Romans 7:14
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμος
the law
G3551
νόμος
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
πνευματικός
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικός
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
6 of 15
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
σάρκικός
carnal
G4559
σάρκικός
carnal
Strong's:
G4559
Word #:
10 of 15
pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate
πεπραμένος
sold
G4097
πεπραμένος
sold
Strong's:
G4097
Word #:
12 of 15
from the base of g4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e., dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
13 of 15
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
1 Kings 21:25But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.2 Kings 17:17And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.1 Kings 21:20And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.Isaiah 52:3For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.Isaiah 50:1Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.Psalms 119:25My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.Romans 7:18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.Matthew 5:22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.Matthew 5:28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Historical Context
Reformed interpreters (Augustine, Luther, Calvin) consistently understood vv. 14-25 as describing the regenerate believer's struggle with remaining sin. The Wesleyan/Arminian tradition often sees this as pre-Christian experience, but contextual markers (delight in law, serving God with mind, present tense) support the regenerate view. Paul depicts sanctification as warfare, not instant perfection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing this as the normal Christian experience (not just pre-conversion struggle) change your expectations for sanctification?
- What comfort do you find in Paul's honest description of the conflict between law's spiritual demands and indwelling sin?
- Where do you see evidence in your life of both 'serving the law of God with the mind' and struggling with remaining 'carnality'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For we know that the law is spiritual—Pneumatikos (πνευματικός, "spiritual") means proceeding from the Holy Spirit, demanding heart-level obedience beyond external compliance. Law requires love, not mere behavioral conformity (Matthew 22:37-40). But I am carnal, sold under sin—Sarkinos (σάρκινος, "fleshly/carnal") describes the believer's remaining sin nature, not total depravity. Peprāmenos hypo tēn hamartian (πεπραμένος ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, "sold under sin") uses perfect tense—ongoing state from past action.
This begins the disputed section (vv. 14-25): does Paul describe pre-Christian or Christian experience? The present tense "I am," personal pronouns, present struggle, delight in God's law (v. 22), and serving God's law with the mind (v. 25) argue for regenerate experience. Paul describes the believer's ongoing war with indwelling sin—not total dominion by sin (that's the unregenerate state) but real conflict with remaining corruption.