What does Romans 7:8 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:8 is part of the Apostle Paul's discourse on the nature of sin and the Law in his letter to the Romans.

In this verse, Paul personifies sin as an entity that seizes an opportunity provided by the commandment (the Law) to produce in him "all manner of concupiscence." Concupiscence refers to strong desire or lust, particularly of a sexual nature, but it extends to a broader sinful longing within humans.

Paul's statement "For without the law sin was dead" suggests that it is through the awareness of the Law that sin becomes noticeable and active.

The verse underscores the paradoxical effect of the Law: it was given to identify and restrain sin, but it also becomes the occasion through which the sinful nature recognizes its desires.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within a letter that Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome around A.D. 57.

The Roman Christian community was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers.

The Law, specifically the Mosaic Law given to Israel, was a contentious issue that Paul addressed throughout his letter.

In the ancient Jewish context, the Law was considered a central part of identity and religious practice.

Paul's argument in Romans seeks to redefine the relationship between believers and the Law in light of the salvation available through Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Interpretations of this verse can vary within Christian traditions.

From a Lutheran perspective, the verse may be seen as highlighting the doctrine of simul justus et peccator, the idea that Christians are at the same time righteous and sinners.

In Reformed theology, it could underline the total depravity of man and the need for divine grace.

Catholic interpretation may focus on the concept of concupiscence as an inclination to sin that remains even after the sacrament of baptism, necessitating a continual struggle for holiness.

Within all traditions, the verse challenges the idea that the Law alone is sufficient for salvation and points to the need for a transformative work of grace.

Practical Applications

The verse warns believers of the deceptive nature of sin.

In daily life, individuals can be cognizant of how lawful pursuits can become opportunities for sin if not tempered by moral discipline and spiritual guidance.

The message serves as a reminder to examine one's motivations and remain vigilant against rationalizing sinful desires.

It also brings comfort to those struggling with sin, as it illustrates how common and challenging the struggle is, highlighting the need for community, accountability, and reliance on God's grace.

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

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

• Galatians 3:19 - "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hands of a mediator."
• James 1:14-15 - "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

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

Language Study

The Greek term translated as "occasion" is aphormē (ἀφορμή), which can mean a starting point or opportunity for something.

"Concupiscence" translates from the Greek epithumia (ἐπιθυμία), meaning a desire, craving, or lust.

"Wrought" from katergazomai (κατεργάζομαι) signifies to bring about or produce.

The Greek phrase for "sin was dead" (ἡ ἁμαρτία νεκρά) carries the sense of sin being inactive or dormant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this with other ancient philosophies, Stoicism for example taught that the path to virtue was through control of one's desires, which aligns with the idea of concupiscence being a source of downfall.

In Judaism, the Law is central, and although it defines sin, it also provides a pathway to atonement.

In contrast, the passage speaks to the limitation of the Law's capacity to change the heart, a viewpoint that was radical at the time of its writing.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology may contribute to this discussion through the concept of psychological reactance, where individuals have adverse reactions to rules or regulations, exacerbating the desire to do the prohibited activity.

While not equating directly to sin, this helps to understand the dynamics behind Paul's claim from a behavioral standpoint. Neuroscience also shows that forbidden actions can become more tempting, which would resonate with Paul's observations about the effects of the Law on human behavior.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have interpreted Romans 7:8 with nuance:

• John Stott, in his commentary, emphasizes the law's provocation of sin by demonstrating that it's the knowledge of the law that makes humans aware of their sinful nature, but he cautions against misinterpreting this as the law being sinful itself.
• F.

F.

Bruce remarks on the human tendency to covet more when things are forbidden, thus echoing the psychological insight into human nature that Paul reflects.

• Douglas Moo notes the tension created by the law and sin, suggesting the law's function is not to generate sin but to reveal it and, paradoxically, to exacerbate it.
• N.

T.

Wright suggests that Paul is illustrating the deception behind sin, how something intended for good (the Law) can be hijacked by sin to produce evil.

Wright's interpretation emphasizes the powerlessness of the Law in transforming human hearts.

Scholars widely agree that Paul is not condemning the Law itself. Instead, he is unveiling the complex relationship between law, sin, and human nature.