Romans 7:24
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
! who
G5101
τίς
! who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ῥύσεται
shall deliver
G4506
ῥύσεται
shall deliver
Strong's:
G4506
Word #:
6 of 12
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
the body
G4983
σώματος
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
9 of 12
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Psalms 102:20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Hebrews 2:15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.Psalms 72:12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Historical Context
Some interpreters see Paul alluding to ancient punishment where a corpse was strapped to a living person until death. Whether historical allusion or vivid metaphor, the point is clear: Paul longs for deliverance from sin's clinging corruption. This groaning characterizes all believers awaiting glorification (Romans 8:23). Verse 25 shifts from complaint to confident hope.
Questions for Reflection
- How does distinguishing between Paul's hatred of sin versus hatred of self help you maintain gospel-identity during spiritual struggle?
- What does it mean that your ultimate deliverance from indwelling sin awaits resurrection rather than achieving perfect sanctification now?
- How might groaning over remaining sin (v. 24) coexist with rejoicing in justification (Romans 5:1) and confidence of glorification (8:30)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
O wretched man that I am!—Talaipōros egō anthrōpos (ταλαίπωρος ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος, "wretched I [am], the man") expresses profound anguish over the warfare described in vv. 15-23. This isn't self-loathing (which denies gospel-identity) but righteous frustration over remaining corruption's persistence. Paul hates sin's presence, not his person—the anguish of wanting holiness while experiencing ongoing battle.
Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?—Tis me rhysetai ek tou sōmatos tou thanatou toutou (τίς με ῥύσεται ἐκ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου, "who will rescue me from this body of death?") The question anticipates v. 25's answer. Rhyomai (ῥύομαι, "deliver/rescue") implies external help—self-effort fails. "Body of death" likely refers to the mortal body still subject to sin's corrupting influence, not the body itself as evil. Complete deliverance awaits resurrection (Romans 8:23, Philippians 3:21).