Romans 7:16 Meaning and Explanation
“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →By hating the wrong he does, Paul agrees with the law that the law itself is good.
What Does Romans 7:16 Mean?
Paul finds an unexpected witness in his own failure. When he does what he does not want, his very reluctance shows that deep down he agrees with the law. His conscience sides with the commandment even when his conduct does not, confirming that the law is good.
There is comfort hidden here. The grief over sin proves that the heart has not wholly surrendered; it still consents to what is right. This inward agreement with God's law is the soil in which renewal grows. Yet consent is not victory. The same Paul who applauds the law's goodness will look beyond it to Christ, who alone turns consent into triumph.
Romans 7:16 in the Original Language
symphemi (σύμφημι), 'consent' -- to agree with, literally to speak together with, voicing assent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 7:16
What does Romans 7:16 mean?
By hating the wrong he does, Paul agrees with the law that the law itself is good.