Romans 7:8

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

Romans 7:8 (KJV)

Context

In Romans 7, Paul explains the purpose of the law and how it reveals our sinful nature. He describes the internal conflict between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit. This conflict leads to a recognition of the inability of the law to save and the need for Christ.

Meaning

Paul emphasizes that sin takes advantage of the commandment. The law, which reveals what is right and wrong, provides sin with an opportunity to manifest itself. Instead of the commandment leading to righteousness, sin twists it to bring forth all kinds of sinful desires, or “concupiscence.” The Greek word for “occasion” (aphormēn) means a base of operations or an opportunity; sin seizes this opportunity, but the law itself is not the cause of sin. The law at most provides an occasion, and this occasion is not given by the law but taken by sin.

“Concupiscence” refers to strong desires or lustful passions. Sin takes advantage of the law and arouses various desires within us that are contrary to God’s will. It demonstrates the corrupting power of sin when confronted with the righteous requirements of the commandments.

Paul states that “without the law sin was dead.” This does not mean that before the law of Moses was given sin was inactive, for during the interval between Adam and Moses sin existed and reigned, and death reigned through it. Rather, it refers to Paul’s own experience: when he was without the law, sin was dead in his awareness, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life (Romans 7:9). The immediate context (Romans 7:9-11) shows that the commandment, which was intended to lead to life, actually brought death because sin, seizing the opportunity through the commandment, deceived Paul and killed him.

Biblical connections

In the preceding verse (Romans 7:7), Paul asks if the law is sin, and answers that he would not have known sin except through the law, specifically citing the commandment “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Romans 7:8 continues this thought: sin, taking occasion by the commandment, produced in him all manner of concupiscence. The law forbids every unclean thought and covetous desire of unlawful objects, and sin uses these prohibitions to stir up and excite evil desire after all manner of things forbidden. Thus, it is sin, not the law, that is exceeding sinful.

Application

Through this verse, Paul highlights the inherent problem of sin and the insufficiency of the law to bring about salvation. The law reveals our sinful nature and exposes the power of sin to entice and corrupt. It serves as a reminder of our need for Christ and the grace that He offers through His sacrifice. Believers should not rely on the law for righteousness, but on Christ, who delivers from the body of this death (Romans 7:24-25).

Reflection

Romans 7:8 underscores the relationship between sin and the commandment. Sin takes advantage of the law, arousing various lustful passions within us. The law reveals the power of sin and its opposition to God’s righteous standards. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the need for a Savior and the insufficiency of the law alone to save us from sin.