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Romans 7:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 7:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.
Romans 7:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12So that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.
13Did then that which is good become death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; --that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.
16But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.
18For 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.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For that which I do, I allow not, etc..] The apostle having cleared the law from the charge of being the cause either of sin or death, and taken the blame to himself, proceeds to give an account of the struggle and combat he found in himself between the flesh and spirit; “that which I do, I allow not”. That which he did was evil, since he allowed not of it; but this is to be understood not of any notorious crime committed by him, and repeated again and again; nor of a sinful course of life, for before his conversion he was not a profane man, but externally moral; and after his conversion, had his conversation in the world by the grace of God in righteousness and holiness; a vicious course of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For, &c.--better, "For that which I do I know not"; that is, "In obeying the impulses of my carnal nature I act the slave of another will than my own as a renewed man?" for, &c.--rather, "for not what I would (wish, desire) that do I, but what I hate that I do."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For that which I do - That is, the evil which I do, the sin of which I am conscious, and which troubles me. I allow not - I do not approve; I do not wish it; the prevailing bent of my inclinations and purposes is against it. Greek, “I know not;” see the margin. The word “know,” however, is sometimes used in the sense of approving, Revelation 2:24, “Which have not known (approved) the depths of Satan;” compare Psalms 101:4, I will not know a wicked person.” Jeremiah 1:5. For what I would - That which I approve; and which is my prevailing and established desire. What I would wish always to do. But what I hate - What I disapprove of: what is contrary to my judgment; my prevailing inclination;…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“For that: Rom 14:22; Luk 11:48 allow: or, know, Psa 1:6; Nah 1:7; Ti2 2:19 what: Rom 7:16, Rom 7:19, Rom 7:20; Kg1 8:46; Psa 19:12, Psa 65:3, Psa 119:1-6, Psa 119:32, Psa 119:40; Ecc 7:20; Gal 5:17; Phi 3:12-14; Jam 3:2; Jo1 1:7, Jo1 1:8 what I hate: Rom 12:9; Psa 36:4, Psa 97:10, Psa 101:3, Psa 119:104, Psa 119:113, Psa 119:128, Psa 119:163; Pro 8:13, Pro 13:5; Amo 5:15; Heb 1:9; Jde 1:23 Romans 7:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification