King James Version

What Does Romans 7:16 Mean?

Romans 7:16 in the King James Version says “If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 7:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.—Symphēmi (σύμφημι, "agree with/consent to") means to acknowledge jointly. The very fact that Paul does what he hates proves he agrees with law's goodness—his will aligns with law even when his performance falls short. This is crucial evidence for the regenerate interpretation: the unregenerate don't consent that law is good; they're hostile to God's law (Romans 8:7).

This verse demonstrates the regenerate heart's fundamental orientation toward God's standard despite failure to achieve it consistently. The problem isn't will-alignment (which regeneration accomplished) but power-deficit (which Spirit-empowerment addresses, chapter 8). The believer's struggle isn't whether to obey but how to accomplish the obedience desired.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul continues building his case that this conflict characterizes Christian, not pre-Christian, experience. Agreement with law's goodness marks regenerate hearts; the unregenerate mind is 'enmity against God' (8:7). This distinction matters enormously for pastoral care—believers struggling with sin need encouragement and power (Spirit), not regeneration (they have it).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that your struggle with sin actually evidences regenerate consent to God's law encourage you?
  2. What's the difference between failing to achieve what you desire versus not desiring God's standard at all?
  3. How might misdiagnosing regenerate struggle as unregenerate rebellion lead to either despair or works-righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
εἰ1 of 12

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 12

“then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὃ3 of 12

“which”

G3739

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

οὐ4 of 12

“not”

G3756

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

θέλω5 of 12

“I would”

G2309

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

τοῦτο6 of 12

“that”

G5124

that thing

ποιῶ7 of 12

“I do”

G4160

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

σύμφημι8 of 12

“I consent”

G4852

to say jointly, i.e., assent to

τῷ9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμῳ10 of 12

“unto the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ὅτι11 of 12

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καλός12 of 12

“it is good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 7:12Romans 7:141 Timothy 1:8Romans 7:22Psalms 119:127-128

Test Your Knowledge

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

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