Romans 7:21
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
then
G686
ἄρα
then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
2 of 15
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
a law
G3551
νόμον
a law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλοντι
would
G2309
θέλοντι
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
6 of 15
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιεῖν
do
G4160
ποιεῖν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλὸν
good
G2570
καλὸν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Psalms 119:133Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.Romans 6:12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.Romans 7:23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Psalms 119:37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.2 Peter 2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.John 8:34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Historical Context
Paul distills his personal experience into universal principle: sanctification means battle, not effortless progress. This prepares believers for realistic expectations. Medieval monastics fled temptation through seclusion; Puritans emphasized 'mortification of sin' through vigorous, grace-dependent warfare. Paul sides with warfare, not escape or passivity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing this as a predictable 'law' (pattern) help you not be surprised or discouraged by temptation's presence?
- Where do you most frequently experience evil's 'presence' precisely when you're resolved to do good?
- How might understanding this principle change your expectations for Christian growth from 'eventual ease' to 'empowered warfare'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.—Heuriskō ara ton nomon (εὑρίσκω ἄρα τὸν νόμον, "I find therefore the principle/law") uses nomos (νόμος) not of Mosaic law but as "principle" or "fixed pattern"—the predictable reality of sanctification's warfare. Parakeitai moi (παράκειταί μοι, "is present with/beside me") depicts evil as a constant companion, not occasional visitor.
When I would do good, evil is present—thelonti emoi poiein to kalon (θέλοντί ἐμοὶ ποιεῖν τὸ καλόν, "to me willing to do good"). The temporal construction emphasizes simultaneity: precisely when believers resolve to obey, opposition arises. This isn't pessimism but realism. Understanding this 'law' (pattern) prevents shock and discouragement when spiritual resolve meets resistance. The Christian life isn't automatic virtue but Spirit-enabled warfare.