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.

But {G1161} I see {G991} another {G2087} law {G3551} in {G1722} my {G3450} members {G3196}, warring against {G497} the law {G3551} of my {G3450} mind {G3563}, and {G2532} bringing {G163} me {G3165} into captivity {G163} to the law {G3551} of sin {G266} which {G3588} is {G5607} in {G1722} my {G3450} members {G3196}.

but in my various parts, I see a different “torah,” one that battles with the Torah in my mind and makes me a prisoner of sin’s “torah,” which is operating in my various parts.

But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.

but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.

Commentary

Context of Romans 7:23

Romans chapter 7 presents a profound and often debated passage where the Apostle Paul describes the intense inner struggle of a person—often understood as a believer—under the Law. Having established the impotence of the Law to justify and its role in revealing sin (Romans 7:7), Paul delves into the ongoing battle between the desire to obey God's will and the persistent pull of sin. Verse 23 encapsulates this central conflict, laying the groundwork for the glorious liberation found in Romans chapter 8 through the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Inner Conflict: This verse vividly portrays the spiritual warfare within an individual. Paul identifies "another law" at work in his physical being ("in my members"), which actively "wars" against the "law of my mind" (the desire to do what is right and aligned with God's will). This highlights the persistent battle between the old nature and the renewed mind.
  • The Power of Sin: Sin is not merely a series of bad actions but is depicted as an active, enslaving force. It brings the individual into "captivity," demonstrating its strong grip and the difficulty of overcoming it by human effort alone. This "law of sin" is inherent in the fallen human condition.
  • Human Inability: The verse underscores the inability of even a sincere individual to consistently do good and avoid sin purely through self-discipline or adherence to external laws. It sets the stage for the need for divine intervention and empowering grace.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "law" (`nomos` in Greek) multiple times in this verse, and its meaning shifts slightly, indicating different principles or forces:

  • "Law in my members": Refers to the powerful principle or influence of sin that operates within the physical body and its desires.
  • "Law of my mind": Represents the principle of God's righteous standard, which the mind (the renewed part of the person) assents to and desires to follow.
  • "Law of sin": This is the dominant, enslaving principle of sin that holds sway over the flesh.

The term "warring" (`antistrateuomenon`) is a strong military metaphor, conveying an active, hostile campaign. It emphasizes the intense and ongoing nature of this internal battle against the power of sin.

Practical Application

Romans 7:23 offers comfort and understanding to believers who experience an ongoing struggle with sin. It affirms that this internal conflict is a common experience, even for mature Christians. It reminds us:

  • Acknowledge the Battle: The verse legitimizes the reality of inner spiritual warfare. It's not a sign of a lack of faith but a testament to the presence of both the old nature and the new.
  • Seek God's Deliverance: Paul's cry in Romans 7:24, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?", immediately precedes the answer found in Christ. This verse points us to our utter reliance on Christ for victory over sin, not self-effort.
  • Live by the Spirit: While the struggle persists, the ultimate solution is found in yielding to the Holy Spirit's power, as elaborated in Romans 8:4. It’s not about eliminating the sinful nature entirely in this life, but about overcoming its dominion through Christ’s power. This inner tension is a reminder of our need for God's grace daily.
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 (20 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.

  • James 4:1 (14 votes)

    ¶ From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?

  • Romans 8:2 (12 votes)

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

  • Romans 6:19 (10 votes)

    I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

  • Romans 7:25 (9 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Peter 2:11 (8 votes)

    Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

  • Hebrews 12:4 (6 votes)

    ¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.