Romans 7:12

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Original Language Analysis

ὥστε Wherefore G5620
ὥστε Wherefore
Strong's: G5620
Word #: 1 of 13
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν G3303
μὲν
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
νόμος the law G3551
νόμος the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 4 of 13
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἁγία holy G40
ἁγία holy
Strong's: G40
Word #: 5 of 13
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐντολὴ the commandment G1785
ἐντολὴ the commandment
Strong's: G1785
Word #: 8 of 13
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἁγία holy G40
ἁγία holy
Strong's: G40
Word #: 9 of 13
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δικαία just G1342
δικαία just
Strong's: G1342
Word #: 11 of 13
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 12 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγαθή good G18
ἀγαθή good
Strong's: G18
Word #: 13 of 13
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

Analysis & Commentary

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.—Paul emphatically vindicates law's character after showing its inability to sanctify. Hagios (ἅγιος, "holy") means set apart, reflecting God's nature. Dikaios (δίκαιος, "just/righteous") indicates law's equity and conformity to God's righteousness. Agathos (ἀγαθός, "good") describes intrinsic moral excellence and benevolent purpose.

The threefold description defends law against implications that it's sinful (v. 7) or evil (v. 13). Law perfectly reflects God's character—the problem isn't law's quality but humanity's corruption. This distinction is crucial: sin's misuse of law doesn't taint law's essential goodness. The physician's diagnosis (law) isn't evil because it reveals terminal illness (sin). This prepares for the conclusion that sin, not law, deserves blame for spiritual death.

Historical Context

Jewish reverence for Torah as God's perfect revelation forms the background. Paul doesn't diminish law's divine origin or moral authority; rather, he clarifies its purpose in God's redemptive plan. Law reveals sin and drives people to Christ—a holy, just, and good function, though not a sanctifying one.

Questions for Reflection

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