7:14a

In Greek, 7:14a begins with a word that is usually translated as “for.” This word introduces a sentence that supports 7:12–13. The law is good and it is also from the Holy Spirit. In some languages, it may be more natural to omit this world, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

the law is spiritual: Here the word spiritual indicates that God, through the Holy Spirit, gave the law. It contrasts with “unspiritual” in 7:14b. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the law…comes from God’s Spirit
-or-
the Holy Spirit is the source of the law
-or-
the laws of God are the things of the/our spirit

7:14b

I am unspiritual: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as unspiritual refers to being of the physical side of life. It often opposes what God wants. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I am carnal (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I am a creature of this world
-or-
I am merely a human (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
I am just a weak human

See how you translated the word “flesh” in 7:5.

7:14c

sold as a slave to sin: This clause further describes Paul (“I”). The words “I am” are implied from 7:14b. Some languages may need “and” in front of this clause. For example:

⌊and⌋ ⌊I am⌋ sold as a slave to sin

This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊and⌋ ⌊I am⌋ ⌊like⌋ ⌊a slave whom someone/they⌋ have sold to be under sin

This is a figure of speech. Because the word sold implies being sold as a slave, the Berean Standard Bible supplies the words as a slave. The word to indicates that Paul’s new master is sin. He is required to do as sin tells him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

⌊and⌋ ⌊I am⌋ ⌊like⌋ a slave who has been sold to ⌊a new master,⌋ ⌊namely,⌋ sin

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