Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Original Language Analysis
τέλος
is the end
G5056
τέλος
is the end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 9
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
6 of 9
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
Cross References
Galatians 3:24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.Hebrews 10:14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.Isaiah 53:11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.Colossians 2:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.Colossians 2:10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:Romans 3:22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Matthew 3:15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Historical Context
Jewish Christianity struggled for decades with law-observance (Acts 15; Galatians; Hebrews). The Jerusalem council (AD 49) addressed Gentile freedom from circumcision, but many Jewish believers continued Mosaic practices (Acts 21:20-26). The destruction of the temple in AD 70 forced reconsideration of ceremonial law's purpose. Paul's sustained argument in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews that Christ has fulfilled and therefore ended the law's covenantal function was revolutionary and remains controversial in some Messianic Jewish contexts today.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Christ as both termination and fulfillment of law protect you from both legalism and antinomianism?
- In what ways do you unconsciously return to law-based relating to God, even after believing the gospel?
- How should this verse shape your reading of the Old Testament—particularly Leviticus and Deuteronomy?
Analysis & Commentary
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth—Telos nomou Christos (τέλος νόμου Χριστός): Christ is the telos (τέλος) of the law. This crucial word means both "termination" and "goal/fulfillment." Christ is the law's terminus: it no longer functions as a means of justification for believers (Gal 3:23-25; Eph 2:15). But Christ is also the law's telos in the sense of aim and culmination—the entire Mosaic system pointed forward to Him (Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39, 46).
For righteousness to every one that believeth—eis dikaiosynēn panti tō pisteuonti (εἰς δικαιοσύνην παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι): Christ ends the law as a means to righteousness but fulfills the law as a revelation of righteousness. The dative participle pisteuonti (πιστεύοντι, "the one believing") indicates the sole instrument: faith alone. This verse is the hinge of Romans 9-11, resolving Israel's tragedy—they sought righteousness through law-works when Christ had already accomplished and fulfilled it all.