Romans 4:15
Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
Because
G1063
γὰρ
Because
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
νόμος
law
G3551
νόμος
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ὀργὴν
wrath
G3709
ὀργὴν
wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
κατεργάζεται·
worketh
G2716
κατεργάζεται·
worketh
Strong's:
G2716
Word #:
5 of 12
to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion
γὰρ
Because
G1063
γὰρ
Because
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
νόμος
law
G3551
νόμος
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
10 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Romans 5:13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.1 Corinthians 15:56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.Galatians 3:19Wherefore 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 hand of a mediator.1 John 3:4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Jeremiah 4:8For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.John 15:22If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.Ezekiel 7:19They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
Historical Context
Jewish theology viewed Torah as the path to life and blessing (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). Paul's claim that law works wrath rather than righteousness would shock his Jewish readers—yet he grounds this in Torah itself, which pronounces curses on disobedience (Deut 27:26, quoted in Gal 3:10). The law reveals God's standard but provides no power to meet it, leaving humanity under condemnation.
Questions for Reflection
- How can law be good and holy (7:12) yet work wrath—what does this reveal about the problem of sin?
- What does Paul mean that 'where no law is, there is no transgression,' and how does law magnify sin?
- Why is it essential to understand law's function as condemning rather than justifying before we can embrace the gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Paul explains why law cannot be the means of inheritance: ho gar nomos orgēn katergazetai (ὁ γὰρ νόμος ὀργὴν κατεργάζεται, "for the law works wrath"). The verb katergazetai (κατεργάζεται) means accomplishes, produces, brings to completion. Law's function is not to enable obedience but to reveal and even provoke disobedience, thereby incurring divine wrath (cf. 3:20, 5:20, 7:7-13). This is not law's fault but humanity's—the law is holy, righteous, and good (7:12), but we are sinful.
The explanatory clause hou gar ouk estin nomos oude parabasis (οὗ γὰρ οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος οὐδὲ παράβασις, "for where there is no law, neither is there transgression") establishes a principle: law defines and quantifies sin. Parabasis (παράβασις) means transgression, stepping over a boundary. Without the boundary (law), there can be trespass in fact but not transgression in a legal sense. Paul is not saying people without the law don't sin (1:18-32 refutes that), but that law makes sin "exceedingly sinful" (7:13) by giving it the character of direct rebellion against God's revealed will.