King James Version

What Does Romans 7:20 Mean?

Romans 7:20 in the King James Version says “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 7:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Read Romans 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.—Paul repeats v. 17's crucial distinction, bracketing vv. 18-19's elaboration. The repetition underscores the fundamental point: regenerate identity ("I") versus remaining corruption ("sin dwelling in me"). Ouketi egō (οὐκέτι ἐγώ, "no longer I") doesn't eliminate responsibility but distinguishes the Christian's true self (united to Christ) from remaining sin's alien presence.

This framework is essential for persevering in sanctification: believers must fight sin ruthlessly (Colossians 3:5) while maintaining assurance that sin doesn't define them (Romans 8:1). The proper response to failure isn't either minimizing sin ("that's not really me") or despair ("I must not be saved"). Rather: "This contradicts my regenerate identity; by God's Spirit I'll mortify it, confident that Christ's righteousness defines me." This balance enables warfare without works-righteousness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's pastoral wisdom shines through—he provides theological framework for fighting sin without losing gospel-assurance. Believers need both urgency in mortifying sin and confidence that failure doesn't nullify justification. This dual emphasis characterizes Reformed soteriology: justified once-for-all, sanctified progressively, both grounded in union with Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does maintaining the distinction between 'I' (in Christ) and 'sin dwelling in me' enable you to fight sin without losing assurance?
  2. What would change in your battle against specific sins if you firmly grasped that they contradict rather than define your identity?
  3. How might this framework help you pursue holiness from security rather than insecurity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
εἰ1 of 18

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 18

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὃ3 of 18
G3739

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

οὐ4 of 18

“not”

G3756

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

θέλω5 of 18

“would”

G2309

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

ἐγὼ6 of 18

“I”

G1473

i, me

τοῦτο7 of 18

“that”

G5124

that thing

ποιῶ8 of 18

“I do”

G4160

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

οὐκέτι9 of 18
G3765

not yet, no longer

ἐγὼ10 of 18

“I”

G1473

i, me

κατεργάζομαι11 of 18

“that do”

G2716

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

αὐτὸ12 of 18

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀλλ'13 of 18

“but”

G235

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

ἡ14 of 18
G3588

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

οἰκοῦσα15 of 18

“that dwelleth”

G3611

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

ἐν16 of 18

“in”

G1722

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

ἐμοὶ17 of 18

“me”

G1698

to me

ἁμαρτία18 of 18

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 7:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 7 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes