What does Romans 5:13 mean?

Explanation

Romans 5:13 speaks to the theological understanding of sin and law. The apostle Paul, who authored the epistle to the Romans, explains that sin has been present in the world since Adam, but without the law, sin is not counted against people in the same way.

This means that until God gave the Law to Moses (the Mosaic Law), sin existed, but humans were not held accountable in the same manner because there was no divine standard to transgress.

This verse underlines the concept of accountability for sin in relation to the presence of divine law and emphasizes the difference between sin's existence and its imputation, or being charged against someone.

Historical Context

Romans is an epistle written by Paul to the church in Rome around AD 57.

The early Christians in Rome were predominantly Gentiles, but there was a significant Jewish minority.

This cultural and religious mix led to questions about the role of Mosaic Law for Christians.

Paul wrote Romans to address many complex theological issues, including the nature of sin, justification, sanctification, and the role of the law.

Theological Insights

This verse provides insight into several theological topics:

• Sin's Universality: It suggests sin's presence in the world from the beginning, affecting all of humanity.
• Law and Accountability: The verse discusses the function of the law in delineating sin and holding people accountable.
• Salvation History: Paul frames salvation history as having distinct periods; before the law, under the law, and the age of grace through Christ.
• Original Sin: Some theologians might draw upon this verse while discussing the doctrine of original sin, whereby the sinful state is inherited from Adam.

Different theological perspectives, such as Calvinism, Arminianism, or Catholicism, might emphasize varying aspects of these insights.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages Christians to understand that the presence of God's law brings responsibility and accountability.

Believers can apply this understanding by recognizing their need for the grace offered through Jesus Christ.

It also allows for a degree of empathy towards those without knowledge of God's law (i.e., non-believers), compelling Christians to share the gospel.

Cross-References

• Romans 4:15 - "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression."
• 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."
• James 2:10 - "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
• Romans 7:7 - "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid.

Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."

Language Study

• "Sin" (Greek: "hamartia" ἁμαρτία) - It refers to missing the mark or erring from the path of righteousness.
• "Imputed" (Greek: "ellogeitai" ἐλλογεῖται) - This term means to be accounted for or charged to one's account; reckoned.
• "Law" (Greek: "nomos" νόμος) - Primarily refers to the Mosaic Law, the Torah, but can also represent a principle or regulation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's discussion of sin and law has parallels in other cultures and religions. For example, in Judaism, the Torah provides a legal framework that defines conduct. In Ancient Greek culture, moral understanding was also tied to various laws and customs, though not always divinely ordained.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concepts of sin and law as presented in the Bible are not empirically measurable or testable. They belong to religious and moral philosophy rather than the natural sciences.

However, modern psychology does study human behavior, morality, and the effects of societal laws on behavior.

Commentaries

Many Bible scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

• John Stott, an Anglican commentator, interprets this verse to emphasize the point that sin has always been present, but it took the law to make it a conscious rebellion against God.
• Douglas Moo, a New Testament scholar, suggests that this verse shows that the law reveals sin and increases its culpability.
• **N.T.

Wright**, an Anglican bishop and theologian, often frames this discussion of law and sin within the larger narrative of God’s covenant with Israel and the redemptive work of Christ.

Each commentator brings a nuanced understanding to Romans 5:13, some focusing on the nature of sin, while others on the role of the law in salvation history.