King James Version

What Does Romans 7:18 Mean?

Romans 7:18 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 7:18 · KJV

Context

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.

19

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing—Ouk oikei (οὐκ οἰκεῖ, "does not dwell") indicates permanent absence. En emoi, tout' estin en tē sarki mou (ἐν ἐμοί, τοῦτ' ἔστιν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου)—Paul's parenthetical clarification is vital: "in me, that is, in my flesh." He doesn't say nothing good dwells in him absolutely, but qualifies: nothing good in sarx (σάρξ, "flesh")—the remaining sin nature.

For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.—To thelein parakeitai moi (τὸ θέλειν πάρακειταί μοι, "the willing is present with me") versus to katergadzesthai to kalon ouch heuriskō (τὸ κατεργάζεσθαι τὸ καλὸν οὐχ εὑρίσκω, "the accomplishing of good I don't find"). Regeneration renewed the will; sanctification progressively empowers performance. This gap between renewed desire and imperfect execution characterizes Christian life pre-glorification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's careful distinction between 'me' and 'my flesh' reflects his understanding of union with Christ creating new identity while remaining corruption lingers. This isn't Greek dualism (body bad, spirit good) but redemptive-historical realism: believers are 'in Christ' (new) while still 'in Adam's legacy' (flesh). Complete deliverance awaits resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that regeneration renews the will while sanctification progressively empowers performance help you persevere?
  2. What evidence do you see of 'willing' being present even when 'performing' falls short?
  3. How might confusing identity ('in Christ') with experience ('in flesh') lead to false guilt or false confidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
οἶδα1 of 26

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ2 of 26

“For”

G1063

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

ὅτι3 of 26

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐχ4 of 26

“no”

G3756

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

οἰκεῖ5 of 26

“dwelleth”

G3611

to occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit

ἐν6 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοί7 of 26

“me”

G1698

to me

τοῦτ'8 of 26
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν9 of 26
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν10 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ11 of 26
G3588

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

σαρκί12 of 26

“flesh”

G4561

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

μου13 of 26

“my”

G3450

of me

ἀγαθόν·14 of 26

“good thing”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

τὸ15 of 26
G3588

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

γὰρ16 of 26

“For”

G1063

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

θέλειν17 of 26

“to will”

G2309

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

παράκειταί18 of 26

“is present”

G3873

to lie near, i.e., be at hand (figuratively, be prompt or easy)

μοι19 of 26

“with me”

G3427

to me

τὸ20 of 26
G3588

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

δὲ21 of 26

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

κατεργάζεσθαι22 of 26

“how to perform”

G2716

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

τὸ23 of 26
G3588

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

καλὸν24 of 26

“that which is good”

G2570

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

οὐχ25 of 26

“no”

G3756

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

εὑρίσκω26 of 26

“I find”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 3:6Psalms 51:5Galatians 5:17Psalms 119:115-117Romans 7:25Job 14:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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