Romans 7:25
I 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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐυχάριστῶ
I thank
G2168
ἐυχάριστῶ
I thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 24
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἄρα
So then
G686
ἄρα
So then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
10 of 24
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὖν
G3767
αὐτὸς
myself
G846
αὐτὸς
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 24
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
serve
G3303
μὲν
serve
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
νοῒ
with the mind
G3563
νοῒ
with the mind
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
16 of 24
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
δουλεύω
G1398
δουλεύω
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
17 of 24
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
18 of 24
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὶ
with the flesh
G4561
σαρκὶ
with the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
22 of 24
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
Cross References
Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.Isaiah 49:13Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Historical Context
Paul sets up chapter 8's triumphant resolution. Chapter 7 diagnoses the problem (indwelling sin, law's inability to sanctify); chapter 8 provides the solution (Spirit-empowerment). The transition is crucial: Paul doesn't leave believers in v. 24's anguish but points to Christ-purchased deliverance accomplished by Spirit-power. This grounds realistic sanctification theology—progress through warfare, not instant perfection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing both thanksgiving (deliverance is certain) and ongoing struggle (not yet complete) shape your sanctification expectations?
- What does it mean practically that 'with the mind' you serve God's law while 'with the flesh' you still battle sin's law?
- How should chapter 7's honest struggle and chapter 8's confident hope work together in your daily Christian experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Charis de tō theō dia Iēsou Christou tou kyriou hēmōn (χάρις δὲ τῷ θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν, "but thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord") answers v. 24's question. Charis (χάρις) means both "thanks" and "grace"—appropriate double meaning. Deliverance comes through Christ alone, prompting thanksgiving. This anticipates chapter 8's full answer: the Spirit's empowerment secures victory.
So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.—Ara oun autos egō tō men noi douleuō nomō theou tē de sarki nomō hamartias (ἄρα οὖν αὐτὸς ἐγὼ τῷ μὲν νοῒ δουλεύω νόμῳ θεοῦ τῇ δὲ σαρκὶ νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας, "therefore I myself with the mind serve God's law but with the flesh sin's law"). Paul summarizes chapter 7's paradox: simultaneous service to two masters—regenerate mind serves God; remaining flesh serves sin. This isn't defeatism but realism pending chapter 8's Spirit-solution. The Christian is oriented toward God (mind) while battling remaining corruption (flesh) until glorification.