Romans 7:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 7:1
1 Know 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?
Chapter Context
Romans 7 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, mercy, righteousness. 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 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 7:1
1 Know 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?
Analysis
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,)—Paul addresses those familiar with nomos (νόμος, "law"), likely Jewish converts who understood Torah principles. The Greek verb ginōskō (γινώσκω, "know") implies experiential knowledge, not mere intellectual awareness. Paul assumes his audience grasps legal binding principles.
How that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?—The verb kyrieuō (κυριεύω, "have dominion") denotes lordship or mastery. Death dissolves legal obligations, a principle foundational to the marriage analogy that follows. This introduces Paul's argument that believers have died to the law's jurisdiction through union with Christ's death (v. 4), enabling them to live under grace's reign rather than law's condemning authority.
Historical Context
Written around AD 57 from Corinth, Romans was Paul's systematic presentation of the gospel to a church he had not yet visited. Chapter 7 follows his discussion of sanctification (ch. 6) and addresses Jewish-Christian concerns about the law's role in salvation. The Roman church included both Jewish and Gentile believers navigating questions about Torah observance under the new covenant.
Reflection
- How does understanding death's role in dissolving legal obligations help you grasp your freedom from law-based righteousness?
- In what ways might you still be trying to establish dominion over your own spiritual life rather than surrendering to Christ's lordship?
- What 'laws' or external religious standards might still hold illegitimate dominion over your conscience?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Word: Romans 6:14, 7:6, Proverbs 6:23, 1 Corinthians 9:8, Galatians 4:21
- Parallel theme: Romans 6:3, 9:3, 10:1