Romans 7:10
And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐντολὴ
the commandment
G1785
ἐντολὴ
the commandment
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
5 of 11
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to be unto
G1519
εἰς
to be unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὕτη
G3778
αὕτη
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 11
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Leviticus 18:5Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.Romans 10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.2 Corinthians 3:7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:Galatians 3:12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Historical Context
Leviticus repeatedly promised life through obedience, establishing the covenant principle of blessing for faithfulness. However, Israel's history demonstrated universal inability to merit life through law-keeping. Paul shows that law's design (reward obedience) was subverted by sin's power, making law a ministry of death (2 Corinthians 3:7) that drives people to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that law's purpose was life help you understand God's good intent even when it exposes your failure?
- In what ways might you functionally believe you can merit life through obedience despite intellectually affirming salvation by grace?
- How should the law's failure to produce life in you affect your gratitude for Christ's accomplishment on your behalf?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.—Hē entolē hē eis zōēn (ἡ ἐντολὴ ἡ εἰς ζωήν, "the commandment unto life") references Leviticus 18:5: "which if a man do, he shall live in them." The law promised life on condition of perfect obedience. Heurethē moi (εὑρέθη μοι, "was found by me") indicates experiential discovery, not theoretical knowledge.
Eis thanaton (εἰς θάνατον, "unto death") reveals the tragic reversal: law intended for life became the instrument of death's exposure. This isn't law's failure but humanity's. The problem wasn't the prescription (law) but the patient's terminal condition (sin nature). Perfect obedience would yield life, but no fallen human achieves it (Romans 3:23). Law reveals inability, driving sinners to the grace-remedy of Christ.