Romans 7:8

But This word refers to the statement "I had not known lust;" and this verse explains the action of the law in causing (indirectly) the knowledge of sin.

sin As a principle, "working" evil desires as its result.

occasion The Gr. word = the French point d'appui. The positive inexorable precept, presented to the fallen will, became the fulcrumfor the energy of the evil principle.

concupiscence The same word as that just rendered "lust." The verb is aorist; wrought; but the reference is not necessarily to any single crisis of the past. St Paul probably views the whole past action of the Commandment and of Sin respectively as, in idea, one thing. Not, however, that there maynot have been a crisis of "fierce temptation" in his recollection. These remarks apply to Romans 7:9-11 also.

sin was dead The context explains this phrase. Sin, as sin, as resistance to God, (see fourth note on Romans 7:7,) was torpidtill the Law called it out. It was present; for certainly he does not mean that he was once sinless;but it was present as a blind negative bias rather than otherwise.