What does Romans 7:1 mean? (2024)

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ESVOr do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives?

NIVDo you not know, brothers and sisters--for I am speaking to those who know the law--that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives?

NASBOr do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?

CSBSince I am speaking to those who know the law, brothers and sisters, don't you know that the law rules over someone as long as he lives?

NLTNow, dear brothers and sisters — you who are familiar with the law — don’t you know that the law applies only while a person is living?

KJVKnow 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?

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This seems to begin a deeper explanation of what Paul wrote back in Romans 6:14, before briefly changing his focus. In verse 14 he wrote that Christians are not under the law but under grace.

Now he expands on that idea with the obvious-sounding statement that the law remains binding only as long as a person lives. He will develop this idea further in the following verses, showing that those who are in Christ have, in fact, died to the law.

First though, he insists that he is speaking to people who know the law, apparently referring to the law of Moses. The first audience for Romans was the Christians in Rome. This would have included Jews who had trusted in Christ, as well as Gentiles. Certainly, Paul's Jewish readers would have known the law of Moses, but even Gentile Christians would have been taught something about the law.

Paul's bottom line is that those who died, spiritually, are not required to keep the law they were under while alive. He will use the concept of marriage to illustrate this idea in the following verses.

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The passage you've shared is from Romans 7:1-6, where Paul discusses the relationship between Christians and the Mosaic Law. He addresses the idea that believers are no longer bound by the law but are under grace. Paul's primary focus is to emphasize that the law's jurisdiction over a person ends when that person dies, using the analogy of marriage to illustrate this concept.

Regarding the concepts mentioned in the passage and the Bible books listed, let's break it down:

Books of the Bible: The passage refers to Romans, but it contextualizes the discussion within a broader understanding of the Old Testament Law, primarily stemming from the Law of Moses.
Genesis - Deuteronomy: These comprise the Pentateuch or the Torah, the foundational books of the Hebrew Bible that include the Mosaic Law.
Joshua - Esther: Historical and narrative books detailing the history of Israel, its leaders, and events. They don't primarily focus on the law but are part of the broader context of Israel's history.
Job - Song of Solomon: These are poetic and wisdom books, where certain passages reflect on principles and guidance, although not exclusively centered on legal aspects.
Isaiah - Malachi: These are the books of the prophets, who often spoke about adherence to the Law and its spiritual significance for Israel.
Matthew - Acts: These encompass the Gospels and the early history of the Christian church, showing the transition from the Mosaic Law to the era of grace through Christ.
Romans: Specifically addressing the relationship between the Mosaic Law and grace under Christ.

Each of these books and sections contributes uniquely to the understanding of the law, its role in Jewish and Christian contexts, and the transition from law to grace as emphasized by Paul in Romans.

The passage you provided gives a glimpse into Paul's audience in Rome, a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians. It underscores Paul's message that believers, having died to the law through their union with Christ, are no longer under its jurisdiction.

Understanding the historical, cultural, and religious context of these books enriches comprehension of the theological significance of transitioning from the Mosaic Law to the grace found in Christ.