Romans 7:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul locates the source of his wrongdoing not in his truest self but in the sin that dwells within him.
What Does Romans 7:17 Mean?
Paul makes a careful distinction. The wrong he does does not express his deepest desire, which sides with God; it springs from sin dwelling in him as an unwelcome lodger. He does not excuse himself, but he names the invader that has taken up residence within.
This is not denial of responsibility but discernment of the conflict. The renewed will and the indwelling pull of sin are not the same, and the believer must not confuse the resident enemy with his truest self. Naming the foe rightly is part of the fight, and it sharpens the longing for the One whose Spirit can dwell within and drive the intruder out.
Romans 7:17 in the Original Language
oikousa (οἰκοῦσα), 'dwelleth' -- to inhabit or reside, sin pictured as living in the house of the self.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 7:17
What does Romans 7:17 mean?
Paul locates the source of his wrongdoing not in his truest self but in the sin that dwells within him.