Romans 7:21
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So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. (Rom. 7:1-25) I speak to them that know the law--of Moses to whom, though not themselves Jews (see on Rom 1:13), the Old Testament was familiar.
Open source ↗We may observe in this chapter, I. Our freedom from the law further urged as an argument to press upon us sanctification (Rom 7:1-6). II. The excellency and usefulness of the law asserted and proved from the apostle's own experience, notwithstanding (Rom 7:7-14). III. A description of the conflict between grace and corruption in the heart (Rom 7:14, Rom 7:15, to the end).
Open source ↗7:21 principle of life (literally law): Paul is referring to a regular occurrence, such as when we speak of the “law of gravity.” The struggle between wanting to do what is right and instead doing what is wrong reveals a regular pattern operating in the human sphere.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.
But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.
For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.
Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.