What does Romans 7:9 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:9 is a complex and theologically rich verse where the Apostle Paul reflects on the relationship between the law, sin, and spiritual death. Literally, Paul is saying that at one point in his life, he felt as if he were alive without being burdened by the law.

"Without the law" likely refers to a time before he truly understood or was held accountable to the Jewish law.

However, when he became aware of the commandments ("when the commandment came"), he realized his sinful nature ("sin revived"), which brought about a sort of death.

This death is not physical but refers to the spiritual separation from God that sin causes.

Essentially, Paul is illustrating how the law serves as a mirror to show humans their sinfulness, which results in a recognition of spiritual mortality.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 57 A.D. to the Christian church in Rome. The early church was trying to understand the new faith in the context of the Jewish law. As a Pharisee who converted to Christianity, Paul had a deep understanding of Jewish religious laws.

This verse is set against the backdrop of first-century Judaism, where the law (Torah) was central to identity and religious practice.

Paul addresses both Gentiles and Jews, discussing how the law pertains to sin and righteousness for believers in Christ.

The law had historically been seen as defining sin but not providing the ultimate solution for it.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Romans 7:9 distinctively. Traditional Reformed theology sees this verse as highlighting the function of God's law to reveal sin, which points to the need for a savior.

From a Lutheran viewpoint, it underscores the doctrine of simul justus et peccator, meaning Christians are simultaneously righteous and sinners.

Catholic theology might emphasize the role of the law in moral formation while stating that God's grace, accessed through the sacraments, ultimately brings salvation.

Liberation theology may interpret the "death" here as not only spiritual but also as including the socio-economic death that unjust structures bring to the poor and marginalized, who are caught in "sin" systems.

Practical Applications

This verse can guide individuals in a personal self-reflection about their spiritual life and moral behavior.

It encourages believers to recognize the role of God's law, understood both as Biblical commandments and the moral law "written" on human hearts (Romans 2:15), in revealing their shortcomings.

The recognition of sin can lead to repentance and a deeper dependence on God's grace.

In everyday life, it suggests that one should not become complacent or self-righteous but should always use the ethical teachings of their faith to examine and improve their conduct.

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."

• Galatians 3:24 - "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek in Romans 7:9 that merit detailed analysis are:

• "Alive" (ζῶντα): In Greek, this suggests not merely existing but living in the fullest sense.

It implies a kind of spiritual vitality or vigor before recognizing the full implications of the law.

• "Law" (νόμου): This term refers to the Mosaic Law, the holistic code of conduct in the Torah, which governed Jewish life.
• "Commandment" (ἐντολή): This term conveys a specific directive or precept, which in context, would relate to a particular law that convicts of sin.
• "Sin" (ἁμαρτία): A transgression or misstep that misses the mark set by God's standards.
• "Revived" (ἀνέζησεν): Literally meaning to come alive again or to return to life, suggesting that sin was always present but activated by the law.
• "I died" (ἐγὼ ἀπέθανον): Figuratively, this phrase refers to a spiritual death or a realization of condemnation and separation from God due to sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures had legal codes that were seen as divinely given, such as the Code of Hammurabi in Babylon. Similar to ancient Jewish understanding, these laws were meant to guide people's behavior.

However, in Paul's interpretation, the Jewish law not only guides behavior but also reveals humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness on their own, pointing to the need for divine intervention.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific inquiry does not typically intersect with theological concepts such as sin and spiritual death.

However, psychology explores the concept of moral awareness and conscience, which could be seen as related to Paul's notion of the law revealing sin.

Psychological studies suggest that awareness of moral codes and transgressions can greatly impact human behavior and lead to cognitive dissonance when actions and morals do not align.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer diverse insights into Romans 7:9. For example:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary suggests that the law thunders against sin and brings the wrath of God upon the sinner, which Paul equates to death.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament notes that this verse details Paul's personal experience with the law and its awakening of sin in his life.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament expounds the idea that Paul is describing a universal human experience rather than merely his own, marking the transition from innocence to guilty knowledge of the law’s demands.
• John Stott, in his commentary on Romans, reflects on the paradoxical nature of the law, which, while good, gives sin its power by forbidding it.