I not;"** This clause further elaborates on the internal struggle, stating the positive side of the disconnect. The "I" possesses a strong desire or intention ("what I would") to do good, to live righteously, or to follow God's commands. However, this desired action is precisely what remains unfulfilled ("that do I not"). This highlights the impotence of the human will, even when aligned with righteousness, to bring about consistent obedience without external power.
* **"but what I hate, that do I."** The final clause intensifies the paradox by presenting the negative counterpart. Not only does the "I" fail to do the good it desires, but it actively performs the very things it despises and detests ("what I hate"). This demonstrates the enslaving power of sin, which compels one to act against their deepest moral revulsion, revealing the profound spiritual bondage experienced by the individual apart from God's liberating grace.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 7:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message of internal conflict. The most prominent device is **Antithesis**, evident in the stark contrasts presented: "what I do" vs. "I allow not," "what I would" vs. "that do I not," and "what I hate" vs. "that do I." This creates a powerful sense of opposition and internal division. Closely related is **Paradox**, as the verse presents a seemingly contradictory state where an individual's actions are diametrically opposed to their conscious will and desires. This highlights the irrational and enslaving nature of sin. The entire passage functions as a form of **Internal Monologue**, providing an intimate and agonizing glimpse into the speaker's inner turmoil, making the struggle relatable and deeply personal. Furthermore, while not personified in this specific verse, the broader context of [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and the Believer") uses **Personification** of sin as an active, deceptive, and powerful entity that "seizes opportunity" ([Romans 7:11](/romans/7-11 "Romans 7:11 - Sin's Deception")) and "indwells" ([Romans 7:17](/romans/7-17 "Romans 7:17 - Indwelling Sin")), which is the underlying force driving the paradoxical actions described in verse 15.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:15 stands as a stark testament to the universal human struggle with sin, even for those who genuinely desire to live righteously. Theologically, it underscores the doctrine of indwelling sin – the persistent presence and power of sin within the believer, even after conversion. It challenges any notion of self-sufficiency in sanctification, demonstrating that human willpower, apart from divine grace, is insufficient to overcome the pervasive influence of the fallen nature. This verse is crucial for understanding the necessity of God's intervention for true spiritual transformation, laying the groundwork for the Spirit-empowered life described in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"). It reveals that the Law, while holy, cannot provide the power to obey; it merely exposes the depth of human depravity and the need for a Savior.

* [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - Conflict of Flesh and Spirit")
* [Psalm 51:5](/psalm/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - Born in Sin")
* [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Acknowledging Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:15 offers both profound comfort and a challenging call to action for believers today. The comfort lies in the universality of the struggle: if the Apostle Paul, a spiritual giant, grappled with this internal conflict, then our own similar experiences are validated and normalized. We are not alone in feeling the tension between our desire for holiness and our occasional failures. This verse fosters humility, reminding us that sanctification is a process, not a perfected state achieved by sheer willpower. The challenge, however, is to recognize that while the struggle is real, the solution is not found in self-condemnation or resignation, but in active reliance on the Holy Spirit. It calls us to move beyond the despair of our own inability and to embrace the liberating power of Christ, who enables us to walk in newness of life. Understanding this verse compels us to seek God's grace daily, confess our shortcomings, and lean into the Spirit's power for victory over sin, rather than relying on our own strength or the dictates of the Law.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most keenly feel the tension described in Romans 7:15, where your actions do not align with your intentions?**
* **How does understanding this verse shift your perspective on personal holiness and the role of willpower in your spiritual journey?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently rely on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome the "what I hate, that do I" dynamic in your life?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 7:15 describe a non-Christian or a Christian?**

Answer: This is one of the most debated questions in biblical scholarship. While some interpret the "I" as a person under the Law prior to conversion, or even humanity in general, the prevailing and most robust theological view is that Paul is describing the experience of a genuine believer, albeit one who is still grappling with the reality of indwelling sin. The language of desiring to do good ("what I would") and hating sin ("what I hate") suggests a regenerate will, a moral compass aligned with God's Law, which is characteristic of a Christian. Furthermore, the progression of Paul's argument from [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and the Believer") into the Spirit-empowered life of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit") strongly implies that the struggle in chapter 7 is the very one from which the Spirit delivers the believer. It highlights the ongoing spiritual warfare within those who are "in Christ" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:15, with its agonizing portrayal of internal conflict, finds its ultimate resolution and Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The "wretched man" described in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - The Wretched Man") cries out for deliverance, and the answer immediately follows: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" ([Romans 7:25](/romans/7-25 "Romans 7:25 - Deliverance through Jesus Christ")). Christ's perfect obedience fulfilled the Law's righteous requirements, and His atoning sacrifice dealt with the penalty of sin. More profoundly, through the Spirit, Christ provides the power to overcome the very struggle articulated in [Romans 7:15](/romans/7-15 "Romans 7:15 - The Internal Conflict"). The "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" sets believers free from "the law of sin and death" ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom in Christ")). While the struggle with indwelling sin may persist, believers are no longer enslaved to it. Instead, they are enabled by the Spirit to "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")), putting to death the deeds of the body ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life by the Spirit")). Thus, Christ does not merely forgive our failures; He empowers us to live in increasing conformity to His will, transforming the internal battle into a pathway for greater reliance on His indwelling power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 5:17

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

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

Romans 7:20

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

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

James 3:2

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

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

Philippians 3:12

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.