New International VersionFor when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.
New Living TranslationWhen we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.
English Standard VersionFor while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.
Berean Standard BibleFor when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.
Berean Literal BibleFor while we were in the flesh, the passions of sins that were through the Law were at work in our members, to the bringing forth of fruit to death.
King James BibleFor 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.
New King James VersionFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.
New American Standard BibleFor while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death.
NASB 1995For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
NASB 1977For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
Legacy Standard BibleFor while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.
Amplified BibleWhen we were living in the flesh [trapped by sin], the sinful passions, which were awakened by [that which] the Law [identifies as sin], were at work in our body to bear fruit for death [since the willingness to sin led to death and separation from God].
Christian Standard BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions aroused through the law were working in us to bear fruit for death.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions operated through the law in every part of us and bore fruit for death.
American Standard VersionFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were through the law, wrought in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Contemporary English VersionWhen we thought only of ourselves, the Law made us have sinful desires. It made every part of our bodies into slaves who are doomed to die.
English Revised VersionFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were through the law, wrought in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhile we were living under the influence of our corrupt nature, sinful passions were at work throughout our bodies. Stirred up by Moses' laws, our sinful passions did things that result in death.
Good News TranslationFor when we lived according to our human nature, the sinful desires stirred up by the Law were at work in our bodies, and all we did ended in death.
International Standard VersionFor while we were living according to our human nature, sinful passions were at work in our bodies by means of the Law, to bear fruit resulting in death.
NET BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful desires, aroused by the law, were active in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
New Heart English BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit for death.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit to death:
Weymouth New TestamentFor whilst we were under the thraldom of our earthly natures, sinful passions-- made sinful by the Law--were always being aroused to action in our bodily faculties that they might yield fruit to death. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.
World English BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law worked in our members to bring out fruit to death. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, that [are] through the Law, were working in our members, to bear fruit to death;
Berean Literal BibleFor while we were in the flesh, the passions of sins that were through the Law were at work in our members, to the bringing forth of fruit to death.
Young's Literal Translation for when we were in the flesh, the passions of the sins, that are through the law, were working in our members, to bear fruit to the death;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor when we were in the flesh the passions of sins, those by the law, were energetic in our members to bring forth fruit to death. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, which were under the law, operated within our bodies, so as to bear fruit unto death.
New American BibleFor when we were in the flesh, our sinful passions, awakened by the law, worked in our members to bear fruit for death.
New Revised Standard VersionWhile we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor when we were in the flesh, the wounds of sin, which were by the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruits to death.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishWhen we were in the flesh, the diseases of sin, which are by The Written Law, worked diligently in the members that we might yield fruit to death. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were excited by the law, were active in our members, so as to bring forth fruit to death:
Godbey New TestamentFor when we were in carnality, the emotions of sins, which were through the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Haweis New TestamentFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions excited by the law, wrought powerfully in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death.
Mace New Testamentfor when we were in the carnal state of the law, the sinful passions of that state set our animal faculties to work in the service of death.
Weymouth New TestamentFor whilst we were under the thraldom of our earthly natures, sinful passions-- made sinful by the Law--were always being aroused to action in our bodily faculties that they might yield fruit to death.
Worrell New TestamentFor, when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, which were through the law, were working in our members to bring forth fruit to death.
Worsley New TestamentFor when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions while we were under the law operated in our bodies so as to bring forth fruit unto death.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Release from the Law… 4Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5Forwhenwe livedaccording totheflesh,thesinfulpassionsaroused bythelawwere at workinourbodies,bearing fruitfor death.6But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.…
Cross References Galatians 5:19-21The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
James 1:14-15But 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.
Galatians 3:19Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.
Colossians 3:5-6Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:3All 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.
1 Corinthians 15:56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
Galatians 5:24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Ephesians 5:3-5But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. / Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. / For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
2 Corinthians 3:6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Galatians 2:19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God.
Matthew 15:19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
Mark 7:21-23For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”
1 Peter 4:3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Genesis 6:5Then 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.
Treasury of Scripture 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 to death. in the flesh. Romans 8:8,9 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God… John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Galatians 5:16,17,24This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh… motions. Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: which. Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the lawis the knowledge of sin. Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is,there is no transgression. Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: did work. Romans 7:8-13 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sinwas dead… Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which arethese; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, … members. Romans 7:23 But 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. Romans 6:13,19 Neither yield ye your membersas instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your membersas instruments of righteousness unto God… Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: bring. Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those thingsis death. Jump to Previous ActionAlwaysArousedBearBodiesBodilyBodyBoreControlledDeathEarthlyEvilFacultiesFleshForthFruitLawMembersMotionsNatureNaturesPassionsSinfulSinsThraldomWhilstWorkWorkedWorkingWroughtYieldJump to Next ActionAlwaysArousedBearBodiesBodilyBodyBoreControlledDeathEarthlyEvilFacultiesFleshForthFruitLawMembersMotionsNatureNaturesPassionsSinfulSinsThraldomWhilstWorkWorkedWorkingWroughtYieldRomans 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.For when we lived according to the fleshThis phrase refers to a time before spiritual rebirth, when individuals were governed by their sinful nature. In biblical context, "flesh" often symbolizes human weakness and propensity to sin ( Galatians 5:19-21). Theologically, it contrasts with living according to the Spirit ( Romans 8:5-9). Historically, this reflects the human condition post-Fall, as described in Genesis 3, where humanity's disobedience led to a life dominated by sin. the sinful passions aroused by the law
Here, "sinful passions" are the desires that lead to sin. The law, while holy and good (Romans 7:12), paradoxically highlights sin by defining it (Romans 3:20). This phrase suggests that the law, by prohibiting certain actions, can inadvertently provoke sinful desires, a concept Paul elaborates on inRomans 7:7-8. This reflects the human tendency to rebel against restrictions, a theme seen throughout Israel's history (Exodus 32). were at work in our bodies
This indicates the active presence of sin within human nature, affecting physical actions and decisions. The "bodies" here symbolize the whole person, emphasizing that sin impacts every aspect of human life. This aligns with Paul's teaching inRomans 6:12-13, where he warns against letting sin reign in mortal bodies. Theologically, it underscores the need for redemption and transformation through Christ. bearing fruit for death
The metaphor of "bearing fruit" suggests outcomes or consequences. In this context, the result of living according to the flesh is spiritual death, as opposed to the life-giving fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This echoes the warning inRomans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. It highlights the ultimate consequence of sin, reinforcing the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Roman Christians, explaining the relationship between the law, sin, and grace. 2. Roman ChristiansThe recipients of the letter, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. 3. The LawRefers to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites and is central to understanding sin and righteousness. 4. Sinful PassionsThe desires and inclinations that lead individuals away from God's will, often exacerbated by the law. 5. DeathRepresents spiritual death, the ultimate consequence of living in sin and apart from God's grace. Teaching Points Understanding the Role of the LawThe law reveals sin but does not have the power to save. It acts as a mirror, showing us our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. The Nature of Sinful PassionsSinful passions are inherent in our fallen nature and are often stirred by the law. Recognizing this helps us rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to overcome them. Bearing Fruit for DeathLiving according to the flesh results in spiritual death. This underscores the importance of living by the Spirit to bear fruit for eternal life. The Transition from Flesh to SpiritAs believers, we are called to transition from living according to the flesh to living by the Spirit, which leads to life and peace. The Importance of Spiritual VigilanceBeing aware of the sinful nature and its consequences encourages us to remain vigilant in our spiritual walk, constantly seeking God's guidance and strength. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Romans 7:5?
2.How does Romans 7:5 describe our past life under the law?
3.What role did "sinful passions" play in our lives according to Romans 7:5?
4.How can understanding Romans 7:5 help us resist sin today?
5.Connect Romans 7:5 with Galatians 5:24 on crucifying sinful desires.
6.How can we live by the Spirit instead of the flesh, per Romans 7:5?
7.How does Romans 7:5 explain the relationship between the law and sin?
8.What does "sinful passions aroused by the law" mean in Romans 7:5?
9.How does Romans 7:5 relate to the concept of original sin?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 7?
11.What does 'crucify the flesh' mean?
12.What does 'carnally minded is death' mean?
13.What does "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" mean?
14.How can Romans 7:1-6 claim that believers are 'released' from the Law when elsewhere Scripture upholds its importance?What Does Romans 7:5 Mean For when we lived according to the fleshPaul is looking back to our pre-conversion days, when self, not the Spirit, ruled. • “According to the flesh” points to a lifestyle guided by fallen desires, as inRomans 8:5–8 where “those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.” •Ephesians 2:1–3 describes the same season: “we all once lived in the passions of our flesh… and were by nature children of wrath.” • The verb “lived” signals an ongoing pattern, not an occasional slip. Before Christ, this was our normal operating system.
the sinful passions aroused by the lawThe law is holy (Romans 7:12), yet it exposes and even stirs up rebellion in the sinner’s heart. • Like a “Do Not Touch” sign that makes us want to touch, the commandments bring dormant desires to the surface (Romans 7:8). •1 Corinthians 15:56 echoes this: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” • The problem is not the law itself but the sin within us that seizes the opportunity to transgress when the boundary is made clear.
were at work in our bodiesSin isn’t abstract; it hijacks the tangible parts of us—eyes, tongue, hands—producing destructive deeds. •James 1:14–15 traces the process: desire conceives, gives birth to sin, and sin brings forth death. •Romans 6:12 urges, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.” •Colossians 3:5 calls believers to “put to death” these bodily sins now that we belong to Christ.
bearing fruit for deathEvery tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:17–19). The harvest of a flesh-ruled life is spiritual death. •Romans 6:21 asks, “What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? Those things result in death!” •Galatians 6:8 warns, “The one who sows to please his flesh… will reap destruction.” • This death is both present—alienation from God—and future, culminating in eternal separation unless one trusts Christ (Romans 6:23).
summaryRomans 7:5 reminds us where we once stood: captive to fleshly urges that the law exposed, channeled through our bodies, and harvested in death. The verse sets the stage for the liberating contrast ofRomans 7:6, where believers now serve “in the new way of the Spirit.” Remembering the old bondage magnifies the grace that has moved us from death-bearing fruit to life-giving freedom. (5) The new alliance ought not to be unproductive, for the old alliance was not unproductive. Before that mortification of the flesh which proceeds from our relation to the death of Christ, we bore a fruit generated through our carnal appetites by the Law, and the only being to whose honour and glory they contributed was Death. The sins committed under the old dispensation are regarded as due to a two-fold agency--on the one hand to the Law (the operation of which is described more particularly inRomans 7:7-8), and on the other hand to the flesh, which was only too susceptible to any influence that would call out its sinful impulses. Those impulses have now been mortified, as if by a course of asceticism, through union with the death of Christ. The "body" is regarded by St. Paul as a neutral principle, which is not in itself either good or bad. It is simply the material frame of men, which though itself "of the earth earthy" is capable of becoming a dwelling-place for the Spirit, and being put to holy uses. The "flesh" is the same material frame regarded as the seat of sinful appetites, and with a tendency to obey the lower rather than the higher self. The proper way to overcome this lower self is by that spiritual asceticism which the believer goes through by his appropriation of the death of Christ. Motions of sins.--The same word which is translated inGalatians 5:24, "affections"--those emotions or passions which lead to sin. Which were by the law.--Which the Law served to stimulate and quicken in the manner described below. Did work.--Were active or astir, opposed to that state of torpor or mortification to which they were reduced in the Christian. Unto death.--Death is here personified as the king of that region which sin serves to enrich. Verse 5. - For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins which were through the Law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. In the flesh, to which might be opposed in the Spirit (cf. Romans 8:9), denotes our state when under the power of sin, before we had risen to a new life in Christ; it is virtually the same as what is meant by being under the Law, as is shown by the opposed expression in ver. 6, κατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου. What is signified by "the passions of sins" being "through the Law" will be considered under vers. 7 and 8.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.whenὅτε(hote)Adverb
Strong's 3753:When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.we [lived]ἦμεν(ēmen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.according toἐν(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.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.flesh,σαρκί(sarki)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561:Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.theτὰ(ta)Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sinfulἁμαρτιῶν(hamartiōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266:From hamartano; a sin.passionsπαθήματα(pathēmata)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3804:From a presumed derivative of pathos; something undergone, i.e. Hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence.[aroused] byδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lawνόμου(nomou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551:From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.were at workἐνηργεῖτο(enērgeito)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1754:From energes; to be active, efficient.inἐν(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.ourἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.bodies,μέλεσιν(melesin)Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3196:A bodily organ, limb, member. Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body.bearing fruitκαρποφορῆσαι(karpophorēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2592:To bear fruit. From karpophoros; to be fertile.for death.θανάτῳ(thanatō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288:Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.
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NT Letters: Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh (Rom. Ro) |
