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. James Macknight translates this verse: "But I say that sin taking opportunity under the commandment, wrought effectual-ly in me all strong desire. For without law sin is dead." The Authorized Version reads: "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead." Many others render the verse substantially the same as do Macknight and the Authorized Version. It is a fact that the phrase, "by the commandment," or "through the commandment," in the Greek text, comes before wrought, and seems to connect directly with "taking occasion." This makes the commandment only the occasion for sin to assert itself. The commandment was only the occasion for sin to override the authority of God. It is certain that God's command was not the source of the evil desires. Let it be remembered that sin is here personified, and represented as an enemy that is trying to get us into trouble. There is no occasion for anyone to think that a command of God creates or stirs up evil desires. The desire was there, even if God had issued no command, but became an evil desire when it sought to override the command. Hence, "without the law sin was dead." As sin is lawlessness, sin would not be operative where there is no law. Neither does law apply to a person who is not responsible for his deeds. To such a person there is really no law, and, therefore, no sin.