Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 20
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἠλευθέρωσέν
free
G1659
ἠλευθέρωσέν
free
Strong's:
G1659
Word #:
11 of 20
to liberate, i.e., (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 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 #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
15 of 20
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.2 Corinthians 3:17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.Romans 6:18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.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.John 8:36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.John 8:32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.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 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Historical Context
The concept of "law" (nomos) had become problematic in early Christianity as Jewish believers struggled to understand how Gentiles could be saved without Torah observance. Paul carefully distinguishes between the Mosaic law (holy but unable to give life, 7:12-13) and the Spirit's internal principle that fulfills the law's righteous requirements (8:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the "law of the Spirit" differ from the Mosaic law in its method and power?
- In what specific ways have you experienced freedom from sin's enslaving dominion versus sinless perfection?
- How does this verse answer the charge that grace promotes lawlessness (6:1)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death—Paul contrasts two "laws" (governing principles): ho nomos tou pneumatos (the law of the Spirit) versus ho nomos tēs hamartias (the law of sin). The Spirit's "law" is not legal code but the life-giving principle that operates through union with Christ. The verb ēleutherōsen ("made free") is aorist tense, pointing to the decisive moment of liberation at conversion.
The Spirit of life (pneuma tēs zōēs) directly counters the law of sin and death mentioned in 7:23-25. Where Adam's sin brought the reign of death (5:12-21), Christ's obedience brings the Spirit's life-giving power. This is not sinless perfection but freedom from sin's enslaving dominion—the Spirit writes God's law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:10), accomplishing what external commandment never could.