Romans 7:7 kjva — What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust,…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."

— Romans 7:7, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

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Romans 7:7 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”

  • ASV

    “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Howbeit, I had not known sin, except through the law: for I had not known coveting, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet: ”

  • WEB

    “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn't have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn't have known coveting, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."”

  • NET

    “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Absolutely not! Certainly, I would not have known sin except through the law. For indeed I would not have known what it means to desire something belonging to someone else if the law had not said,“Do not covet.””

  • DRB

    “What 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.”

  • BBE

    “What then is to be said? is the law sin? in no way. But I would not have had knowledge of sin but for the law: for I would not have been conscious of desire if the law had not said, You may not have a desire for what is another's.”

Romans 7 — Context

4

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

5

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.

6

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

7

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

8

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

9

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

10

And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

Romans 7:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Romans 7:7 say?
Romans 7:7 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
Where is Romans 7:7 in the Bible?
Romans 7:7 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans, chapter 7, verse 7.
Who wrote Romans?
Romans is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 56–57.
What is the book of Romans about?
Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — the universal need for salvation, justification by faith in Christ, the new life of the Spirit, the place of Israel in God's plan, and the practical shape of a transformed community. The most influential letter in church history.
What are the major themes of Romans?
Romans explores themes including Righteousness by Faith, Sin, Grace, Spirit-Filled Life, Israel, Christian Living. These themes shape the meaning and context of Romans 7:7.
What translation should I read Romans 7:7 in?
Romans 7:7 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Romans 7:7?
Romans 7:7 reads (KJVA): “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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