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Chapter 7
Verse 7

Romans 7:16

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.

American Standard Version (1901)

But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Bible in Basic English

But, if I do that which I have no mind to do, I am in agreement with the law that the law is good.

Douay-Rheims 1899

If then I do that which I will not, I consent to the law, that it is good.

Free Bible Version

But if I'm saying that I do what I don't want to, this shows that I admit the law is good and right.

Geneva Bible 1599

If I doe then that which I woulde not, I consent to the Lawe, that it is good.

King James (Authorized) Version

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Translation for Translators

Since I do the evil things that I do not want to do, I agree that the laws of God are good.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law that the law is good.

Noah Webster Bible

If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good.

World English Bible

But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.

Young's Literal Translation

And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that [it is] good,

Context

Struggling with Sin

¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.¹⁷In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Summary

In Romans 7:16, the apostle Paul expresses the internal struggle between his desire to do what is right and his inability to carry it out perfectly. This verse reflects the universal human experience of wrestling with sin and the flesh, despite having a sincere heart for God. Paul's honesty about his own shortcomings serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle believers face in living a life that aligns with God's will. Ultimately, this verse points to the need for reliance on the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful nature and walk in obedience.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

If then I do that which I would not, etc. - Knowing that the law condemns it, and that therefore it must be evil. I consent unto the law; I show by this circumstance that I acknowledge the law to be good.

Romans 7:16

Struggling with Sin

¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.¹⁷In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.

American Standard Version (1901)

But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Bible in Basic English

But, if I do that which I have no mind to do, I am in agreement with the law that the law is good.

Douay-Rheims 1899

If then I do that which I will not, I consent to the law, that it is good.

Free Bible Version

But if I'm saying that I do what I don't want to, this shows that I admit the law is good and right.

Geneva Bible 1599

If I doe then that which I woulde not, I consent to the Lawe, that it is good.

King James (Authorized) Version

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Translation for Translators

Since I do the evil things that I do not want to do, I agree that the laws of God are good.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law that the law is good.

Noah Webster Bible

If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good.

World English Bible

But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.

Young's Literal Translation

And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that [it is] good,