Romans 7:8

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.

But {G1161} sin {G266}, taking {G2983} occasion {G874} by {G1223} the commandment {G1785}, wrought {G2716} in {G1722} me {G1698} all manner of {G3956} concupiscence {G1939}. For {G1063} without {G5565} the law {G3551} sin {G266} was dead {G3498}.

But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, worked in me all kinds of evil desires — for apart from Torah, sin is dead.

But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead.

but sin, finding occasion, wrought in me through the commandment all manner of coveting: for apart from the law sin is dead.

Romans 7:8 KJV Commentary: Sin and the Law's Revelation

Context of Romans 7:8

In Romans 7:8, the Apostle Paul continues his deep theological discussion regarding the relationship between the Mosaic Law, sin, and the believer's experience. Following his declaration in Romans 7:7 that he "had not known sin, but by the law," this verse further elaborates on how the Law, rather than making one righteous, ironically served to expose and even incite sin within him. Paul is not disparaging the Law itself, which he considers "holy, and just, and good" (Romans 7:12), but rather illustrating the inherent weakness of the flesh and sin's deceptive power.

Key Themes and Insights

  • Sin's Deceptive Nature and the Law's Opportunity: The phrase "sin, taking occasion by the commandment" reveals sin's cunning strategy. The Law, designed to reveal God's righteous standards, inadvertently provided sin with an opportunity (Greek: aphormē, meaning a base of operations or starting point) to demonstrate its power. By prohibiting certain actions, the Law, in a fallen human nature, sometimes stirred up the very desires it forbade. It's not the Law that is at fault, but sin operating within the human heart.
  • The Revelation of "Concupiscence": The KJV word "concupiscence" translates the Greek term epithymia (ἐπιθυμία), which refers to strong desires or cravings. While epithymia can be used positively (e.g., desire for good things), in this context, it clearly denotes illicit or sinful desires, often translated as "lust" or "covetousness." The commandment, particularly "Thou shalt not covet" (as mentioned in Romans 7:7), did not eradicate this desire but made Paul acutely aware of its presence and power within him, working "all manner" of such cravings.
  • Sin "Dead" Without the Law: Paul's statement "For without the law sin [was] dead" does not mean sin didn't exist before the Law or that people weren't sinful. Instead, it signifies that sin was dormant, inactive, or without its full condemning power and clear definition. The Law provided the specific standard against which transgression could be clearly identified and condemned. Without the Law, sin's true nature as rebellion against God's explicit will was not fully evident, nor was its full power to bring spiritual death (Romans 6:23) fully realized. It was "dead" in the sense of being unexposed and uncharged.

Linguistic Nuance

The Greek word for "occasion" is aphormē (ἀφορμή), which literally means a "starting point" or "base of operations." This imagery powerfully conveys how sin leverages God's good Law as a platform to manifest its destructive influence within humanity. The term epithymia for "concupiscence" highlights the internal, deep-seated nature of sinful desires that the Law brings to light.

Practical Application and Reflection

Romans 7:8 offers crucial insights for believers today:

  • Understanding Temptation: It helps us understand why knowing what is right doesn't automatically make us do it. The very act of being told "don't do X" can sometimes heighten the desire for X in our fallen nature. This highlights the ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh (Galatians 5:17).
  • The Law's Purpose: The Law's primary purpose is not to save us, but to reveal our sinfulness and our desperate need for a Savior. It acts as a mirror, showing us our spiritual condition (Romans 3:20).
  • Our Need for Grace: This verse underscores that mere knowledge of God's commands is insufficient for righteousness. True freedom from sin's dominion comes not through perfect law-keeping but through the power of the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus Christ, as further explored in Romans 8.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 7:11

    For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].

  • 1 Corinthians 15:56

    The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

  • Romans 4:15

    Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.

  • James 1:14

    But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

  • James 1:15

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

  • Romans 7:13

    Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

  • John 15:22

    If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

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