Romans Chapter 7 · Verse 15
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατεργάζομαι
I do
G2716
κατεργάζομαι
I do
Strong's:
G2716
Word #:
3 of 16
to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion
γινώσκω·
I allow
G1097
γινώσκω·
I allow
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
5 of 16
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θέλω
I would
G2309
θέλω
I would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
9 of 16
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
πράσσω
do I
G4238
πράσσω
do I
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
11 of 16
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Galatians 5:17For 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.Nahum 1:7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.Jude 1:23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.Psalms 19:12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.Romans 14:22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.Hebrews 1:9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Historical Context
Paul's vulnerable self-disclosure would encourage struggling believers in Rome. Perfectionistic expectations produce either pride (false claims of sinlessness) or despair (giving up). Paul charts a middle path: genuine progress in sanctification accompanied by ongoing conflict with indwelling sin until glorification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's description of internal conflict validate your experience of desiring holiness while falling short?
- What's the difference between the 'hatred of sin' Paul describes and the worldly regret of getting caught or facing consequences?
- How might perfectionist expectations (instant victory) be undermining your perseverance in sanctification's real war?
Analysis & Commentary
For that which I do I allow not—Ou ginōskō (οὐ γινώσκω, "I do not know/understand/approve") expresses moral confusion and self-frustration. The regenerate will desires God's law but experiences contradiction between intent and performance. For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.—Thelō (θέλω, "I will/desire") versus misō (μισῶ, "I hate") shows internal civil war.
This describes the regenerate experience: genuine desire for holiness coupled with failure to achieve it. The unregenerate don't "hate" what they practice (Romans 1:32); they approve sin. Hating one's sin while struggling against it characterizes Christian experience, not unconverted life. This isn't excuse-making but honest acknowledgment that sanctification involves real battle against remaining corruption, not instantaneous perfection. Paul anticipates chapter 8's solution: Spirit-empowered victory.