Romans 7:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 7:18 encapsulates the profound internal struggle of humanity, particularly in its fallen state, revealing the inherent inability of the "flesh" to produce genuine spiritual good. Paul articulates a universal human experience: the presence of a desire to do what is right, yet a frustrating and persistent inability to consistently perform that good. This verse serves as a crucial bridge in Paul's argument, demonstrating the Law's inability to sanctify and the deep-seated power of sin, thereby setting the stage for the liberating power of the Holy Spirit introduced in the subsequent chapter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 7:18 is situated within Paul's extended discourse on the Law, sin, and the believer's experience, spanning [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and the Believer"). Following his declaration in [Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Carnal, Sold Under Sin") that the Law is spiritual but he is "carnal, sold under sin," Paul delves into the agonizing paradox of a person who assents to the goodness of God's Law but finds themselves perpetually failing to uphold it. The preceding verses ([Romans 7:15-17](/romans/7-15-17 "Romans 7:15-17 - The Struggle Within")) describe a person doing what they do not want to do, and not doing what they do want to do, attributing this internal conflict not to themselves, but to "sin that dwelleth in me." Verse 18 then grounds this struggle in the very nature of the "flesh," making a stark confession of its inherent incapacity for good, and further elaborates on the disconnect between intention and action. This sets up the climactic cry in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - O Wretched Man"), leading directly to the solution found in Christ in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jewish believers would have had a deep reverence for the Mosaic Law, viewing it as God's divine revelation and a guide for righteous living. Paul's argument in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law and Sin") challenges the notion that the Law itself can provide the power for sanctification. Instead, he demonstrates that while the Law is holy and good, it actually highlights sin and, paradoxically, can even provoke it in fallen human nature. This was a radical theological shift for many Jewish Christians, who might have struggled with the perceived inadequacy of the Law. Paul is addressing a fundamental human dilemma, but doing so through the lens of a Jewish understanding of the Law's role and the deeply ingrained concept of human responsibility before God. The cultural context of the Roman Empire, with its emphasis on moral philosophy and self-improvement, also provides a backdrop against which Paul's assertion of human inability and divine necessity would have stood in stark contrast.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasiveness and power of sin** within fallen humanity, particularly in the "flesh" (human nature apart from God). Paul's declaration that "no good thing" dwells in his flesh emphasizes the radical corruption that necessitates divine intervention. Secondly, it highlights the **inadequacy of the Law** to provide righteousness or sanctification; while the Law reveals sin, it cannot overcome it. The Law exposes the internal conflict but offers no power to resolve it, as seen in the struggle between "to will" and "to perform." This sets the stage for the third major theme: the **absolute necessity of divine grace and the Holy Spirit** for true righteousness and victory over sin. The profound frustration articulated in [Romans 7:18](/romans/7-18 "Romans 7:18 - The Struggle of the Flesh") and [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - O Wretched Man") serves as the dark backdrop against which the glorious light of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit") shines, demonstrating that freedom from sin's power is found not in self-effort or adherence to the Law, but in the empowering presence of the Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelleth (Greek, _oikéō_):** From Strong's G3611, meaning "to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere)." This word emphasizes a settled, permanent presence. When Paul states that "no good thing" dwells in his flesh, he is not speaking of a temporary visitor or an occasional lapse, but of a fundamental, inherent characteristic of the fallen human nature. It signifies that the "flesh" is not merely capable of sin, but is fundamentally inhospitable to true spiritual good, lacking the capacity to house or produce it.
* **good thing (Greek, _agathós_):** From Strong's G18, meaning "good (in any sense, often as noun)." This term refers to intrinsic goodness, that which is inherently beneficial, morally upright, and pleasing to God. Paul's use of _agathós_ here, rather than _kalós_ (G2570, which often refers to outward beauty or excellence), underscores that the "flesh" lacks fundamental, spiritual, and God-pleasing goodness at its core. It is not just about outward performance, but inner disposition and capacity.
* **perform (Greek, _katergázomai_):** From Strong's G2716, meaning "to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion." This verb denotes a thorough, complete, and effective execution of an action. Paul's struggle is not merely in initiating good, but in bringing it to full completion or consistent manifestation. The will to do good is present, but the power to fully and consistently _accomplish_ it, to bring it to fruition in a way that truly pleases God, is absent in the flesh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)"**: Paul begins with a personal confession, "I know," indicating a deep, experiential understanding. The parenthetical clarification, "(that is, in my flesh,)", is crucial. It immediately defines the sphere of this inherent lack of good. "Flesh" (_sarx_) here does not refer to the physical body alone, but to the entire fallen human nature, apart from the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. It is the self-centered, sin-inclined aspect of humanity.
* **"dwelleth no good thing:"**: This is a stark, absolute declaration. Within the sphere of the "flesh," there is no residing place for genuine, spiritual good (_agathós_). This is not to say that unbelievers cannot perform civil good or acts of kindness, but that the "flesh" itself, as a principle of life apart from God, cannot produce the righteousness and obedience that truly pleases God and flows from a renewed heart. It highlights the radical depravity of human nature apart from divine grace.
* **"for to will is present with me;"**: Here, Paul introduces the internal conflict. He acknowledges the presence of a desire, an inclination, or a resolve ("to will" - _thélō_) to do what is right. This suggests a conscience that recognizes God's standard and a mind that assents to it. The problem is not a lack of intellectual understanding or even a complete absence of desire for good, but rather a deeper spiritual incapacity.
* **"but [how] to perform that which is good I find not."**: This clause reveals the tragic disconnect. Despite the presence of the will to do good, the ability to consistently and effectively "perform" (_katergázomai_) that good is utterly lacking. The "how" implies not just the method, but the power and consistent enablement. This "not finding" is a confession of utter futility in self-effort, underscoring the inability of the Law or human willpower to overcome the pervasive power of sin residing in the "flesh."

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound internal struggle described in [Romans 7:18](/romans/7-18 "Romans 7:18 - The Struggle of the Flesh"). The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the sharp contrast between "to will is present with me" and "how to perform that which is good I find not." This juxtaposition highlights the frustrating chasm between intention and execution, a central theme of the chapter. Furthermore, Paul uses **Metonymy** when he refers to "flesh" (_sarx_). While literally meaning the physical body, here it stands metonymically for the entire fallen, unregenerate human nature, characterized by its inherent weakness and inclination towards sin, apart from God's Spirit. The phrase "dwelleth no good thing" also borders on **Personification**, as "good thing" is treated as something that could reside or inhabit a place, emphasizing its absolute absence from the "flesh." This vivid language makes the abstract theological concept of human depravity tangible and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:18 serves as a theological linchpin, articulating the profound truth of human inability to achieve righteousness through self-effort or adherence to the Law. It underscores the concept of radical depravity, not as a denial of humanity's capacity for civil good, but as an assertion that the "flesh" (fallen human nature) is fundamentally incapable of producing the spiritual good that pleases God and leads to salvation. This verse highlights the Law's role not as a means to sanctification, but as a mirror reflecting humanity's sinfulness and desperate need for a divine solution. It sets the stage for the glorious truth of God's grace and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, which alone can enable believers to live a life pleasing to God, moving beyond the frustration of the flesh to the freedom of the Spirit.

* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works In You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:18 offers profound comfort and liberation for believers who experience the ongoing internal struggle against sin. It validates that this tension between our desire to do good and our frustrating failures is a shared human experience, even for those who truly seek to follow Christ. This verse humbles us, reminding us that true spiritual transformation and the ability to consistently perform good works do not originate from our own willpower, self-discipline, or adherence to rules, but from a source outside ourselves. It compels us to acknowledge our utter dependence on God's grace and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of succumbing to despair or self-condemnation when we fall short, this verse redirects our gaze from our own inadequacy to Christ's sufficiency. It encourages us to lean into the Spirit's power for sanctification, recognizing that our striving is not futile, but must be Spirit-empowered. This understanding fosters humility, deepens our reliance on Christ, and cultivates a grace-centered approach to the Christian life, freeing us from the burden of legalism and self-righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most keenly feel the tension between your desire to do good and your inability to consistently perform it?**
* **How does Paul's statement, "in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing," challenge or affirm your understanding of human nature and your own spiritual capacity?**
* **What practical steps can you take to shift your reliance from self-effort to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Does "in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing" mean that humans are utterly incapable of any good deed?**

Answer: No, this statement in [Romans 7:18](/romans/7-18 "Romans 7:18 - The Struggle of the Flesh") refers specifically to the "flesh" (_sarx_) as the fallen, unredeemed human nature, apart from the work of God's Spirit. Paul is not denying that humans can perform civil good, acts of kindness, or even moral deeds in society. Rather, he is asserting that the "flesh" itself, as a principle of life, is fundamentally incapable of producing spiritual righteousness or perfect obedience that truly pleases God and leads to salvation. It highlights the deep-seated corruption that necessitates divine intervention for true spiritual good.

**Is Paul describing the experience of an unbeliever or a believer in Romans 7?**

Answer: This is a long-debated question among scholars. While some argue Paul is describing the pre-conversion experience of an unregenerate person under the Law, many prominent interpretations, especially given the context of [Romans 7:22](/romans/7-22 "Romans 7:22 - Delight in the Law") ("For I delight in the law of God after the inward man"), suggest Paul is describing the ongoing, internal struggle of a regenerate believer. This interpretation highlights that even after conversion, the "flesh" (the old nature) remains a reality, and the battle against sin continues, leading to the desperate cry for deliverance that finds its answer in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit") through the Holy Spirit. It depicts the tension between the new spiritual nature and the lingering influence of the old.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:18, with its stark confession of human inability, serves as a powerful backdrop against which the glorious fulfillment found in Jesus Christ shines even brighter. The "no good thing" dwelling in the flesh and the inability to "perform that which is good" perfectly illustrates humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Christ is the ultimate answer to this dilemma, for He alone lived a life of perfect obedience, in whom "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). He perfectly fulfilled the Law that we could not, offering Himself as the spotless sacrifice to atone for our sin and reconcile us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Furthermore, the victory over the "flesh" that Paul yearns for is found in Christ's provision of the Holy Spirit. Through union with Christ, believers are no longer "in the flesh" but "in the Spirit" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Spirit Dwells in You")), empowered to "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walk in the Spirit")). What the Law could not do, God did by sending His own Son ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")), enabling believers to truly perform good works, not by their own strength, but by the power of Christ working within them ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Christ Strengthens Me")). Thus, Romans 7:18 is not a statement of despair, but a profound theological setup for the liberating and empowering grace of God, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Psalms 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

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 7:25

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Psalms 119:115

¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Psalms 119:117

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Job 14:4

Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.