Romans 7:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 7:5
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Chapter Context
Romans 7 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, love, creation. 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 7:5
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Analysis
For when we were in the flesh—En tē sarki (ἐν τῇ σαρκί) doesn't mean physical embodiment but the unregenerate state dominated by sin nature. Paul uses sarx (σάρξ, "flesh") to denote humanity's fallen condition apart from the Spirit's regenerating work (Romans 8:5-9). This refers to pre-conversion existence.
The motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death—Pathēmata tōn hamartiōn (παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, "sinful passions/sufferings") describes the aroused desires provoked by law's prohibitions. The law didn't create sin but exposed and provoked it. Energeō (ἐνεργέω, "work/operate") shows sin's active power in unregenerate "members" (melē, μέλη—bodily faculties). The harvest was death, both spiritual and eternal.
Historical Context
Paul describes the pre-Christian state of both Jewish and Gentile believers. For Jews, life "under law" meant experiencing Torah's condemning ministry without regenerating power. For Gentiles, conscience served as law (2:14-15), similarly exposing sin without providing transformation. Both groups needed Christ's liberating work.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that law aroused rather than suppressed sinful passions change your view of externally imposed religious regulations?
- What evidence do you see that your 'members' are now operating under a different power than they did 'in the flesh'?
- In what areas might you be unconsciously expecting law-keeping to produce spiritual fruit that only Spirit-union can generate?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Word: 1 Corinthians 15:56, Galatians 3:10, 1 John 3:4
- Sin: Romans 6:13, 6:19
- Parallel theme: Romans 6:21, Galatians 5:24, Ephesians 2:3, 2:11, Colossians 3:5