Romans 7:19

19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

Romans 7:19 in Other Translations

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

19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

19 I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.

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

19 I don't do the good I want to do. Instead, I do the evil that I don't want to do.

19 For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.

19 I don't do the good things I want to do. I keep on doing the evil things I don't want to do.

Romans 7:19 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 7:19

For the good that I would, I do not
The apostle here repeats what he had delivered in ( Romans 7:15 Romans 7:16 ) to strengthen and confirm this part of his experience; that though he had a will to that which was good, yet he wanted power, and had none of himself to perform; and therefore often did what he would not, and what he would he did not.

Romans 7:19 In-Context

17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

Cross References

• 1. ver 15