Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 7:11

Albert Barnes Commentary

Romans 7:11

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Romans 7:11

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"for sin, finding occasion, through the commandment beguiled me, and through it slew me." — Romans 7:11 (ASV)

For sin. This verse is a repetition, with a little variation, of the sentiment in Romans 7:8.

Deceived me. The word here used properly means to lead or seduce from the right way, and then to deceive, solicit to sin, or cause to err from the way of virtue (Romans 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 11:3, The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty; 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

The meaning here seems to be that his corrupt and rebellious propensities, excited by the law, led him astray; caused him more and more to sin; and practiced a species of deception on him by urging him on headlong, and without deliberation, into aggravated transgression.

In this sense, all sinners are deceived. Their passions urge them on, deluding them, and leading them farther and farther from happiness, and involving them, before they are aware, in crime and death.

No being in the universe is more deluded than a sinner in the indulgence of evil passions. The description of Solomon in a particular case will apply to all (Proverbs 7:21–23).

With much fair speech she caused him to yield;
With the flattering of her lips she forced him.
He goeth after her straightway,
As an ox goeth to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
Till a dart strike through his liver,
As a bird hasteth to the snare.

By it. By the law (Romans 7:8).

Slew me. Meaning the same as I died (Romans 7:9).