Rom 7:5, 23 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 5. For when , etc. The illustration in this verse and the following is designed to show more at length the effect of the law, whenever and wherever applied; whether ill a state of nature or of grace. It was always the same. It was the occasion of agitation and conflict in a man's own mind. This was true when a sinner was under conviction; and it was true when a man was a Christian. In all circumstances where the law was applied to the corrupt mind of man, it produced this agitation and conflict. Even in the Christian's mind it produced this agitation, , as it had done and would do in the mind of a sinner under conviction, and consequently there was no hope of release but in the delivering and sanctifying power of the gospel, . In the flesh . Unconverted; subject to the controlling passions and propensities of a corrupt nature. Comp. . The connexion shows that this must be the meaning here, and the design of this illustration is to show the effect of the law before a man is converted, . This is the obvious meaning, and all the laws of interpretation require us so to understand it. The motions of sins . (ταπαθηματα). This translation is unhappy. The expression "motions of sins" conveys no idea. The original means simply the passions, the evil affections, the corrupt desires . See the margin. The expression, passions of sins, is a Hebraism, meaning sinful passions, and refers here to the corrupt propensities and inclinations of the unrenewed heart. Which were by the law . Not that they were originated or created by the law; for a law does not originate evil propensities, and a holy law would not cause sinful passions; but they were excited, called up, inflamed by tile law, which forbids their indulgence. Did work in our members . In our body; that is, in us. Those sinful propensities made use of our members as instruments to secure gratification. . Comp. . To bring forth fruit unto death . To produce crime, agitation, conflict, distress, and to lead to death. We were brought under the dominion of death; and the consequence of the indulgence of those passions would be fatal. Comp. . (m) "in the flesh" (1) "motions" or, "passions" (n) "bring forth fruit unto death"

Romans 7:5

Verse 5. For when, etc. The illustration in this verse and the following is designed to show more at length the effect of the law, whenever and wherever applied; whether ill a state of nature or of grace. It was always the same. It was the occasion of agitation and conflict in a man's own mind. This was true when a sinner was under conviction; and it was true when a man was a Christian. In all circumstances where the law was applied to the corrupt mind of man, it produced this agitation and conflict. Even in the Christian's mind it produced this agitation, Rom 7:14-24, as it had done and would do in the mind of a sinner under conviction, Rom 7:7-12 and consequently there was no hope of release but in the delivering and sanctifying power of the gospel, Rom 7:25, 8:1-3.

In the flesh. Unconverted; subject to the controlling passions and propensities of a corrupt nature. Comp. Rom 7:8,9. The connexion shows that this must be the meaning here, and the design of this illustration is to show the effect of the law before a man is converted, Rom 7:5-12. This is the obvious meaning, and all the laws of interpretation require us so to understand it.

The motions of sins. (ταπαθηματα). This translation is unhappy. The expression "motions of sins" conveys no idea. The original means simply the passions, the evil affections, the corrupt desires. See the margin. The expression, passions of sins, is a Hebraism, meaning sinful passions, and refers here to the corrupt propensities and inclinations of the unrenewed heart.

Which were by the law. Not that they were originated or created by the law; for a law does not originate evil propensities, and a holy law would not cause sinful passions; but they were excited, called up, inflamed by tile law, which forbids their indulgence.

Did work in our members. In our body; that is, in us. Those sinful propensities made use of our members as instruments to secure gratification. Rom 6:12,13. Comp. Rom 7:23.

To bring forth fruit unto death. To produce crime, agitation, conflict, distress, and to lead to death. We were brought under the dominion of death; and the consequence of the indulgence of those passions would be fatal. Comp. Rom 6:21.

(m) "in the flesh" Rom 8:8,9 (1) "motions" or, "passions" (n) "bring forth fruit unto death" Rom 6:21

Romans 7:23

Verse 23. But I see another law. Rom 7:21.

In my members. In my body; in my flesh; in my corrupt and sinful propensities. Rom 6:13. Comp. 1Cor 6:15, Col 3:5 The body is composed of many members; and as the flesh is regarded as the source of sin, (Rom 7:18) the law of sin is said to be in the members, i.e. in the body itself.

Warring against, fighting against; or resisting.

The law of my mind. This stands opposed to the prevailing inclinations of a corrupt nature. It means the same as was expressed by the phrase "the inward man," and denotes the desires and purposes of a renewed heart.

And bringing me into captivity. Making me a prisoner, or a captive. This is the completion of the figure respecting the warfare. A captive taken in war was at the disposal of the victor. So the apostle represents himself as engaged in a warfare; and as being overcome, and made an unwilling captive to the evil inclinations of the heart. The expression is strong; and denotes strong corrupt propensities. But though strong, it is believed it is language which all sincere Christians can adopt of themselves, as expressive of that painful and often disastrous conflict in their bosoms when they contend against the native propensities of their hearts.

(z) "captivity to the law" Ps 142:7