Romans 7:6
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Original Language Analysis
κατηργήθημεν
we are delivered
G2673
κατηργήθημεν
we are delivered
Strong's:
G2673
Word #:
3 of 20
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
6 of 20
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατειχόμεθα
we were held
G2722
κατειχόμεθα
we were held
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
10 of 20
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ὥστε
that
G5620
ὥστε
that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
11 of 20
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
δουλεύειν
should serve
G1398
δουλεύειν
should serve
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
12 of 20
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
πνεύματος
of spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
16 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.Romans 7:4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.Romans 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:Galatians 6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.Romans 6:2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?Romans 7:1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Historical Context
The contrast between 'Spirit' and 'letter' was central to Paul's explanation of new covenant superiority (2 Corinthians 3:6). Jewish believers struggled to transition from Torah-centered spirituality to Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered life. Paul insists the new covenant doesn't merely modify the old but represents a fundamentally different economy of grace.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence of 'newness of spirit' versus 'oldness of letter' characterizes your Christian life?
- How might you be attempting to serve God in the 'oldness of the letter' while claiming to live under grace?
- In what ways does understanding your deliverance from law's jurisdiction free you to pursue holiness from love rather than obligation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But now we are delivered from the law—Katērgēthēmen (κατηργήθημεν, "released/discharged") is the same verb as "loosed" in v. 2. Believers are freed from law's condemning jurisdiction through death. That being dead wherein we were held—Interpretations differ whether "that being dead" refers to the law dying or believers dying to law; context favors believers dying (v. 4). Katechō (κατέχω, "held") depicts law holding sinners in condemning custody.
That we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter—Douleuō (δουλεύω, "serve") shows believers still serve, but under new management. Kainotēs pneumatos (καινότης πνεύματος, "newness of Spirit") contrasts with palaiotēs grammatos (παλαιότης γράμματος, "oldness of letter")—Spirit-empowered internal transformation versus external code-keeping. This anticipates chapter 8's Spirit-empowered life.