Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals a profound tension: the writer genuinely delights in God's law, finding pleasure in it "in my inner being." This isn't just intellectual agreement; it's a deep-seated joy in what God's commands represent, pointing to a spiritual reality at work within him that longs for righteousness.
Paul is wrestling with the reality of sin's power, even in the life of someone who truly loves God. He's described his inner conflict, where his desire to do good is constantly thwarted by an opposing force of evil. This verse expresses the genuine joy he finds in God's law from his renewed inner self, even amidst that struggle.
Paul uses a word for 'delight' that's stronger than just 'agreeing' with something. What does this intense feeling reveal about the inner life?
In Romans 7:22, Paul shares a profound internal reality: 'For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being.' The Greek word used here, sunēdomai, carries a weight beyond simple agreement. It suggests rejoicing with something, finding pleasure and deep satisfaction.
Think of it like this:
Paul isn't just intellectually convinced that God's law is good; he feels a deep pleasure in it. This points to a transformed inner life where God's ways aren't just perceived as right, but are genuinely cherished.
Paul talks about delighting 'in my inner being.' Who or what is this 'inner man,' and why is this distinction so crucial in Romans 7?
The phrase 'in my inner being' points to the core of Paul's identity, the part of him that has been renewed by God's Spirit. This is often called the 'regenerate self' or the 'new man.' It's the 'you' that aligns with God's will, even when other parts of you struggle.
This isn't just about intellect or conscience; it's about the deepest desires and affections of the soul.
Understand the original words
synēdomai · Greek Verb
To take pleasure in, experience great joy, or feel deep satisfaction. Theologically, it describes a regenerate heart's alignment with God's moral requirements.
esō anthrōpos · Greek Noun phrase
Referring to the innermost part of a person, the core of the self or the human spirit where divine transformation and identity take root.
This Psalm is a profound exploration of delight in God's law, showing a deep, personal affection and constant meditation that resonates with the sentiment expressed in Romans 7:22.
Psalms 1:2This verse directly parallels the idea of delighting in God's law, describing the blessedness of one whose 'delight is in the law of the Lord.' It paints a picture of what this inner enjoyment looks like.
Matthew 5:17-18Jesus states He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, highlighting the enduring and divine authority of God's law, which is the very thing the 'inner man' delights in.
Colossians 1:21This passage describes a past state of alienation from God, serving as a powerful contrast to the 'inner man' who now delights in God's law, underscoring the transformative work of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16This verse contrasts the perishing 'outward man' with the 'inward man' being renewed day by day, providing context for the 'inward man' in Romans 7:22 as the renewed self that finds joy in God's commands.
cambridgeRomans 7:22: "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:"
22 . I delight in ] Lit. I delight with . The Law, as the will of God, is quasi-personified, and the regenerate soul “rejoices with it ” in its delight in holiness and truth. The Law’s loves and hatreds are those also of the soul. Cp. 1 Corinthians 13:6 , where render, “rejoiceth with the Truth.” the inward man ] The regenerate Self. Not that the phrase necessarily means the regenerate self, as does the phrase “the new man” (…
bengelRomans 7:22: "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:"
Romans 7:22 . Συνήδομαι , I delight ) This too is already a further step in advance than σύμφημι , I consent , Romans 7:16 .— τὸν ἔσω , the inward ) He already upholds the name and character of the inward, but not yet however of the new man; so also in Romans 7:25 he says, “with my mind ,” not, with my spirit .
This verse reveals a profound tension: the writer genuinely delights in God's law, finding pleasure in it "in my inner being." This isn't just intellectual agreement; it's a deep-seated joy in what God's commands represent, pointing to a spiritual reality at work within him that longs for righteousness.
Paul is wrestling with the reality of sin's power, even in the life of someone who truly loves God. He's described his inner conflict, where his desire to do good is constantly thwarted by an opposing force of evil. This verse expresses the genuine joy he finds in God's law from his renewed inner self, even amidst that struggle.
Paul is wrestling with the reality of sin's power, even in the life of someone who truly loves God. He's described his inner conflict, where his desire to do good is constantly thwarted by an opposing force of evil. This verse expresses the genuine joy he finds in God's law from his renewed inner self, even amidst that struggle.
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Paul is carefully showing that his true self, the 'new creation' in Christ, embraces God's law, even while acknowledging the persistent pull of sin.
"For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being," — This verse reveals a profound tension: the writer genuinely delights in God's law, finding pleasure in it "in my inner being." This isn't just intellectual agreement; it's a deep-seated joy in what…