Definition: But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:8 together. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about temptation and our relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we are constantly tempted to do wrong – we have an inherent desire for sin. It’s like a constant battle within us, and the Bible says this struggle is always happening. Let's unpack each part: “But sin, taking occasion by the commandment…” - "Sin" refers to disobeying God’s rules and commands. "Taking occasion by the commandment" means that we’re constantly tempted – we’re drawn to things that are wrong. It's like a little voice inside us whispering “do this,” even when we know it’s against our will. “…wrought in me all manner of concupiscence.” - "Concupiscence" is a fancy word for desire or inclination to do something bad – to sin. It's the urge to disobey God. Think about it like wanting to eat something unhealthy, or wanting to be angry. This verse says that this desire is always present in us. “For without the law sin [was] dead.” - This is the really significant part. The Bible says that without the law (God’s rules and commandments), sin was dead. It's like a plant needs sunlight and water to grow, but without those things, it just sits there, not thriving. Sin needs God’s law to exist and be controlled. So, what does this all mean in practical terms? It means we are capable of doing wrong, and that struggle is always happening within us. We have a weakness – a tendency to sin – that the Bible says can never truly be overcome. We’re constantly fighting against our own desires! Why is this important? This verse is a warning about our human nature. It reminds us that we are not perfect and that we need God's help to stay on the right path. It’s a call to surrender to God's will and to trust in His grace. In short, Romans 7:8 says that we are constantly tempted by sin, and without God’s guidance and love, our desire for sin can never be completely overcome. --- Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/romans-7:8) - This is a great resource for reading the verse in context. [Insight Verse](https://insightverse.org/2019/03/26/romans-7-8-interpretation/) - Offers a deeper explanation and different interpretations of the passage. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?