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◄ Romans 7:18►

New International Version
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

New Living Translation
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.

English Standard Version
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

Berean Standard Bible
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Berean Literal Bible
For I know that there dwells in me nothing good, that is, in my flesh. For to will is present with me, but not to do good.

King James Bible
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; buthow to perform that which is good I find not.

New King James Version
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, buthow to perform what is good I do not find.

New American Standard Bible
For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the goodis not.

NASB 1995
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

NASB 1977
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the goodis not.

Legacy Standard Bible
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the working out of the goodis not.

Amplified Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.

Christian Standard Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.

American Standard Version
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.

Contemporary English Version
I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot.

English Revised Version
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don't do it.

Good News Translation
I know that good does not live in me--that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it.

International Standard Version
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but I cannot carry it out.

NET Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do the good, but I cannot do it.

New Heart English Bible
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For the desire is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

Webster's Bible Translation
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not.

Weymouth New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my lower self, nothing good has its home; for while the will to do right is present with me, the power to carry it out is not.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot discover how to carry it out.

World English Bible
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don’t find it doing that which is good.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for I have known that there does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and I do not find to work that which is right,

Berean Literal Bible
For I know that there dwells in me nothing good, that is, in my flesh. For to will is present with me, but not to do good.

Young's Literal Translation
for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find,

Smith's Literal Translation
For I know that in me dwells no good, (that is, in my flesh:) for to will lies near me; but to work good I find not.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I know that there dwelleth not in me, that is to say, in my flesh, that which is good. For to will, is present with me; but to accomplish that which is good, I find not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I know that what is good does not live within me, that is, within my flesh. For the willingness to do good lies close to me, but the carrying out of that good, I cannot reach.

New American Bible
For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.

New Revised Standard Version
For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Yet I know that it does not fully dominate me, (that is in my flesh) but as far as good is concerned, the choice is easy for me to make, but to do it, that is difficult.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For I know that good does not dwell within me, ( but this is in my flesh ), for it is easy for me to delight in the good, but I am unable to perform it.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good; for to will is present with me; but to perform that which is good, I find not.

Godbey New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my carnal mind, there dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but to do that which is beautiful is not:

Haweis New Testament
For I know that there dwelleth not in me (that is, in my flesh) any good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Mace New Testament
for I experience, that in the carnal part of me dwells no good: for it is familiar to me, to will, but not to execute that which is good.

Weymouth New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my lower self, nothing good has its home; for while the will to do right is present with me, the power to carry it out is not.

Worrell New Testament
For I know that there dwells not in me, that is, in my flesh, any good; for to wish is present with me: but to do that which is good a not.

Worsley New Testament
For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good: for to will is present with me, buthow to performthat which is good, I find not.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Struggling with Sin
…17In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.18 I know that nothing good lives in me,that is,in my flesh;for I have the desire to do what is good,but I cannot carry it out.19For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Psalm 51:5
Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Genesis 6:5
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

Treasury of Scripture

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

that in me.

Genesis 6:5
And GOD saw that the wickedness of manwas great in the earth, andthat every imagination of the thoughts of his heartwas only evil continually.

Genesis 8:21
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heartis evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Job 14:4
Who can bring a cleanthing out of an unclean? not one.

in my.

Romans 7:5,25
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death…

Romans 8:3-13
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: …

Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, tofulfil the luststhereof.

for to will.

Romans 7:15,19,25
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I…

Psalm 119:5,32,40,115-117,173,176
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! …

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

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Romans 7

1.No law has power over a man longer than he lives.
4.But we are dead to the law.
7.Yet is not the law sin;
12.but holy, just and good;
16.as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

I know that nothing good lives in me
This phrase reflects the Apostle Paul's deep awareness of human depravity and the sinful nature inherent in humanity. It echoes the biblical teaching found inGenesis 6:5, where God observes the wickedness of man. Paul's acknowledgment aligns with the doctrine of original sin, which suggests that sin has tainted every part of human nature. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the need for divine intervention and grace.

that is, in my flesh;
Here, "flesh" refers to the sinful nature or the human condition apart from God's influence. In biblical terms, "flesh" often symbolizes human weakness and propensity to sin, as seen inGalatians 5:19-21, where the works of the flesh are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit. This distinction is important in understanding the internal conflict believers face between their sinful nature and their new life in Christ.

for I have the desire to do what is good,
Paul expresses the internal struggle between his spiritual desires and his fleshly inclinations. This reflects the universal human experience of knowing what is right but struggling to do it, as seen in the broader context ofRomans 7. This desire to do good is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, as described inPhilippians 2:13, where God works in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose.

but I cannot carry it out.
This admission highlights the limitations of human effort in achieving righteousness. It underscores the necessity of relying on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, as human strength alone is insufficient. This struggle is further elaborated inRomans 8, where Paul discusses living according to the Spirit. The inability to carry out good intentions without divine help points to the need for salvation through Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to overcome sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Roman Christians, sharing his personal struggle with sin and the law.

2.Roman Christians
The recipients of the letter, living in a diverse and often morally challenging environment, needing guidance on living a Christian life.

3.The Flesh
Refers to the sinful nature inherent in humanity, which Paul describes as being devoid of anything good.

4.The Law
The Mosaic Law, which Paul discusses extensively in Romans, highlighting its role in revealing sin but not in providing salvation.

5.The Inner Conflict
The struggle between the desire to do good and the inability to carry it out, a universal human experience Paul articulates.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Flesh
Recognize that the "flesh" refers to our sinful nature, which is inherently opposed to God's will. This understanding is crucial for identifying the source of our struggles.

The Reality of Inner Conflict
Accept that the struggle between the desire to do good and the inability to carry it out is a common experience for all believers. This acknowledgment can lead to greater reliance on God's grace.

Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Emphasize the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers us to live according to God's will.

The Role of the Law
Understand that the Law reveals sin but cannot save us. Salvation and the power to live righteously come through Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Hope in Christ
Encourage believers to find hope in the fact that, despite our struggles, Christ has overcome sin and offers us victory through His sacrifice and resurrection.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Romans 7:18?

2.How does Romans 7:18 highlight the struggle between flesh and spirit in us?

3.What does "nothing good dwells in me" reveal about human nature?

4.How can Romans 7:18 guide us in daily spiritual battles?

5.Connect Romans 7:18 with Galatians 5:17 on the flesh-spirit conflict.

6.How can acknowledging our weakness in Romans 7:18 lead to spiritual growth?

7.How does Romans 7:18 address the struggle between human nature and spiritual desires?

8.What does Romans 7:18 reveal about human inability to achieve righteousness on their own?

9.How does Romans 7:18 fit into the broader context of Paul's teachings on sin?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 7?

11.How can you eliminate the body's sinful actions?

12.What does the Bible teach about willpower?

13.How can you eliminate the body's sinful actions?

14.How do temptation and sin differ?

What Does Romans 7:18 Mean

I know

Paul speaks from personal, Spirit-taught conviction. No one had to convince him of his inner condition; experience and the mirror of God’s law made it plain. Just as David confessed, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (Psalm 51:3), so Paul owns the truth about himself. FirstJohn 1:8 echoes the same self-awareness: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”

Key takeaways:

• Genuine spiritual life begins with honest self-assessment.

• The closer we draw to the Lord (Isaiah 6:5), the more clearly we see our need of grace.

Nothings good lives in me, that is, in my flesh

Here “flesh” refers to the fallen, sin-warped human nature, untouched by the Spirit. Scripture repeatedly affirms its corruption:

•Jeremiah 17:9—“The heart is deceitful above all things.”

•John 6:63—“The flesh profits nothing.”

•Romans 8:7—“The mind of the flesh is hostile to God.”

Even our best independent efforts are tainted: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Paul is not denying the image of God in humanity; he is confessing that, apart from divine life, nothing spiritually good issues from him.

For I have the desire to do what is good

Conversion planted a new longing in Paul’s heart. The Spirit births holy desires (Philippians 2:13), so the apostle can sincerely say, “I delight in the law of God in my inner being” (Romans 7:22). Jesus acknowledged a similar tension in His disciples: “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).Galatians 5:17 describes the conflict plainly—“the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit.”

Encouragement:

• A desire for righteousness is evidence of new birth (1 John 3:9).

• The struggle itself shows we belong to God; dead hearts feel no battle.

But I cannot carry it out

Left to himself, Paul finds no power in the flesh to translate holy intentions into consistent obedience. He echoes Jesus’ words: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).Romans 8:3 explains why: “What the law was powerless to do… God did by sending His own Son.” Our inability magnifies Christ’s sufficiency.

Practical implications:

• Self-effort always ends in frustration (Romans 3:23).

• Victory comes only through the Spirit (Romans 8:13;Galatians 5:16).

• Dependence, not determination, is the pathway to freedom (2 Corinthians 3:5).

summary

Romans 7:18 exposes the heart of every believer: an awakened conscience, a new godly desire, yet a stubborn incapacity in the old nature. Paul’s honest confession drives us to the Savior who alone indwells, empowers, and completes what we cannot. By recognizing the bankruptcy of the flesh and leaning wholly on the Spirit, we find that the good we long to do becomes the good He accomplishes through us.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18-20) Enthralled it is, and the will is powerless. What I do and what I will are opposite things. It is therefore sin that acts, and not I.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

I know
Οἶδα(Oida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

nothing
οὐκ(ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

good
ἀγαθόν(agathon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18:A primary word; 'good'.

lives
οἰκεῖ(oikei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3611:To inhabit, dwell, indwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, i.e. Reside; by implication, to cohabit.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

me,
ἐμοί(emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

that
τοῦτ’(tout’)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.

is,
ἔστιν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

my
μου(mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

flesh;
σαρκί(sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561:Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

for
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I
μοι(moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have
παράκειταί(parakeitai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3873:To be at hand, be present with, rest with. From para and keimai; to lie near, i.e. Be at hand.

the
τὸ(to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

desire
θέλειν(thelein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to do
κατεργάζεσθαι(katergazesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2716:From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion.

what is
τὸ(to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good,
καλὸν(kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570:Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

but
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[I] cannot [carry it out].
οὔ(ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

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NT Letters: Romans 7:18 For I know that in me that (Rom. Ro)