Romans 7:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} if {G1487}{G3739} I do {G4160} that {G5124} I {G1473} would {G2309} not {G3756}, it is no more {G2089}{G3765} I {G1473} that do {G2716} it {G846}, but {G235} sin {G266} that dwelleth {G3611} in {G1722} me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if I am doing what “the real me” doesn’t want, it is no longer “the real me” doing it but the sin housed inside me.

Berean Standard Bible

And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 7:20 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound articulation of the internal spiritual struggle faced by the believer, where the renewed will desires to obey God's law, yet an indwelling principle of sin actively works against that desire, leading to actions contrary to one's true, sanctified self. This verse distinguishes the believer's core identity in Christ from the persistent, albeit dethroned, influence of sin residing within the mortal body, setting the stage for the glorious liberation found in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 7:20 is situated within Paul's extended discourse in [Romans chapter 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and the Believer") concerning the Law's role in revealing sin and the ongoing conflict experienced by those under grace. The preceding verses, particularly [Romans 7:14-19](/romans/7-14-19 "Romans 7:14-19 - The Internal Struggle"), detail Paul's personal anguish over his inability to consistently perform the good he desires and his tendency to do the evil he hates. Verse 20 serves as a crucial explanation for this paradoxical experience, attributing the unwanted actions not to his true, redeemed self, but to the pervasive power of indwelling sin. This passage then climaxes in the cry of [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Paul's Cry for Deliverance") before finding its resolution in the freedom of [Romans chapter 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome comprised both Jewish and Gentile Christians, grappling with the implications of the Gospel for their lives, particularly concerning the Mosaic Law. For Jewish believers, the Law had been central to their identity and righteousness, making Paul's argument about its inability to sanctify, and its role in revealing sin, particularly challenging. For all believers, the concept of an internal struggle against sin was a universal human experience, but Paul's theological framework provided a new lens through which to understand it – not as a failure of the Law, but as a manifestation of humanity's fallen nature, now confronted by God's holiness. The Greco-Roman world also had philosophical traditions that recognized a tension between human reason/will and bodily desires, though Paul's explanation is distinctly theological, rooted in the biblical understanding of sin and redemption.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasiveness and power of sin** as an active, indwelling force, not merely a series of individual acts. Paul personifies sin as an entity that "dwells" and "works" within him, highlighting its deep-seated nature in fallen humanity, even for the regenerated. Secondly, it illuminates the **internal conflict of the believer**, demonstrating the ongoing tension between the new nature, which delights in God's law ([Romans 7:22](/romans/7-22 "Romans 7:22 - Delighting in God's Law")), and the persistent influence of the flesh. Thirdly, it introduces a critical **distinction between the "I" and "sin,"** emphasizing that the true, redeemed self, aligned with God's will, is distinct from the sin that still operates within the mortal body. This distinction is vital for understanding Christian sanctification, where sin's power is broken, but its presence remains a reality to be contended with, ultimately pointing to the need for divine intervention and the power of the Holy Spirit for victory, as explored in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** To make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct), implying action or performance. In this context, it refers to the actual performance of the unwanted actions, highlighting the stark contrast between Paul's inner desire and his outward behavior.
* **sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** A sin (properly abstract), denoting an offense or moral failing. Here, Paul personifies "sin" as an active, almost independent force or principle that resides within him, rather than merely a specific transgression. This emphasizes its pervasive and indwelling nature.
* **dwelleth (Greek, _oikéō'_):** To occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere), implying a settled presence. This word underscores the persistent, established presence of sin within the human being, even after conversion. It is not a fleeting guest but an inhabitant, though its dominion has been broken.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now if I do that I would not":** This clause re-states the paradoxical struggle articulated in the preceding verses. Paul acknowledges that he performs actions that are contrary to his genuine desire and will. The "I" here represents his true, renewed self, which aligns with God's righteous standards.
* **"it is no more I that do it":** This is a crucial theological statement. Paul asserts that the primary agent of the unwanted action is not his core, redeemed identity. This is not an excuse for sin, but a profound distinction between the believer's new nature in Christ and the persistent influence of the old, fallen nature. His true self, in Christ, does not desire to sin.
* **"but sin that dwelleth in me":** This final clause identifies the active, indwelling principle responsible for the unwanted actions. "Sin" is personified as a powerful, residing force within the believer's mortal body, which exerts its influence against the renewed will. This highlights the ongoing spiritual warfare within the Christian life, where the believer contends with a persistent internal adversary.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Romans 7:20 to convey his profound theological point. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "sin" is treated not merely as an abstract concept or a series of actions, but as an active, almost sentient entity that "dwells" and "does" things. This gives sin a tangible, formidable presence, emphasizing its pervasive and insidious nature within the human being. Additionally, Paul utilizes **Antithesis** by contrasting "I" (his true, renewed self) with "sin that dwelleth in me." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict and the distinction between the believer's authentic desires and the unwanted actions prompted by indwelling sin. This rhetorical strategy serves to both validate the believer's struggle and clarify the source of the unwanted behavior, ultimately pointing to a solution beyond self-effort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:20 is a pivotal verse that profoundly shapes our understanding of the Christian life, revealing the ongoing reality of spiritual warfare within the believer. It teaches us that while justification declares us righteous in Christ, and sanctification is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit, the presence of sin (though not its dominion) remains in our mortal bodies. This internal conflict is not a sign of a lack of faith, but rather an indicator of a genuine spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit, a battle that highlights our absolute dependence on God's grace and power for victory. It sets the stage for the glorious truth of [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ"), where the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death.

* [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit")
* [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Acknowledging Our Sin")
* [Philippians 3:12](/philippians/3-12 "Philippians 3:12 - Pressing On Toward the Goal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:20 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for every believer. It validates the often-frustrating experience of desiring to do good yet finding oneself succumbing to temptation or failing to live up to God's standards. This verse assures us that this internal struggle is a normal, albeit challenging, part of the Christian walk, not an indication of a lack of genuine faith. Understanding that "sin that dwelleth in me" is the active agent, rather than our true, redeemed self, helps us avoid despair and self-condemnation. Instead, it directs us to the true source of power for overcoming sin: not greater self-effort, but deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit and the finished work of Christ. It calls us to continually yield to the Spirit, to put to death the deeds of the body, and to walk in the newness of life, recognizing that while sin still indwells, it no longer reigns. This perspective fosters humility, compassion for others, and an abiding trust in God's sanctifying grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the distinction between your true self in Christ and the indwelling sin help you in your daily struggle against temptation?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you when you feel discouraged by your own spiritual failures?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome the power of indwelling sin in your life?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 7:20 provide an excuse for sinning?**

Answer: No, Romans 7:20 does not provide an excuse for sinning, but rather an explanation of the internal spiritual dynamic at play in the believer's life. Paul is not advocating for passive acceptance of sin, but is deeply lamenting its persistent influence. The distinction he makes—"it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me"—is meant to highlight that the true, regenerated self, which desires to obey God, is distinct from the principle of sin that still resides in the mortal body. This understanding leads not to complacency, but to a deeper reliance on Christ for deliverance, as evidenced by Paul's cry in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Paul's Cry for Deliverance") and the subsequent triumph declared in [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit"). The purpose is to demonstrate the absolute necessity of God's grace and the Spirit's power for sanctification, not to absolve personal responsibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:20, with its stark portrayal of the believer's internal struggle against indwelling sin, powerfully underscores the absolute necessity and glorious sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Paul's anguished cry, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Paul's Cry for Deliverance"), finds its immediate and triumphant answer in the very next verse: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" This transition reveals that Christ is the sole deliverer from the tyranny of sin. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, broke sin's power and condemned sin in the flesh ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")). Furthermore, the indwelling Holy Spirit, given by Christ, empowers believers to walk "not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")), enabling them to put to death the deeds of the body ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). Thus, Romans 7:20, far from leaving us in despair, serves as a crucial theological setup, magnifying the redemptive work of Christ and the sanctifying power of the Spirit, without whom victory over indwelling sin would be impossible. He is our hope, our righteousness, and our strength in this ongoing spiritual warfare ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")).

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

Romans 7:17

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.