Romans 7:18
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.

English Standard Version
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

Berean Standard Bible
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Berean Literal Bible
For I know that there dwells in me nothing good, that is, in my flesh. For to will is present with me, but not to do good.

King James Bible
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

New King James Version
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

New American Standard Bible
For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

NASB 1995
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

NASB 1977
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

Legacy Standard Bible
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the working out of the good is not.

Amplified Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.

Christian Standard Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.

American Standard Version
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.

Contemporary English Version
I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot.

English Revised Version
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don't do it.

Good News Translation
I know that good does not live in me--that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it.

International Standard Version
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but I cannot carry it out.

Majority Standard Bible
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot discover how to carry it out.

NET Bible
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do the good, but I cannot do it.

New Heart English Bible
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For the desire is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

Webster's Bible Translation
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not.

Weymouth New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my lower self, nothing good has its home; for while the will to do right is present with me, the power to carry it out is not.

World English Bible
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don’t find it doing that which is good.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for I have known that there does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and I do not find to work that which is right,

Berean Literal Bible
For I know that there dwells in me nothing good, that is, in my flesh. For to will is present with me, but not to do good.

Young's Literal Translation
for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find,

Smith's Literal Translation
For I know that in me dwells no good, (that is, in my flesh:) for to will lies near me; but to work good I find not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For I know that there dwelleth not in me, that is to say, in my flesh, that which is good. For to will, is present with me; but to accomplish that which is good, I find not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I know that what is good does not live within me, that is, within my flesh. For the willingness to do good lies close to me, but the carrying out of that good, I cannot reach.

New American Bible
For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.

New Revised Standard Version
For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Yet I know that it does not fully dominate me, (that is in my flesh) but as far as good is concerned, the choice is easy for me to make, but to do it, that is difficult.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For I know that good does not dwell within me, ( but this is in my flesh ), for it is easy for me to delight in the good, but I am unable to perform it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good; for to will is present with me; but to perform that which is good, I find not.

Godbey New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my carnal mind, there dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but to do that which is beautiful is not:

Haweis New Testament
For I know that there dwelleth not in me (that is, in my flesh) any good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Mace New Testament
for I experience, that in the carnal part of me dwells no good: for it is familiar to me, to will, but not to execute that which is good.

Weymouth New Testament
For I know that in me, that is, in my lower self, nothing good has its home; for while the will to do right is present with me, the power to carry it out is not.

Worrell New Testament
For I know that there dwells not in me, that is, in my flesh, any good; for to wish is present with me: but to do that which is good a not.

Worsley New Testament
For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good: for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Struggling with Sin
17In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.…

Cross References
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Psalm 51:5
Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Genesis 6:5
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.


Treasury of Scripture

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

that in me.

Genesis 6:5
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 8:21
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Job 14:4
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

in my.

Romans 7:5,25
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death…

Romans 8:3-13
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: …

Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

for to will.

Romans 7:15,19,25
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I…

Psalm 119:5,32,40,115-117,173,176
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! …

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

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Carry Conscious Desire Dwell Dwelleth Dwells Find Flesh Good Home Lower Mind Nature Perform Power Present Right Self Sinful Willing Within Work
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Carry Conscious Desire Dwell Dwelleth Dwells Find Flesh Good Home Lower Mind Nature Perform Power Present Right Self Sinful Willing Within Work
Romans 7
1. No law has power over a man longer than he lives.
4. But we are dead to the law.
7. Yet is not the law sin;
12. but holy, just and good;
16. as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.














I know
The phrase "I know" reflects a deep, personal conviction and understanding. In the Greek, the word used is "oida," which implies an intuitive knowledge or awareness. This is not merely intellectual assent but a profound realization that comes from experience and reflection. Paul is expressing a certainty that comes from his own struggles and spiritual insights.

that nothing good lives in me
Here, Paul acknowledges the inherent sinfulness of human nature. The Greek word for "nothing" is "oudeis," emphasizing the absolute absence of goodness in the flesh. This is a humbling admission that aligns with the doctrine of total depravity, which suggests that sin affects all parts of a person. Paul is not denying the presence of good desires but is highlighting the incapacity of the flesh to produce righteousness on its own.

that is, in my flesh
The term "flesh" (Greek: "sarx") is often used by Paul to denote the sinful nature of humanity, as opposed to the spiritual nature. It represents the part of human beings that is prone to sin and rebellion against God. This distinction is crucial in understanding the internal conflict that believers face. The flesh is not merely the physical body but the fallen human nature that is at odds with God's will.

For I have the desire to do what is good
Paul acknowledges the presence of a genuine desire to do good, which is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. The Greek word for "desire" is "thelo," indicating a strong intention or wish. This desire is a reflection of the new nature that believers receive through faith in Christ, which is in constant conflict with the flesh.

but I cannot carry it out
This phrase captures the essence of the struggle between the flesh and the spirit. The Greek word for "carry out" is "katergazomai," meaning to accomplish or achieve. Paul is expressing the frustration of wanting to do good but lacking the ability to do so because of the power of sin. This highlights the need for divine intervention and the grace of God to overcome the limitations of the flesh.

(18-20) Enthralled it is, and the will is powerless. What I do and what I will are opposite things. It is therefore sin that acts, and not I.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I know
Οἶδα (Oida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

nothing
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

good
ἀγαθόν (agathon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

lives
οἰκεῖ (oikei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3611: To inhabit, dwell, indwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, i.e. Reside; by implication, to cohabit.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

me,
ἐμοί (emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

that
τοῦτ’ (tout’)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is,
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

flesh;
σαρκί (sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have
παράκειταί (parakeitai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3873: To be at hand, be present with, rest with. From para and keimai; to lie near, i.e. Be at hand.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

desire
θέλειν (thelein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to do
κατεργάζεσθαι (katergazesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2716: From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion.

what is
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good,
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[I] cannot [carry it out].
οὔ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.


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NT Letters: Romans 7:18 For I know that in me that (Rom. Ro)
Romans 7:17
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