Romans 10:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 10:5
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Chapter Context
Romans 10 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 10:5
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Analysis
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them—Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5, which establishes the law's principle: do and live. Poieō (ποιέω, "do, perform, practice") combined with zaō (ζάω, "live") presents perfect obedience as the condition for life. The law's standard is absolute—"the man which doeth" must do all the law without exception (Gal 3:10; James 2:10). This is "the righteousness which is of the law" (hē ek tou nomou dikaiosynē, ἡ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου δικαιοσύνη)—a hypothetical righteousness Israel pursued but could never attain.
Paul is not denigrating the law—he affirms its holiness (Rom 7:12). The problem is human inability, not divine requirement. The law's "do this and live" principle remains valid but unachievable post-fall. Christ alone fulfilled this condition (Matt 5:17-18), keeping every jot and tittle. In union with Christ, believers receive His law-keeping righteousness while the law's curse falls on Him (Gal 3:13). The law's purpose was never to save but to reveal sin and drive us to Christ (Gal 3:19-24).
Historical Context
Rabbinic interpretation of Leviticus 18:5 emphasized doing the commandments as the path to life—both temporal blessings in the land and eternal life in the world to come. Second Temple Jewish texts like 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch (both c. AD 100) wrestle with the apparent impossibility of perfect law-keeping, yet maintain works-righteousness. Paul's radical gospel reinterpretation—that the law's "do this and live" is fulfilled only in Christ—inverts the entire system.
Reflection
- Why must the law's standard remain uncompromised and absolute for the gospel to make sense?
- How does Christ's perfect law-keeping (active obedience) complement His sin-bearing (passive obedience) in your salvation?
- In what areas are you most tempted to believe "do this and live" rather than "believe and live"?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Word: Romans 7:10, Nehemiah 9:29, Galatians 3:12
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 18:5, Ezekiel 20:11, 20:13, 20:21