King James Version

What Does Romans 7:19 Mean?

Romans 7:19 in the King James Version says “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 7:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.—This verse reinforces v. 15's chiastic structure, emphasizing the painful contradiction between regenerate desire and imperfect performance. Agathon (ἀγαθόν, "good") contrasts with kakon (κακόν, "evil")—moral opposites that mark the battlefield of Christian experience.

The repetition isn't redundant but emphatic: this conflict is real, ongoing, and characteristic of authentic Christian life. Paul doesn't minimize sin's remaining power or pretend sanctification means instant victory. Instead, he honestly portrays the warfare described in Galatians 5:17: "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." This realism prevents both perfectionist pride and antinomian resignation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's transparent acknowledgment of ongoing moral struggle would resonate with honest believers while exposing perfectionist pretensions. The New Testament consistently portrays sanctification as progressive warfare (Philippians 3:12-14, 1 John 1:8), not instantaneous arrival. Paul's realism provides pastoral comfort without excusing sin or lowering God's standard.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's repeated emphasis on this conflict help you avoid either perfectionist presumption or defeatist resignation?
  2. Where do you most acutely feel the gap between what you desire (good) and what you accomplish (sometimes evil)?
  3. How might accepting this tension as normal Christian experience free you to fight sin vigorously without crushing self-condemnation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
οὐ1 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

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

ὃ3 of 13

“which”

G3739

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

θέλω4 of 13

“I would”

G2309

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

ποιῶ5 of 13

“I do”

G4160

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

ἀγαθόν6 of 13

“the good”

G18

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

ἀλλ'7 of 13

“but”

G235

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

ὃ8 of 13

“which”

G3739

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

οὐ9 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

θέλω10 of 13

“I would”

G2309

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

κακὸν11 of 13

“the evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

τοῦτο12 of 13

“that”

G5124

that thing

πράσσω13 of 13

“I do”

G4238

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

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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 7:15

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