Romans 7:20
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θέλω
would
G2309
θέλω
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
5 of 18
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιῶ
I do
G4160
ποιῶ
I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
κατεργάζομαι
that do
G2716
κατεργάζομαι
that do
Strong's:
G2716
Word #:
11 of 18
to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 18
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 #:
13 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Paul's pastoral wisdom shines through—he provides theological framework for fighting sin without losing gospel-assurance. Believers need both urgency in mortifying sin and confidence that failure doesn't nullify justification. This dual emphasis characterizes Reformed soteriology: justified once-for-all, sanctified progressively, both grounded in union with Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does maintaining the distinction between 'I' (in Christ) and 'sin dwelling in me' enable you to fight sin without losing assurance?
- What would change in your battle against specific sins if you firmly grasped that they contradict rather than define your identity?
- How might this framework help you pursue holiness from security rather than insecurity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.—Paul repeats v. 17's crucial distinction, bracketing vv. 18-19's elaboration. The repetition underscores the fundamental point: regenerate identity ("I") versus remaining corruption ("sin dwelling in me"). Ouketi egō (οὐκέτι ἐγώ, "no longer I") doesn't eliminate responsibility but distinguishes the Christian's true self (united to Christ) from remaining sin's alien presence.
This framework is essential for persevering in sanctification: believers must fight sin ruthlessly (Colossians 3:5) while maintaining assurance that sin doesn't define them (Romans 8:1). The proper response to failure isn't either minimizing sin ("that's not really me") or despair ("I must not be saved"). Rather: "This contradicts my regenerate identity; by God's Spirit I'll mortify it, confident that Christ's righteousness defines me." This balance enables warfare without works-righteousness.