Romans 7:15 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹⁵ For I do not [really] understand what I am doing; I practice what I do not want to and I hate what I do. [Note: This highly controversial section (verses 14b-25) is here viewed as the struggles of the apostle Paul after his conversion, and by extension, of all Christians. See Bruce, pages 150ff; Murray, pages 255ff; Lard, pages 236ff].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹⁵ For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹⁵ For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].

American Standard Version (1901)

¹⁵ For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.

Common English Bible

¹⁵ I don’t know what I’m doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing that I hate.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹⁵ For I do things that I do not understand. For I do not do the good that I want to do. But the evil that I hate is what I do.

Romans 7:15 Cross References

Luke 11:48

So, [by doing this] you are witnesses [against yourselves] that you approve of the deeds of your forefathers, for they killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them.

John 15:15

You [apostles] did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear much fruit [i.e., through their evangelizing], and that your fruit should last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask Him for in my name [i.e. by my authority].

Romans 12:9

Let [your] love be sincere. Hate whatever is evil. Cling to whatever is good.

Romans 14:22

Therefore, whatever you believe about this matter should be held between you and God. That person is happy who does not condemn himself for practicing something he believes is right.

Romans 7:16

But if I do what I do not want to, I agree with the law [which condemns such conduct] that it is good.

Galatians 5:17

For what your body wants is in conflict with what the Holy Spirit wants [for you], and what the Holy Spirit wants conflicts with what your body wants, for these [two desires] are contrary to one another, so that you do not [always] do what you [really] want to.

2 Timothy 2:19

However, the solid foundation of God stands firm. [Note: This probably refers to the church. See I Tim. 3:15]. It is sealed with these words [i.e., certifying God’s ownership and a commitment to Him]: “The Lord knows those who are His people,” [See Num. 16:5], and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord should stop practicing wickedness.” [See Isa. 26:13].

Hebrews 1:9

You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong, therefore God, your God [i.e., the Father], has placed you above your companions when He anointed you [i.e., specially chose you] with the oil of joy [i.e., your selection as king was a joyous occasion].”

James 3:2

For we all make mistakes in many areas [of life]. If anyone does not make a mistake in what he says, he is a perfect person, capable of keeping a tight rein on his whole life also.

Jude 1:23

you should save others [from hell, as though you were] snatching them out of the fire. And you should show pity toward some people, [coupled] with a fear [of the consequences of sin], hating the clothing contaminated by a physical sore [i.e., hating sin so much as to avoid it at all costs].