What does Romans 7:13 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:13 tackles the complex relationship between the law, sin, and death. The apostle Paul is in the midst of a profound theological argument about the purpose and effect of the Mosaic law, essentially, the commandments given by God through Moses.

In this verse, Paul is responding to a hypothetical question about whether the law, which is supposed to be good, actually brings about death because it makes people aware of sin.

He strongly rejects this idea, stating "God forbid." Instead, Paul is suggesting that the law itself is not the cause of death.

The law is good because it reveals the sinful nature of certain actions and desires, and by doing so, it makes sin "exceeding sinful." Thus, the law serves to highlight the true nature of sin, which works death in a person by exploiting what is good.

The sin is the problem, not the law, and the law’s task is to make that abundantly clear.

Historical Context

Romans is one of the epistles of the New Testament, written by Paul to the believers in Rome around 57 A.D.

The epistle addresses both Jewish and Gentile Christians, who were struggling to reconcile the Jewish law with the new faith in Christ.

The early church was trying to understand the role of the Mosaic law now that the new covenant through Jesus had been established.

In Romans 7, Paul is dealing with the nature of sin and the law, a crucial issue for those coming from a Jewish background who revered the law and saw it as central to their identity and morality.

Theological Insights

The verse carries significant theological implications.

It emphasizes the concept of sin being recognized as such through the law.

Mainstream Christian theology asserts that the law serves as a mirror, reflecting the sinfulness of humanity, not inducing sin but revealing it.

Another viewpoint might suggest that the law actually provoked sinful nature, an idea that Paul seems to push against.

Theological debate continues about whether the law is part of the problem or part of the solution in humanity's struggle with sin.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can serve as a caution against blaming moral guidelines for personal failures.

Rules and laws often bring out the rebellious nature of individuals, but the existence of these regulations is not the cause of rebellion; rather, they highlight an internal issue that requires attention.

The teaching encourages personal accountability and introspection, understanding that the presence of rules is to guide and not to condemn.

Cross-References

• 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 5:20: "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound.

But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:"

• 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."

• James 1:15: "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to analyze include:

• κατεργαζομένη (katergazomenē): often translated as "working" or "to bring about," which in this context means that sin actively produces death.
• διὰ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ (dia tou agathou): translated as "by that which is good," indicating the means through which sin’s true nature is exposed.
• ἵνα (hina): a conjunction that can be translated as "so that" or "in order that," which shows purpose or result.
• φανῇ (phanē): from "to appear" or "to be made manifest," suggesting sin is made evident.
• γένηται (genētai): "might become," is about the process of sin becoming "exceeding sinful."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within Judaism, the law (Torah) is considered divine guidance that reveals God's will.

In contrast to other ancient cultures where laws could be arbitrary or designed to assert power, the Jewish law was seen as a means of sanctification and order.

Comparing this to other ancient cultures, such as the Babylonians with their Code of Hammurabi, Jewish law takes on a role not just of societal governance but of revealing a higher moral standard.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might explore the psychology behind why certain laws or rules can result in increased focus on or desire for the prohibited behavior, a phenomenon known as "reactance." Reactance is an emotional response to restrictions on personal freedoms, which might align with Paul's observation that the law can inadvertently stir up sinful desires even though its purpose is to guide away from such desires.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have interpreted Romans 7:13 in light of the overall message of Romans.

Many agree that Paul is illustrating that the law is good, and its role is diagnostic rather than therapeutic.

It can identify the problem of sin but does not offer the cure.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that the law is of divine origin and therefore good, but that sin takes occasion by the commandment.

John Stott and other contemporary scholars often echo this idea, noting the law's role in clarifying human sinfulness and pointing toward the need for salvation found in Christ.