New Testament
Romans 7:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.
Compare translations
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
What Romans 7:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul explains that when we lived according to our sinful nature, the law highlighted our sinful desires. These desires led us to act in ways that ultimately resulted in spiritual death. The law, instead of helping us, exposed our weaknesses and the sinful tendencies within us. This struggle illustrates the conflict between our human nature and the divine standards set by the law. The phrase 'in the flesh' refers to living according to our natural instincts, which are often contrary to God's will. The 'fruit for death' signifies the negative outcomes of living in sin, showing that without divine intervention, our actions lead to separation from God. This verse emphasizes the need for redemption and the transformative power of grace, as it highlights the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through our own efforts while ignoring the deeper issues of sin.
How to apply Romans 7:5 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing our sinful tendencies and the limitations of relying solely on the law for righteousness. It encourages us to seek God's grace and transformation in our lives, understanding that true change comes from a relationship with Him rather than mere adherence to rules.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 7:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 7:5
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 7:5 mean?
Romans 7:5 explains that when we lived according to our sinful nature, the law revealed our sinful desires, leading us to actions that result in spiritual death. It highlights the conflict between our human instincts and God's standards.
What is the meaning of 'in the flesh' in Romans 7:5?
'In the flesh' refers to living according to our natural instincts and sinful nature, which often contradict God's will. It signifies a state of being where our actions are driven by sinful desires.
What does 'fruit for death' mean in Romans 7:5?
'Fruit for death' signifies the negative outcomes of living in sin, indicating that our actions, when driven by sinful passions, lead to separation from God and spiritual death.
How does Romans 7:5 relate to the law and sin?
Romans 7:5 shows that the law, instead of helping us, exposes our weaknesses and sinful tendencies. It illustrates how the law can highlight our struggles with sin rather than provide a means for righteousness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.