Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 7:15

"For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do." — Romans 7:15 (ASV)

That which I do I allow not.—Rather, that which I perform I do not know. I act blindly, and without any conscious direction of the will; that higher part of me which should preside over and direct my actions is kept down by the lower physical nature.

Which I do.—St. Paul uses three words for “to do” in this passage, the distinction between which is hard to represent in English. The word that is used here and in Romans 7:17; Romans 7:20, is the strongest, “perform”—deliberate action, thoroughly carried out. The other two words differ, as “do” and “practise,” the one referring to single, the other to habitual and repeated actions.

What I would.—If my will had free course, I would act very differently.