Romans – Chapter 7

New Testament25 Verses

Chapter Summary

Romans 7 opens with the words: "Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it liveth?" Across its 25 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it liveth?

2For the woman that hath an husband, whilst her husband liveth is bound to the law. But if her husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

3Therefore, whilst her husband liveth, she shall be called an adulteress, if she be with another man: but if her husband be dead, she is delivered from the law of her husband: so that she is not an adulteress, if she be with another man.

4Therefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law, by the body of Christ: that you may belong to another, who is risen again from the dead that we may bring forth fruit to God.

5For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death.

6But now we are loosed from the law of death wherein we were detained; so that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

7What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? God forbid! But I do not know sin, but by the law. For I had not known concupiscence, if the law did not say: Thou shalt not covet.

8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

9And I lived some time without the law. But when the commandment came, sin revived,

10And I died. And the commandment that was ordained to life, the same was found to be unto death to me.

11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, seduced me: and by it killed me.

12Wherefore the law indeed is holy: and the commandment holy and just and good.

13Was that then which is good made death unto me? God forbid! But sin, that it may appear sin, by that which is good, wrought death in me: that sin, by the commandment, might become sinful above measure.

14For we know that the law is spiritual. But I am carnal, sold under sin.

15For that which I work, I understand not. For I do not that good which I will: but the evil which I hate, that I do.

16If then I do that which I will not, I consent to the law, that it is good.

17Now then it is no more I that do it: but sin that dwelleth in me.

18For 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.

19For the good which I will, I do not: but the evil which I will not, that I do.

20Now if I do that which I will not, it is no more I that do it: but sin that dwelleth in me.

21I find then a law, that when I have a will to do good, evil is present with me.

22For I am delighted with the law of God, according to the inward man:

23But I see another law in my members, fighting against the law of my mind and captivating me in the law of sin that is in my members.

24Unhappy man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I myself, with the mind serve the law of God: but with the flesh, the law of sin.

Important Verses in Romans 7

Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it liveth?

Romans 7:1

For we know that the law is spiritual. But I am carnal, sold under sin.

Romans 7:14

For I am delighted with the law of God, according to the inward man:

Romans 7:22

The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I myself, with the mind serve the law of God: but with the flesh, the law of sin.

Romans 7:25

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Romans was written with the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers in view. Chapter 7 of 16 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 25 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it…" The chapter ends with: "The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I myself, with the mind serve the law of God: but with the…" In terms of historical background, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it liveth?" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1988). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize sin and divine judgment as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Romans 7 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

Reflection for Today

Romans Chapter 7, containing 25 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 436). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands justification by faith and life in the Spirit.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of living the Gospel in daily work bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 7 about?

Romans 7 contains 25 verses. It opens with "Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it…" and closes with "The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I myself, with the mind serve the law of God: but with the…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 7?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Know you not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man as long as it liveth?" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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