A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 7:8

"but sin, finding occasion, wrought in me through the commandment all manner of coveting: for apart from the law sin [is] dead." — Romans 7:8 (ASV)

Finding occasion (αφορμην λαβουσα). See 2 Corinthians 5:12; 11:12; Galatians 5:13 for αφορμην, a starting place from which to rush into acts of sin, excuses for doing what they want to do. Just so drinking men use the prohibition laws as "occasions" for violating them.

Wrought in me (κατειργασατο εν εμο). First aorist active middle indicative of the intensive verb κατεργαζομα, to work out (to the finish), effective aorist. The command not to lust made me lust more.

Dead (νεκρα). Inactive, not non-existent. Sin in reality was there in a dormant state.