What does Romans 7:3 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:3 is addressing the nature of the law, marriage, and the consequences of adultery within the context of Christian theology.

Literally, this verse is stating that a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if he dies, she is released from the marriage law that would have made her an adulteress if she joined herself to another man while her husband was still living.

Deeper meanings propose that this verse could be part of a larger metaphor, in which the "woman" represents believers, the "first husband" represents the law, and the "second husband" could symbolize belonging to Christ.

Hence, just as the woman becomes free to remarry upon the death of her husband, believers are free from the law through the death of Christ, enabling them to "marry" another, namely Christ.

Historical Context

Romans 7 was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 to the believers in Rome.

At that time, the law of Moses was the religious framework for Jews, including Jewish converts to Christianity.

The Roman society was governed by various laws regarding marriage, citizenship, and religious practice.

Paul wrote Romans to address both Jewish and Gentile audiences and to articulate the implications of the new covenant of grace in comparison to the old covenant of law.

Theological Insights

From a Protestant viewpoint, this verse is seen as an illustration of the relationship between the believer, the law, and Christ.

It signifies the end of the law's jurisdiction over a person once they become a Christian.

In Catholic thought, while the verse reinforces the indissolubility of marriage, it also underlines the new freedom for believers in Christ, transcending legalistic adherence to the law.

The Eastern Orthodox tradition might additionally emphasize the sacramental nature of marriage and the transformation believers undergo in Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied to understand the significant change in the life of a believer when they accept Christ.

It emphasizes the departure from living under the strictures of the law to living under grace.

It can also serve as a foundation when dealing with the topics of marriage, divorce, and remarriage, stressing the importance of faithfulness in marriage but also the freedom and new beginnings available through Christ.

Cross-References

• Romans 7:2: "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth..."
• 1 Corinthians 7:39: "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."
• Galatians 2:19: "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God."
• Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text is "νόμου" (nomou), which means "law," reflecting a set of legal prescriptions or obligations.

The word "ἀνδρί" (andri) refers to a "husband" or "man" indicating the person to whom the woman is married. "ζῶντι " (zonti) is a participle denoting the state of being alive.

The phrase "ἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν" (eleuthera estin) means "she is free," signifying liberation from previous constraints.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to some ancient cultures where polygamy was allowed, the Judeo-Christian model highlights monogamy and the solemnity of the marital bond. The idea of a wife being bound to her husband is a common concept in religions that underscore the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse since it deals with moral and religious law rather than empirical observations of the natural world.

However, modern psychological interpretations of attachment and bonding could potentially offer insights into the emotional significance of marital bonds and the trauma of adultery.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied interpretations of this verse.

While some focus on the legalistic aspect and the binding power of the law, others emphasize the freedom Christians enjoy from the law as a metaphorical "death" occurs when believers belong to Christ.

Matthew Henry's Commentary discusses how believers, through faith in Christ, die to the law by the body of Christ and are now married to another, to be fruitful to God.

The Expositor's Greek Testament sees a doctrinal illustration, emphasizing spiritual release from sin and legal obligation.