Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Original Language Analysis
συνήδομαι
I delight
G4913
συνήδομαι
I delight
Strong's:
G4913
Word #:
1 of 10
to rejoice in with oneself, i.e., feel satisfaction concerning
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμῳ
in the law
G3551
νόμῳ
in the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 10
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 10
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 10
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Psalms 119:35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.Hebrews 8:10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.Psalms 119:92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.Psalms 119:16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.Psalms 119:174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.Psalms 119:167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
Historical Context
Reformed theology consistently identifies 'delight in God's law' as evidence of regeneration. The unregenerate may respect, fear, or externally obey law, but they don't 'delight' in it. This inner pleasure in God's will—despite imperfect performance—distinguishes Christian struggle from pre-Christian rebellion. Paul grounds assurance in regenerate affections, not perfect achievement.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence do you see of genuine 'delight' in God's law despite imperfect obedience?
- How does recognizing this delight as proof of regeneration encourage you during moral failure?
- What's the difference between delighting in God's law and merely acknowledging its validity or fearing its penalties?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man—Synēdomai gar tō nomō tou theou (συνήδομαι γὰρ τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ θεοῦ, "I rejoice together with the law of God") uses a compound verb indicating deep pleasure and agreement. Kata ton esō anthrōpon (κατὰ τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον, "according to the inner man") describes the regenerate self—the new creation in Christ.
This verse decisively proves Paul describes regenerate experience. The unregenerate "receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:14) and cannot "delight in God's law"—such delight requires regeneration. The "inner man" is renewed by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:16, Ephesians 3:16), producing genuine love for God's revealed will. This doesn't mean perfect obedience but authentic desire—the hallmark of new birth. Paul's struggle isn't whether to obey but how to overcome remaining resistance.