What does Romans 10:5 mean?

Explanation

Romans 10:5 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” At its core, this verse speaks to the concept of legalistic righteousness pursuant to the Mosaic Law.

It indicates that a life lived in strict accordance with the law would be a righteous life, implying that one could attain righteousness by fully adhering to the law's commandments.

However, Paul, the author of Romans, uses this statement to contrast the righteousness that comes from the law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

He implies that while the law provides a standard of righteousness, it is ultimately through faith that one is made righteous before God, not by works.

Historical Context

Romans was a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome around A.D. 57.

This was a time of deep religious thought and philosophy in the Roman Empire.

The early Christian community in Rome was made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers, which sometimes led to tensions due to differing backgrounds and understandings of the law and righteousness.

Paul addresses the issue of law versus faith, which was a major theological and practical concern for his audience.

He aims to unify the believers in the understanding that righteousness is available to all through faith.

Theological Insights

This verse highlights two distinct approaches to righteousness: one based on the law and the other based on faith.

From a Jewish perspective, adherence to the Mosaic Law was central to their covenant with God and constituted their guide for righteous living.

In Christian theology, this verse is used to explain the insufficiency of the law for salvation and to point to faith in Christ as the only means to achieve righteousness.

This is foundational for Protestant beliefs that emphasize salvation by "faith alone" (sola fide).

Catholic and Orthodox interpretations might integrate the role of faith and works, seeing them as inseparable in the pursuit of holiness and righteousness.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse serves as a reminder that adhering to a strict code of conduct, or following religious laws, is not the sole means to attain righteousness or favor with God.

It encourages individuals to seek a relationship with God through faith, understanding that human efforts are insufficient for salvation.

It also calls for humility and reminds believers to not judge others based on their adherence to religious rules, as true righteousness is a matter of the heart and faith.

Cross-References

• Galatians 3:11: "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."
• Leviticus 18:5: "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD."
• Romans 3:20: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
• Romans 9:30-32: “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.”

Language Study

The original Greek word for "righteousness" used in this verse is "dikaiosune," which refers to the character or quality of being right or just.

It is often associated with conformity to God's will or law.

"Law" is translated from "nomos," referring to the Mosaic Law in this context.

"Doeth" (from "poieo") implies the act of performing or executing commandments. To "live by them" indicates an active life consistent with the precepts of the law, and it suggests the principle that the law is what sustains life, both physically and spiritually.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between the Jewish understanding of the law and similar legal/ethical systems in other cultures and religions.

For example, the ancient code of Hammurabi also was a comprehensive legal system where righteousness was equated with following the law.

In other religious contexts, such as Hinduism, Dharma functions as both a legal and moral code that dictates proper behavior, with the idea of living in alignment with cosmic order.

Scientific Perspectives

The relationship described in this verse between law, behavior, and righteousness does not directly intersect with scientific pursuits, as faith and religious law are outside the empirical scope of science.

However, research in psychology about moral development and ethical behavior could provide insight into the natural human inclination towards creating systems of law or codes of conduct to live by, and how they affect individual and societal behavior.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Romans 10:5.

Some see it as Paul's explanation of the limitations of the law and his effort to show that Christ is the termination of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes (Romans 10:4).

Others emphasize that Paul is not dismissing the value of the law but rather redefining how righteousness is understood in the light of Christ's advent.

Notably, Martin Luther and John Calvin viewed this verse as a foundation for the doctrine of justification by faith, whereas Catholic commentaries might place it within the context of faith working through love (Galatians 5:6).