FocusThe law and belonging to Christ
Connection to the wholeThe marriage illustration explains release from the law through Christ's death, directing the readers toward service in newness of spirit.
interpretation Romans 7:5
KJVFor when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Read it in context
Released for new service
Start reading at Romans 7:1 (Romans 7:1 to Romans 7:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The marriage illustration explains release from the law through Christ's death, directing the readers toward service in newness of spirit.
- 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
- 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
- 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
- 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
- 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
- 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Released for new service. Read Romans 7:1 through Romans 7:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The marriage illustration explains release from the law through Christ's death, directing the readers toward service in newness of spirit. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Released for new service (Romans 7:1 to Romans 7:6). Start reading at Romans 7:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 7:1, Romans 7:6, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- in the flesh Rom 8:8-9 John 3:6 Gal 5:16-17,24 Eph 2:3,11 Titus 3:3
- motions Rom 1:26
- which Rom 3:20 Rom 4:15 Rom 5:20 1 Cor 15:56 2 Cor 3:6-9 Gal 3:10 Jas 2:9-10 1 John 3:4
- did work Rom 7:8-13 Matt 15:19 Gal 5:19-21 Jas 1:15
- members Rom 7:23 Rom 6:13,19 Col 3:5 Jas 4:1
- bring Rom 6:21
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 7
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
The commandment and sin
Romans 7:7–13FocusThe law exposes and sin deceives
Connection to the wholePaul distinguishes the goodness of the commandment from sin's use of it, refusing to make the law itself the source of evil.
interpretation The conflict described
Romans 7:14–25FocusThe need for deliverance
Connection to the wholeThe account of inward conflict leads to the cry for deliverance and thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, preparing the movement into chapter 8.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.