King James Version

What Does Romans 7:15 Mean?

Romans 7:15 in the King James Version says “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. allow: Gr. know” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. allow: Gr. know”

Romans 7:15 · KJV

Context

13

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid . But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

14

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. allow: Gr. know

16

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Read Romans 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For that which I do I allow not—Ou ginōskō (οὐ γινώσκω, "I do not know/understand/approve") expresses moral confusion and self-frustration. The regenerate will desires God's law but experiences contradiction between intent and performance. For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.—Thelō (θέλω, "I will/desire") versus misō (μισῶ, "I hate") shows internal civil war.

This describes the regenerate experience: genuine desire for holiness coupled with failure to achieve it. The unregenerate don't "hate" what they practice (Romans 1:32); they approve sin. Hating one's sin while struggling against it characterizes Christian experience, not unconverted life. This isn't excuse-making but honest acknowledgment that sanctification involves real battle against remaining corruption, not instantaneous perfection. Paul anticipates chapter 8's solution: Spirit-empowered victory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's vulnerable self-disclosure would encourage struggling believers in Rome. Perfectionistic expectations produce either pride (false claims of sinlessness) or despair (giving up). Paul charts a middle path: genuine progress in sanctification accompanied by ongoing conflict with indwelling sin until glorification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's description of internal conflict validate your experience of desiring holiness while falling short?
  2. What's the difference between the 'hatred of sin' Paul describes and the worldly regret of getting caught or facing consequences?
  3. How might perfectionist expectations (instant victory) be undermining your perseverance in sanctification's real war?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὃ1 of 16

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κατεργάζομαι3 of 16

“I do”

G2716

to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion

οὐ4 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γινώσκω·5 of 16

“I allow”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

οὐ6 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ7 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὃ8 of 16

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

θέλω9 of 16

“I would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

τοῦτο10 of 16

“that”

G5124

that thing

πράσσω11 of 16

“do I”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

ἀλλ'12 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὃ13 of 16

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μισῶ14 of 16

“I hate”

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

τοῦτο15 of 16

“that”

G5124

that thing

ποιῶ16 of 16

“do I”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 7:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 5:17Romans 7:19-20Ecclesiastes 7:20Nahum 1:7James 3:2Philippians 3:12-14

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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