Romans 7:17
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Original Language Analysis
κατεργάζομαι
that do
G2716
κατεργάζομαι
that do
Strong's:
G2716
Word #:
5 of 12
to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 7:20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.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.2 Corinthians 8:12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Historical Context
This verse has been misused to minimize personal responsibility for sin, but Paul's point is different: defining identity. He's not saying "sin makes me do it, so I'm not responsible." He's saying "my regenerate identity wars against indwelling sin; this conflict proves I'm not sin's willing servant but reluctant victim in these failures." This distinction grounds assurance during sanctification's long battle.
Questions for Reflection
- How does distinguishing between your identity in Christ and indwelling sin help you fight sin without losing assurance?
- What's the danger of either over-identifying with your remaining sin or denying its ongoing presence?
- How might understanding sin as 'dwelling in' but not 'defining' you change your self-talk during spiritual failure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.—Ouketi egō katergazomai auto (οὐκέτι ἐγὼ κατεργάζομαι αὐτό, "no longer I that work it") doesn't absolve responsibility but distinguishes the regenerate self (new identity in Christ) from indwelling sin (remaining corruption). Oikousa (οἰκοῦσα, "dwelling") present participle indicates ongoing residence—sin still occupies the believer but no longer defines identity.
This crucial distinction separates the Christian's core identity (united to Christ, justified, regenerate) from remaining sin (being progressively eradicated in sanctification). The believer is simultaneously saint (identity) and sinner (experience). This isn't excuse-making but proper theological anthropology: who I am in Christ versus what I still struggle with in the flesh. Romans 6:6's "old man crucified" describes positional death to sin's reign; chapter 7 describes experiential warfare with sin's remaining presence.