Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:7 together. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about temptation and our relationship with God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that we are capable of doing things that are wrong, even though we don’t want to. It’s about the struggle between good and evil within us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “What shall we say then?” – This is a question, like asking "What's the answer?" It’s acknowledging that we have a problem. “[Is] the law sin?” – This is the core of the verse. The author is asking: “Does the law itself cause us to do wrong?” It’s suggesting that the rules and commands given by God (the law) aren't inherently bad, but they can lead us astray. “Nay, I had not known sin, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” – This is where it gets a little more profound. The author says: “I didn’t know sin before the law came into my life. But because of the law, I learned about lust and desire for other people's things." “Thou shalt not covet” - This is the key phrase. It means "do not covet." Covenary refers to wanting something that isn’t yours. The verse suggests we are naturally inclined to covet, which is wanting what others have – possessions, relationships, good things... So, what does this mean for us? It means we're all susceptible to temptation and desire things that aren’t rightfully ours. We want them, but the law tells us that those wants are wrong. This verse is about our struggle with our own desires and the fact that they often lead us away from God. In a nutshell: We have a natural inclination towards sin, and the law helps us understand it. The author is essentially acknowledging that we are the ones who need to fight this tendency! Important Context (Briefly): This passage was written during Paul’s time in prison. He was struggling with his own desires and temptations. It's a reminder of our need for God’s grace and guidance to overcome our sinful nature. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you an example of how this verse applies to your life?