Romans 7:18
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 26
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 26
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 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἰκεῖ
dwelleth
G3611
οἰκεῖ
dwelleth
Strong's:
G3611
Word #:
5 of 26
to occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit
ἔστιν
G2076
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκί
flesh
G4561
σαρκί
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
12 of 26
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θέλειν
to will
G2309
θέλειν
to will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
17 of 26
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
παράκειταί
is present
G3873
παράκειταί
is present
Strong's:
G3873
Word #:
18 of 26
to lie near, i.e., be at hand (figuratively, be prompt or easy)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατεργάζεσθαι
how to perform
G2716
κατεργάζεσθαι
how to perform
Strong's:
G2716
Word #:
22 of 26
to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλὸν
that which is good
G2570
καλὸν
that which is good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
24 of 26
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
Cross References
Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.John 3:6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Romans 7:25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.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.Job 14:4Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Romans 7:19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Historical Context
Paul's careful distinction between 'me' and 'my flesh' reflects his understanding of union with Christ creating new identity while remaining corruption lingers. This isn't Greek dualism (body bad, spirit good) but redemptive-historical realism: believers are 'in Christ' (new) while still 'in Adam's legacy' (flesh). Complete deliverance awaits resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that regeneration renews the will while sanctification progressively empowers performance help you persevere?
- What evidence do you see of 'willing' being present even when 'performing' falls short?
- How might confusing identity ('in Christ') with experience ('in flesh') lead to false guilt or false confidence?
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Analysis & Commentary
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing—Ouk oikei (οὐκ οἰκεῖ, "does not dwell") indicates permanent absence. En emoi, tout' estin en tē sarki mou (ἐν ἐμοί, τοῦτ' ἔστιν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου)—Paul's parenthetical clarification is vital: "in me, that is, in my flesh." He doesn't say nothing good dwells in him absolutely, but qualifies: nothing good in sarx (σάρξ, "flesh")—the remaining sin nature.
For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.—To thelein parakeitai moi (τὸ θέλειν πάρακειταί μοι, "the willing is present with me") versus to katergadzesthai to kalon ouch heuriskō (τὸ κατεργάζεσθαι τὸ καλὸν οὐχ εὑρίσκω, "the accomplishing of good I don't find"). Regeneration renewed the will; sanctification progressively empowers performance. This gap between renewed desire and imperfect execution characterizes Christian life pre-glorification.