Romans 7:14
New International Version
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

New Living Translation
So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.

English Standard Version
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.

Berean Standard Bible
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

Berean Literal Bible
For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold under sin.

King James Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

New King James Version
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

New American Standard Bible
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold into bondage to sin.

NASB 1995
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.

NASB 1977
For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.

Legacy Standard Bible
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold into bondage under sin.

Amplified Bible
We know that the Law is spiritual, but I am a creature of the flesh [worldly, self-reliant—carnal and unspiritual], sold into slavery to sin [and serving under its control].

Christian Standard Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold as a slave under sin.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am made out of flesh, sold into sin’s power.

American Standard Version
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Contemporary English Version
We know that the Law is spiritual. But I am merely a human, and I have been sold as a slave to sin.

English Revised Version
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I know that God's standards are spiritual, but I have a corrupt nature, sold as a slave to sin.

Good News Translation
We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin.

International Standard Version
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am merely human, sold as a slave to sin.

Majority Standard Bible
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

NET Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual--but I am unspiritual, sold into slavery to sin.

New Heart English Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Weymouth New Testament
For we know that the Law is a spiritual thing; but I am unspiritual--the slave, bought and sold, of sin.

World English Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For we have known that the Law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by sin;

Berean Literal Bible
For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold under sin.

Young's Literal Translation
for we have known that the law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by the sin;

Smith's Literal Translation
For we know that the law is spiritual: and I am fleshly, sold under sin.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For we know that the law is spiritual. But I am carnal, having been sold under sin.

New American Bible
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into slavery to sin.

New Revised Standard Version
For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am of the flesh enslaved to sin.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we know that The Written Law is spiritual but I am carnal and I am sold to sin.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into bondage to sin.

Godbey New Testament
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, having been sold under sin.

Haweis New Testament
For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, sold under sin.

Mace New Testament
for we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold a slave to sin.

Weymouth New Testament
For we know that the Law is a spiritual thing; but I am unspiritual--the slave, bought and sold, of sin.

Worrell New Testament
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Worsley New Testament
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Struggling with Sin
13Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. 14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.…

Cross References
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. / I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, / for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?

James 4:1
What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?

Galatians 5:16
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Galatians 5:24
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Genesis 6:5
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the law.

Leviticus 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:5
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Psalm 51:6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

but.

Romans 7:18,22,23
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not…

Job 42:6
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Psalm 119:25
DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

carnal.

Matthew 16:23
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ…

sold.

Romans 7:24
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Genesis 37:27,36
Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content…

Genesis 40:15
For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

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Bondage Bought Carnal Conscious Flesh Fleshly Law Power Sin Slave Sold Spirit Spiritual Unspiritual
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Bondage Bought Carnal Conscious Flesh Fleshly Law Power Sin Slave Sold Spirit Spiritual Unspiritual
Romans 7
1. No law has power over a man longer than he lives.
4. But we are dead to the law.
7. Yet is not the law sin;
12. but holy, just and good;
16. as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.














For we know
This phrase establishes a common understanding among the Apostle Paul and his readers. The Greek word for "know" is "οἴδαμεν" (oidamen), which implies a deep, intuitive knowledge rather than mere intellectual awareness. Paul is appealing to a shared conviction among believers, rooted in their spiritual experience and understanding of God's law. This sets the stage for a discussion that is not just theoretical but deeply personal and experiential.

that the law is spiritual
The term "law" here refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given by God and is thus inherently spiritual. The Greek word for "spiritual" is "πνευματικός" (pneumatikos), indicating that the law originates from the Spirit of God and reflects His holy and righteous nature. This underscores the divine origin and purpose of the law, which is to guide humanity in righteousness and holiness. The law is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of God's character and His will for human conduct.

but I am unspiritual
Paul contrasts the spiritual nature of the law with his own human nature, using the Greek word "σάρκινος" (sarkinos), which means "fleshly" or "carnal." This highlights the inherent weakness and sinfulness of human nature apart from God's transforming grace. Paul acknowledges the struggle between the divine standard of the law and the reality of human imperfection. This admission of being "unspiritual" is a humble recognition of the need for divine intervention and grace.

sold as a slave to sin
The imagery of being "sold as a slave" is powerful and evocative. The Greek word "πεπραμένος" (pepramenos) suggests being sold into bondage, indicating a lack of freedom and autonomy. This metaphor illustrates the pervasive and controlling nature of sin in the human condition. Sin is not just an external force but an internal master that holds individuals captive. Paul is emphasizing the depth of human depravity and the need for redemption through Christ. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the bondage from which believers have been set free through the sacrifice of Jesus, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.

(14-25) Further and detailed proof why it was that though the Law appealed to all that was best in man, still he could not obey it.

(14) For we know.--There is no need to argue the question. We Christians all know that the Law is spiritual. It is divinely given and inspired. On the other hand, man, though capable of communion with God, is dominated by that part of his nature which is the direct opposite of divine, and is entirely earthly and sensual. This sensual part of his nature is the slave--and just as much the slave as if he had been sold in the auction mart--of Sin. (Comp. 1Kings 21:20; 1Kings 21:25.)

Verse 14. - For we know (we are all already aware of this; we recognize it as a principle; we can surely have no doubt of it; cf Romans 2:2; Romans 3:10) that the Law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. The statement of ver. 12 is here in effect repeated as being one that cannot be gainsaid with respect to the Law, but with use now of the epithet πνευματικός; and this in opposition to myself being σαρκινός. The new word, πνευματικός, is obviously meant to express a further idea with respect to law, suitable to the line of thought now about to be pursued. Without lingering to mention varying suggestions of various commentators as to the sense in which the Law is here called spiritual, we may offer the following considerations in elucidation. Πνεῦμα and σάρξ are, as is well known, constantly contrasted in the New Testament. The former sometimes denotes the "Holy Spirit of God," and sometimes that highest part in ourselves which is in touch with the Divine Spirit. Σάρξ, though it may, in accordance with its original meaning, sometimes denote our mere bodily organization, is usually used to express our whole present human constitution, mental as well as bodily, considered as apart from the πνεῦμα. When St. Paul in one place distinguishes the constituent elements of human nature, he speaks of πνεῦμα ψυχὴ, and σῶμα (1 Thessalonians 5:23). There ψυχὴ seems to denote the animal life or soul animating the σῶμα for the purposes of mere human life, but distinguished from the πνεῦμα, which associates him with the Divine life. Usually, however, πνεῦμα and σάρξ alone are spoken of; so that the term σάρξ seems to include the ψυχὴ, expressing our whole weak human nature now, apart from the πνεῦμα, which connects us with God (see Galatians 5:17, etc.). That in this and other passages σάρξ does not mean our mere bodily organization only, is further evident from sins not due to mere bodily lusts - such as want of affection, hatred, envy, pride - being called "works of the flesh" (cf. Galatians 5:19-22; 1 Corinthians 3:3). What, then, is meant by the adjective πνευματικός? Applied to man, it is, in 1 Corinthians 3:2, 3, opposed to σαρκικὸς (or σαρκινὸς), and in 1 Corinthians 2:14, to ψυχικὸς (cf. Jude 1:19); the latter word apparently meaning one in whom the ψυχὴ (as above understood), and not the πνεῦμα, dominates. Further, St. Paul (1 Corinthians 15:44) speaks of a σῶμα ψυχικὸν and a πνευματικὸν, meaning by the former a tenement fitted for and adequate to the mere psychic life, and by the latter a new organism adapted for the higher life of the spirit, such as we hope to have hereafter; and in the same passage he uses the neuters, τὸ ψυχικὸν and τὸ πνευματικὸν, with reference to "the first Adam," who was made, or became (ἐγένετο) εἰς ψυχὴν ζῶσαν, and "the last Adam," who was made εἰς πνεῦμα ζωοποιοῦν. Thus πμεῦμα, generally, denotes the Divine, which man apprehends and aspires to, nay, in which he has himself a part in virtue of the original breathing into him of the breath of life (πνοὴν ζωῆς) directly from God (Genesis 3:7), whereby he became a living soul (ἐγένετο εἰς ψυχὴν) for the purposes of his mundane life (itself above that of the brutes), but retained also a share of the Divine πνεῦμα connecting him with God,and capable of being quickened so as to be the dominant principle of his being through contact with the πνεῦμα ζωοποιοῦν. It would seem that the Law is here called πνευματικὸς, as belonging to the Divine sphere of things, and expressive of the Divine order. "The Law, both the moral law in the bosom of man, and the expression of that law in the Decalogue, is, as Augustine profoundly expresses it, a revelation of the higher order of things founded in the being of God. It is hence a πνευματικόν (Tholuck). But man (tἐγὼ δὲ), though still able to admire, nay, to delight in and aspire to, this higher order, cannot yet conform himself to it because of the σάρξ, infected with sin, which at present enthrals him: Ἐγὼ δὲ σαρκινὸς πεπραμένος ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν. Thus is fitly introduced the analysis of human consciousness with reference to law which follows. The word σαρκινὸς (which, rather than σαρκικὸς, is the best-supported reading) may be used to express merely our present constitution Ñ our being of flesh - so as to account for our inability, rather than our being fleshly, or carnally minded, as σαρκικὸς would imply. In two other passages (1 Corinthians 3:1 and Hebrews 7:16) authority is also in favour of σαρκινὸς instead of σαρκικὸς as in the Textus Receptus. Tholuck, however, doubts whether there was, in common usage, a distinction between the meaning of the two forms. The word πεπραμένος ισ significant. It denotes, not our having been originally slaves (vernae), but our having been sold into slavery (capri). Slavery to sin is not the rightful condition of our nature. We are as the Israelites in Egypt, or as the captives in Babylon who remembered Zion. Hence the possibility of deliverance, if we feel the burden of our slavery and long to be free, when the Deliverer comes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We know
Οἴδαμεν (Oidamen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[the] Law
νόμος (nomos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

spiritual;
πνευματικός (pneumatikos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4152: Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

unspiritual,
σάρκινός (sarkinos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4560: Fleshly, consisting of flesh, carnal. From sarx; similar to flesh, i.e. soft.

sold as a slave
πεπραμένος (pepramenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4097: A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.

to
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

sin.
ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.


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NT Letters: Romans 7:14 For we know that the law (Rom. Ro)
Romans 7:13
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