Romans 7:5
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκί
the flesh
G4561
σαρκί
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 24
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παθήματα
the motions
G3804
παθήματα
the motions
Strong's:
G3804
Word #:
8 of 24
something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
were by
G1223
διὰ
were by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
14 of 24
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to bring
G1519
εἰς
to bring
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.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.Romans 6:13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.1 John 3:4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.Romans 6:21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.1 Corinthians 15:56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.Colossians 3:5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:Ephesians 2:11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;Romans 6:19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Historical Context
Paul describes the pre-Christian state of both Jewish and Gentile believers. For Jews, life "under law" meant experiencing Torah's condemning ministry without regenerating power. For Gentiles, conscience served as law (2:14-15), similarly exposing sin without providing transformation. Both groups needed Christ's liberating work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that law aroused rather than suppressed sinful passions change your view of externally imposed religious regulations?
- What evidence do you see that your 'members' are now operating under a different power than they did 'in the flesh'?
- In what areas might you be unconsciously expecting law-keeping to produce spiritual fruit that only Spirit-union can generate?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For when we were in the flesh—En tē sarki (ἐν τῇ σαρκί) doesn't mean physical embodiment but the unregenerate state dominated by sin nature. Paul uses sarx (σάρξ, "flesh") to denote humanity's fallen condition apart from the Spirit's regenerating work (Romans 8:5-9). This refers to pre-conversion existence.
The motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death—Pathēmata tōn hamartiōn (παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, "sinful passions/sufferings") describes the aroused desires provoked by law's prohibitions. The law didn't create sin but exposed and provoked it. Energeō (ἐνεργέω, "work/operate") shows sin's active power in unregenerate "members" (melē, μέλη—bodily faculties). The harvest was death, both spiritual and eternal.