Romans 7:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 7:13
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Chapter Context
Romans 7 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, judgment, redemption. 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 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 7:13
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Analysis
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid.—Paul anticipates objection: if law is good (v. 12) but produces death (v. 10), isn't good itself deadly? Mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο)—his strongest negation—emphatically denies this. Law remains good; sin bears sole responsibility for death.
But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good—Hina phanē hamartia (ἵνα φανῇ ἁμαρτία, "that it might be shown to be sin") reveals law's purpose: unmasking sin's true character. Sin's ability to pervert even God's good law into death's instrument exposes sin's exceeding malignity. That sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful—Kath' hyperbolēn hamartōlos (καθ' ὑπερβολὴν ἁμαρτωλός, "sinful beyond measure") intensifies sin's vileness. Law's function is diagnostic—revealing sin's lethal nature and desperate need for remedy.
Historical Context
Paul concludes his defense of law's goodness while explaining its condemning ministry. The purpose wasn't arbitrary condemnation but accurate diagnosis. Only when sin appears 'exceeding sinful' do people abandon self-righteousness and flee to Christ. Law serves God's redemptive plan by demolishing false hopes in human ability.
Reflection
- How has law functioned to make sin appear 'exceeding sinful' in your life rather than merely disappointing or regrettable?
- What might it reveal about your view of sin if law's exposure doesn't drive you to desperate dependence on Christ?
- How does understanding law's diagnostic purpose help you receive conviction without condemnation?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Word: Galatians 3:21