What does Romans 7:10 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:10 presents an aspect of the Apostle Paul's grappling with the purpose and effect of the Law as given to the Israelites.

The verse says, "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death." At a literal level, Paul is stating that the Law, intended to provide a guide to living a righteous and holy life, resulted in the opposite effect for him personally, finding it a source of spiritual death rather than life.

The deeper meaning hinges on an understanding of sin and the Law.

Paul is reflecting on the paradox that while the Law was good and given by God to promote life, it also became an opportunity for sin to exploit, resulting in death.

The Law illuminated the sinfulness of humanity, and without grace, it condemns rather than gives life.

Historical Context

Romans was written by Paul around A.D. 57, during his third missionary journey, likely from Corinth.

The audience of the letter was the church in Rome, which comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers.

This period was marked by the complex relationship between Jews and early Christians, particularly regarding the role of the Mosaic Law.

There was a struggle to understand how the Law related to the new faith in Christ.

Paul addressed this tension, contributing to the development of Christian theology, which would shape Western thought.

Theological Insights

Within Christianity, this verse is viewed diversely, often based around the notions of Legalism, Antinomianism, and Grace:

• Legalism: This perspective might see the verse emphasizing the futility of trying to achieve righteousness solely through obedience to the Law.
• Antinomianism: Conversely, some might argue that since the Law leads to death, Christians are not under its obligations and may disregard its moral imperatives.
• Grace: A prevailing Christian viewpoint is that the Law reveals sin and the need for God's grace through Christ.

The Law is not evil, but sin uses it to produce death, showcasing the need for salvation by grace alone.

Practical Applications

The teaching of this verse can apply to one's life in several ways:

• The Limits of Morality: Recognizing that no amount of moral living or rule-following can save us, pointing toward the need for a deeper transformation and reliance on divine grace.
• Self-Reflection: Encouraging an inward look to find areas where one might be trusting in their own efforts rather than in God's grace.
• Compassion toward Others: Since the Law can bring awareness of sin, this can foster an attitude of understanding and compassion rather than judgment toward others who struggle.

Cross-References

• 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."

• Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
• Galatians 3:10: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them."
• James 1:25: "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

Language Study

The phrase "was ordained to life" (ἦν εἰς ζωὴν) can imply a direction or purpose towards life, and the word "found" (εὑρέθη) suggests an experiential discovery.

The Greek word for "death" is θάνατος (thanatos), which signifies not merely physical death but also a spiritual or eternal death resulting from sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Law of Moses is similar to that of other ancient Near Eastern legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi.

However, distinct from these codes, the Law embodies personal covenantal relationship with Yahweh and is inherently tied to Israel's understanding of sin, righteousness, and relationship with God.

This concept is less prevalent in other myths and religions, which may be more focused on civic regulation than on personal morality and spiritual consequences.

Scientific Perspectives

A scientific approach to understanding this verse might focus on the psychological effects of strict rule adherence and the guilt accompanying failure to live up to moral standards.

It could explore the stress and mental health implications tied to a legalistic approach to life compared to those of a more grace-centered worldview.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 7:10 offer various interpretations:

• John Wesley: Wesley notes that the commandment which "was designed for life, as the means of holiness" came to mean death to the transgressor due to sin.
• Matthew Henry: Henry reflects on the deceitfulness of sin and how it takes occasion by the commandment to produce all manner of concupiscence or evil desires.
• John Stott: Believing that the Law illuminates sin, Stott implies that the function of the Law is to drive people to Christ, where true life is found.

These experts show a general consensus that while the Law is good, it is incapacitated by sin and thus unable to produce life without the intervention of grace through Jesus Christ.