Romans 7:21

KJV

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

I find {G2147} then {G686} a law {G3551}, that {G3754}, when I {G1698} would {G2309} do {G4160} good {G2570}, evil {G2556} is present {G3873} with me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I find it to be the rule, a kind of perverse “torah,” that although I want to do what is good, evil is right there with me!

Berean Standard Bible

So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

American Standard Version

I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 7:21 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound and often-cited confession of the persistent internal conflict experienced by the believer. He observes a universal spiritual principle: even when his regenerated will genuinely desires to pursue righteousness and obey God's commands, the pervasive power of indwelling sin remains actively present, constantly seeking to thwart his good intentions. This verse vividly portrays the ongoing tension between the spiritual aspirations of the new nature and the lingering influence of the sinful flesh, setting the stage for the glorious deliverance found in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 7:21 is a pivotal statement within Paul's extended theological argument concerning the Law, sin, and grace, particularly in Romans 7:7-25. Leading up to this verse, Paul has meticulously demonstrated that the Law, though holy and good, paradoxically serves to reveal and even provoke sin, rather than providing the power to overcome it. He describes a profound internal struggle, famously stating in [Romans 7:15](/romans/7-15 "Romans 7:15 - The Internal Conflict") that he does what he does not want to do and hates what he does. This deeply personal confession in verse 21, often referred to as the "wretched man" dilemma, is the culmination of his exploration of the Law's inability to sanctify and humanity's inherent weakness in the face of sin, even for those who are regenerate. It serves as the immediate prelude to the triumphant resolution found in [Romans 7:24-25](/romans/7-24-25 "Romans 7:24-25 - Deliverance through Christ") and the liberating truths of [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 the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jewish believers would have had a deep reverence for the Mosaic Law, while Gentiles were grappling with new ethical standards. Paul's discourse on the Law in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and Grace") directly addresses the question of the Law's purpose in the Christian life, especially in light of the new covenant in Christ. The concept of an internal struggle between good and evil was not unique to Jewish or Christian thought; various Greco-Roman philosophies also explored human moral failings. However, Paul's articulation is distinctively theological, rooting the conflict not in philosophical dualism but in the fallen nature of humanity and the spiritual battle against indwelling sin, which is revealed and condemned by God's holy Law.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 7:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasiveness of indwelling sin**, demonstrating that even for a regenerated individual earnestly desiring to do good, sin remains an ever-present reality, a constant gravitational pull away from righteousness. This highlights the ongoing nature of sanctification, which is a process, not a one-time event. Secondly, it articulates the **internal conflict** within the believer: the desire of the regenerated spirit to obey God versus the persistent influence of the sinful nature, often termed the "flesh" or "old man." This tension is a hallmark of the Christian experience, as further explored in [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - Flesh vs. Spirit"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Law's inability to sanctify** or empower obedience. While the Law defines good and reveals sin, it does not provide the power to perform good or overcome sin. This profound realization of human inadequacy sets the stage for the absolute necessity of divine intervention and reliance on the Holy Spirit, which becomes the central theme of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **law (Greek, _nómos_):** In this context, Paul uses "law" not primarily to refer to the Mosaic Law (though it is certainly in view as the standard of good), but rather as an observed principle or a consistent force at work within him. It signifies a governing rule or pattern. He "finds" this "law" or principle operating in his experience: that when he desires good, evil is invariably present. This "law" is later identified as the "law of sin and death" in [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - The Law of the Spirit of Life").
* **good (Greek, _kalós_):** This word denotes that which is intrinsically beautiful, morally excellent, and virtuous. It refers to actions and intentions that are pleasing to God and align with His righteous character. Paul's desire to "do good" is a genuine aspiration of his renewed mind, reflecting a true spiritual inclination.
* **evil (Greek, _kakós_):** This term describes that which is worthless, depraved, and intrinsically injurious. It refers to the corrupt nature of sin, which is opposed to God's character and destructive to human flourishing. The presence of "evil" here signifies the active, indwelling power of sin that remains in the believer, even after conversion.
* **is present (Greek, _parákeimai_):** This verb means "to lie near," "to be at hand," or "to be present alongside." It emphasizes the active and immediate availability of evil. It's not merely a potential or distant threat, but a constant, ever-ready influence, a companion to the desire for good, highlighting sin's persistent and pervasive nature in the fallen human condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I find then a law":** Paul states his observation of a consistent principle or pattern at work within his own experience. This is not a divine law, but a spiritual reality he has discovered through introspection and struggle. It's an empirical finding about the human condition, particularly the regenerate human condition.
* **"that, when I would do good":** This clause highlights the sincere intention and desire of Paul's renewed will. His mind and spirit are aligned with God's will, and he genuinely wishes to perform actions that are morally right and pleasing to God. This underscores that the conflict is not due to a lack of desire for righteousness.
* **"evil is present with me":** This is the core of the dilemma. Despite the genuine desire for good, the power of evil—indwelling sin—is not absent but actively "at hand" or "present alongside." It is a constant, opposing force that resides within him, ready to manifest and thwart his righteous intentions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the depth of his internal struggle. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting "good" with "evil" and highlighting the paradoxical reality that evil is most present when good is desired. This creates a stark and powerful image of the spiritual battle. He also uses **personification**, subtly portraying "evil" as an active agent that "is present" with him, almost as a companion or an ever-lurking adversary. This gives a vivid sense of sin's persistent and intrusive nature. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as an **internal monologue** or **confession**, allowing the reader to witness Paul's deeply personal and raw articulation of his spiritual wrestling, making the experience relatable and universal for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:21 profoundly articulates the ongoing reality of indwelling sin for the believer, a truth that is foundational to understanding the Christian life. It teaches us that conversion does not eradicate the sinful nature, but rather initiates a lifelong battle against it. This internal conflict is a testament to the fact that while our spirit is made new in Christ, our flesh remains susceptible to sin's influence until glorification. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power for sanctification, as human effort alone, even with the best intentions, is insufficient to overcome the persistent presence of evil. It humbles us, reminding us that our righteousness is not our own, and drives us to a deeper dependence on Christ for both justification and progressive sanctification.

* [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit")
* [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "Acknowledging Sin")
* [Philippians 3:12](/philippians/3-12 "Not Yet Perfect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:21 offers profound validation and encouragement for every believer who earnestly seeks to live righteously but still grapples with sinful desires, thoughts, or actions. It assures us that this internal struggle is not a sign of a lack of faith or an indication that we are not truly saved; rather, it is a universal aspect of the Christian walk, experienced even by an apostle as spiritually mature as Paul. This verse cultivates a deep sense of humility, reminding us that our righteousness is not inherent but is a gift from Christ, and that our ongoing sanctification is entirely dependent on the Holy Spirit's power, not our own strength. It fosters a greater appreciation for God's boundless grace and mercy, which covers our daily failings and empowers us to grow. Acknowledging this persistent battle should lead us not to despair, but to a deeper, more desperate reliance on Christ, who alone can deliver us from this "body of death."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Romans 7:21 resonate with your own spiritual experience of desiring to do good yet struggling with the presence of evil?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of sin, even in the life of a believer, and how does this understanding impact your pursuit of holiness?**
* **How does acknowledging this internal struggle lead us to greater dependence on Christ and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Is Paul describing a believer or an unbeliever in Romans 7:21?**

Answer: While there has been historical debate, the overwhelming scholarly consensus and contextual evidence strongly suggest that Paul is describing the ongoing struggle of a regenerate believer. Throughout [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and Grace"), Paul uses language that indicates a spiritual battle against sin, a desire for God's Law, and an alignment of his "inner man" with righteousness (e.g., [Romans 7:22](/romans/7-22 "Romans 7:22 - Delight in God's Law")). This contrasts sharply with the unregenerate state described earlier in [Romans 1-3](/romans/1 "Romans 1-3 - Humanity's Sinfulness"), where there is no genuine desire for God or His Law. Furthermore, the dilemma presented in [Romans 7:21](/romans/7-21 "Romans 7:21 - The Law of Sin") sets the stage for the triumphant solution found in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"), which speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those "in Christ Jesus." The struggle of [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law, Sin, and Grace") is precisely what makes the victory of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit") so glorious and necessary for the Christian.

**What is the "law" Paul refers to in Romans 7:21?**

Answer: In [Romans 7:21](/romans/7-21 "Romans 7:21 - The Law of Sin"), Paul uses "law" (Greek: _nomos_) not as the Mosaic Law itself, but as an observed principle or a consistent, governing force. He is identifying a pattern or "rule" that he finds operating within himself. This "law" is the pervasive power of indwelling sin, which he later refers to as "the law of sin and death" in [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - The Law of the Spirit of Life"). It is a principle of corruption that resides in the "members" of his body ([Romans 7:23](/romans/7-23 "Romans 7:23 - The Law in My Members")), constantly warring against his renewed mind and will. While the Mosaic Law reveals what is good and exposes sin, this "law" of sin is the intrinsic power of evil that continues to exert its influence, even when the believer desires to obey God's righteous standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:21, with its raw depiction of the believer's internal struggle against indwelling sin, serves as a powerful setup for the glorious and indispensable work of Jesus Christ. The "wretched man" crying out for deliverance in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Wretched Man") finds his answer immediately in [Romans 7:25](/romans/7-25 "Romans 7:25 - Deliverance through Christ"): "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Christ fulfills the need exposed by this "law" of sin in two primary ways. First, through His atoning sacrifice, He has fully satisfied the demands of God's holy Law and bore the penalty for our sin, ensuring that there is "now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation")). Second, and crucial for the ongoing struggle of [Romans 7:21](/romans/7-21 "Romans 7:21 - The Law of Sin"), Christ sends the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, empowering them to walk "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking in the Spirit")). The "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - The Law of the Spirit of Life")) sets us free from the "law of sin and death" that Paul found present with him. While the presence of evil remains, Christ's victory on the cross and the Spirit's power within us provide the means for genuine, though progressive, sanctification, transforming our desires and enabling us to increasingly live out the "good" we long to do, ultimately culminating in our future glorification when sin's presence will be entirely removed ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")).

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 7:23

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Psalms 119:133

¶ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.