Bible/Romans/7

Romans 7:23

7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

KJV

Save image

but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? the body: or, this body of death

What does Romans 7:23 mean?

Romans 7:23 is a verse in the book of Romans, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include δέ (de), βλέπω (blepo), νόμος (nomos). It connects to 24 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Greek interlinear

Full chapter interlinear →
Butδέde/deh/G1161a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
I
seeβλέπωblepo/blep'-o/G991a primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare 3700.
anotherG2087
lawνόμοςnomos/nom'-os/G3551from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.
inἐνen/en/G1722a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
myἐγώmou/moo/G3450the simpler form of 1700; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
members,μέλοςmelos/mel'-os/G3196of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body:--member.
warring
againstἀντιστρατεύομαιantistrateuomai/an-tee-strat-yoo'-om-ahee/G497from 473 and 4754; (figuratively) to attack, i.e. (by implication) destroy:--war against.
the
lawνόμοςnomos/nom'-os/G3551from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.
of
myἐγώmou/moo/G3450the simpler form of 1700; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
mind,νοῦςnous/nooce/G3563probably from the base of 1097; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning:--mind, understanding. Compare 5590.
andκαίkai/kahee/G2532apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
bringingαἰχμαλωτίζωaichmalotizo/aheekh-mal-o-tid'-zo/G163from 164; to make captive:--lead away captive, bring into captivity.
meἐγώme/meh/G3165a shorter (and probably originally) from of 1691; me:--I, me, my.
into
captivityαἰχμαλωτίζωaichmalotizo/aheekh-mal-o-tid'-zo/G163from 164; to make captive:--lead away captive, bring into captivity.
to
the
lawνόμοςnomos/nom'-os/G3551from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.
of
sinἁμαρτίαhamartia/ham-ar-tee'-ah/G266from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).
whichὁ ἡ τόhoG3588he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
isεἰμί εἰμινonG5607ousa oo'-sah; and the neuter on on present participle of 1510; being:--be, come, have.
inἐνen/en/G1722a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
myἐγώmou/moo/G3450the simpler form of 1700; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
members.μέλοςmelos/mel'-os/G3196of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body:--member.

Commentary on Romans 7:23

HENRY_FULL · Romans 7:23
by faith without the works of the law was so very contrary to the notions the Jews had learnt from those that sat in Moses' chair, that it would hardly go down with them; and therefore the apostle insists very largely upon it, and labours much in the confirmation and illustration of it. He had before proved it by reason and argument, now in this chapter he proves it by example, which in some places serves for confirmation as well as illustration. The example he pitches upon is that of Abraham, whom he chooses to mention because the Jews gloried much in their relation to Abraham, put it in the first rank of their external privileges that they were Abraham's seed, and truly they had Abraham for their father. Therefore this instance was likely to be more taking and convincing to the Jews than any other. His argument stands thus: "All that are saved are justified in the same way as Abraham was; but Abraham was justified by faith, and not by works; therefore all that are saved are so justified;" for it would easily be acknowledged that Abraham was the father of the faithful. Now this is an argument, not only à pari —from an equal case, as they say, but à fortiori —from a stronger case. If Abraham, a man so famous for works, so eminent in holiness and obedience, was nevertheless justified by faith only, and not by those works, how much less can any other, especially any of those that spring from him, and come so far short of him in works, set up for a justification by their own works? And it proves likewise, ex abundanti —the more abundantly, as some observe, that we are not justified, no not by those good works which flow from faith, as the matter of our righteousness; for such were Abraham's works, and are we better than he? The whole chapter is taken up with his discourse upon this instance, and there is this in it, which hath a particular reference to the close of the foregoing chapter, where he has asserted that, in the business of justification, Jews and Gentiles stand upon the same level. Now in this chapter, with a great deal of cogency of argument, I. He proves that Abraham was justified not by works, but by faith, ver. 1-8 . II. He observes when and why he was so justified, ver. 9-17 . III. He describes and commends that faith of his, ver. 17-22 . IV. He applies all this to us, ver. 22-25 . And, if he had now been in the school of Tyrannus, he could not have disputed more argumentatively. The Case of Abraham. ( a. d. 58.) 1 What shall we

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Genesis 12:12

Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

Genesis 12:13

Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

Genesis 12:18

And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?

Genesis 12:20

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Joshua 24:2

And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

Jeremiah 9:23

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

Jeremiah 9:24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 8:9

And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.

Romans 3:20

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:27

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Romans 15:17

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

1 Corinthians 4:7

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?1161 now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? maketh: Gr. distinguisheth thee

1 Corinthians 9:16

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

2 Corinthians 5:122 Corinthians 11:122 Corinthians 11:302 Corinthians 12:1Galatians 3:22Galatians 6:13Galatians 6:14Ephesians 2:9Philippians 3:9

Topics

ConscienceGood and EvilJustificationManSinThanksgivingWarfare of Saints

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Romans 7:23.

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Matthew 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. conceived: Gr. begotten

Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Matthew 2:19

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Matthew 2:5

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. rule: or, feed

Frequently asked questions

What does Romans 7:23 say?

Romans 7:23 (King James Version) reads: "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

Is Romans 7:23 in the Old or New Testament?

Romans 7:23 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Romans.

Reflect

As you read Romans 7:23, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

Plan a sermon or study on Romans 7:23
7:22Read all of Romans 77:24