Romans 7:1-12

Romans 7:1-12
Second Sunday of Easter – A Women’s Lectionary

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Or do you not know,I brothersII and sisters—for I am speakingIII

Notes on verse 1a

I “not know” = agnoeo. From a (not) + noieo (to perceive, think, understand); {from nous (mind, understanding, reasoning faculty, intellect, capacity to reflect); from noos (mind); probably from the base as ginosko (to know, recognize, realize, perceive, learn; gaining knowledge through personal experience)}. This is unaware not to know. Sometimes it is willful ignorance, but other times it is simply not knowing.
II “brothers” = adelphos. From a (with, community, fellowship) + delphus (womb). This is a brother in a literal or figurative sense. It is also used of another member of the Church.
III “speaking” = laleo. From lalos (talkative). This is to talk, say, or preach.

to those who knowIV the lawV—that the law is binding onVI

Notes on verse 1b

IV “know” = ginosko. Related to “not know” in v1. See note I above.
V “law” = nomos. From nemo (to parcel out). Literally, this is that which is assigned. It can be usage, custom, or law. This word can be used for human or divine law. It can be used specifically for the law of Moses or as a name for the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Sometimes it is used for scripture as a whole, used of the Gospel, or of any theology. It is also used for the “tradition of the elders,” which would be the oral Torah – the tradition of the laws plus their interpretations as they were passed down over time. We must carefully consider which meaning of “law” is meant when we interpret passages the word is found in.
VI “is binding on” = kurieuo. 7x in NT. From kurios (a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord); from kuros (authority, supremacy). This is to be lord of, rule, lord over.

a personVII onlyVIII during that person’s lifetime?IX 

Notes on verse 1c

VII “person” = anthropos. Probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (become, seem, appear)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.
VIII “only” = hosos. From hos (who, which, that). This is how much, as many as, as great as.
IX “lifetime” = chronos + zao. Chronos is time in the chronological sense, quantitative time or a duration of time. Zao is to live literally or figuratively. It is used for life including the vitality of humans, plants, and animals – it is life physical and spiritual and life everlasting.

Thus a marriedX womanXI is boundXII by the law to her husbandXIII as long as he lives,XIV

Notes on verse 2a

X “married” = hupandros. Related to “person” in v1. 1x in NT. From hupo (by, under, about, subordinate to) + aner (see note VII above). This is under the authority of a man or husband.
XI “woman” = gune. Perhaps from ginomai (to come into being, to happen, become, be born; to emerge from one state or condition to another; this is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth). This is woman, wife, or bride. This is where the word “gynecologist” comes from.
XII “bound” = deo. To tie, bind, compel, put in chains. This is to bind in a literal or figurative sense. Can also mean declaring something unlawful.
XIII “husband” = aner. Related to “person” in v1 & “married” in v2. See note VII above.
XIV “lives” = zao. Same as “lifetime” in v1. See note IX above.

but if her husband dies,XV she is dischargedXVI from the law concerning the husband. Accordingly,XVII she will be calledXVIII

Notes on verses 2b-3a

XV “dies” = apothnesko. From apo (from, away from) + thnesko (to die, be dead). This is to die off. It is death with an emphasis on the way that death separates. It can also mean to wither or decay.
XVI “discharged” = katargeo. From kata (down, against, according to, among) + argeo (to delay, linger, be at rest, be idle, do nothing); {from argos (inactive, idle, lazy, thoughtless, useless, unemployed, unprofitable) {from a (not) + ergon (word, task, action, employment)}}. This is making something inactive or bringing it to nothing. So, it could mean making something inoperative or powerless, annulling, or severing. It can also mean to make something ineffective or invalid.
XVII “accordingly” = ara. Perhaps similar to aro (to join) OR from airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is therefore, perhaps, so, truly.
XVIII “called” = chrematizo. 9x in NT– including Matthew 2:12 when the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. 9x in NT. From chrema (something one uses or needs; money, possessions, wealth); from chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request). This is to conduct business, instruct, warn, reveal, to utter an oracle, be warned by God.

an adulteressXIX if she belongs toXX anotherXXI manXXII

Notes on verse 3b

XIX “adulteress” = moichalis. 7x in NT. From moichos (adulterer; a man who has been with a married woman; used figuratively of an apostate). This is adulteress or adultery. It can also refer to idolaters.
XX “belongs to” = ginomai. Related to “woman” in v2. See note XI above.
XXI “another” = heteros. This is other, another, different, strange. It is another of a different kind in contrast to the Greek word allos, which is another of the same kind. This could be a different quality, type, or group.
XXII “man” = aner. Same as “husband” in v2. See note XIII above.

while her husband is alive.XXIII But if her husband dies, she isXXIV freeXXV from that law, and if she belongs to another man, she is not an adulteress.

Notes on verse 3c

XXIII “is alive” = zao. Same as “lifetime” in v1. See note IX above.
XXIV “is” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
XXV “free” = eleutheros. Probably from erchomai (to come or go). This is a free person, at liberty, not a slave. Properly, it is unshackled – figuratively, it is one who has the freedom to choose their destiny. Also, it is one who does not have obligation or liability.

In the same way, my brothers and sisters, you have diedXXVI to the law through the bodyXXVII of Christ,XXVIII

Notes on verse 4a

XXVI “died” = thanatoo. Related to “dies” in v2. 11x in NT. From thanatos (death, whether literal or spiritual; also something fatal); from thnesko (see note XV above). This is to kill in a literal or figurative sense – subdue, mortify, be apart from.
XXVII “body” = soma. Perhaps from sozo (to save, heal, rescue); from sos (safe, well, rescued). This is body or flesh. It can be body in a literal or figurative sense (as the body of Christ). This is where the word “somatic” comes from.
XXVIII “Christ” = Christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.

so that you may belong to another, to him who was raisedXXIX from the deadXXX in order that we may bear fruitXXXI for God.XXXII 

Notes on verse 4b

XXIX “raised” = egeiro. This is to awake, raise up or lift up. It can be to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death. Figuratively, it can be rising from inactivity or from ruins.
XXX “dead” = nekros. Perhaps from nekus (corpse). This is dead or lifeless, mortal, corpse. It can also be used figuratively for powerless or ineffective. It is where the word “necrotic” comes from.
XXXI “bear fruit” = karpophoreo. 8x in NT. From karpophoros (fruitful, productive); {from karpos (a fruit or vegetable; sometimes an animal; figuratively, deeds, results, profits, or gain); {perhaps from harpazo (to seize by force, snatch away); from haireo (to choose, take)} + phero (to bear, bring, lead, make known publicly; to carry in a literal or figurative sense)}. This is to produce fruit or crops. It is fertile in a literal or figurative sense.
XXXII “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

For while we were livingXXXIII in the flesh,XXXIV our sinfulXXXV passions,XXXVI aroused by the law,

Notes on verse 5a

XXXIII “living” = eimi. Same as “is” in v3. See note XXIV above.
XXXIV “flesh” = sarx. May be from saroo (to sweep, cleanse by sweeping); from sairo (to brush off). This is flesh, the body, human nature, materiality, kindred. Flesh is not always evil in scripture (as when it refers to Jesus taking on a human body). However, it is generally used in a negative way for actions made selfishly and not through faith. This can mean animal flesh, i.e. meat, or refer to body in contrast to soul/spirit. Flesh can be a way of talking about how things or people are related or talking about human frailty (physical or moral).
XXXV “sinful” = hamartia. From hamartano (to miss the mark, do wrong, make a mistake, sin); {from a (not) + meros (a part or share)}. Literally, this means not having one’s share or portion – like not receiving inheritance or what was allotted to you. This word means missing the mark so it is used for guilt, fault, and acts of sin.
XXXVI “passions” = pathema. 16x in NT. From pathos (passion, lust, suffering, something that happens to you, strong feelings); from pascho (to be acted on for good or ill; often used for negative treatment; properly, feeling strong emotions – especially suffering; can also be the ability to feel suffering). This is something that happens to you such as suffering, affliction, passion, or emotion. It can also be one’s capacity for deep feelings or enduring. Further, it can be hardship or pain.

were at workXXXVII in our membersXXXVIII to bear fruit for death.XXXIX But now we are discharged from the law, deadXL to that which held us captive,XLI

Notes on verses 5b-6a

XXXVII “were at work” = energeo. Related to “discharged” in v2. From energes (active, effective, operative, energized, powerful); {from en (in, at, by, with, among) + ergon (see note XVI above)}. This is to be at work, accomplish, be mighty or effectual. This is where “energy” comes from.
XXXVIII “members” = melos. This is a limb or an organ of the body. So, it is a member of a greater whole. It is used figuratively for the body of Christ.
XXXIX “death” = thanatos. Related to “dies” in v2 & “died” in v4. See note XXVI above.
XL “dead” = apothnesko. Same as “dies” in v2. See note XV above.
XLI “held…captive” = katecho. 18x in NT. From kata (down, against, according to, throughout) + echo (to have, hold, possess). This is to hold fast, bind, possess, restrain, arrest, suppress. It is to hold down in a literal or figurative sense. It can also be to hold something in one’s memory.

so that we are enslavedXLII in the newnessXLIII of the SpiritXLIV and not in the oldnessXLV of the written code.XLVI

Notes on verse 6b

XLII “are enslaved” = douleuo. Related to “bound” in v2. From doulos (a servant or for a slave, enslaved; someone who belongs to someone else, but could be voluntary to pay off debt or involuntary – captured in war and enslaved; a metaphor for serving Christ); perhaps from deo (see note XII above). This is to be a slave, serve, do service, obey, be devoted.
XLIII “newness” = kainotes. 2x in NT. From kainos (not new as in new versus old; new in the sense of novel, innovative, or fresh). This is newness, novelty, or renewal.
XLIV “Spirit” = pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
XLV “oldness” = palaiotes. 1x in NT. From palaios (old, ancient); from palai (former, of old); perhaps from palin (back, again, further). This is oldness, obsoleteness, or antiquatedness.
XLVI “written code” = gramma. 15x in NT. From grapho (to write, describe). This is something drawn or written. So, it could be a letter of the alphabet, an epistle, a book, literature, etc.

What then are we to say?XLVII That the law is sin? By no means!XLVIII Yet, if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. I would not have knownXLIX

Notes on verse 7a

XLVII “say” = ereo. Perhaps from rheo (to say, speak of, command). This is to say, tell, speak, mean, command.
XLVIII “by no means” = me + ginomai. Ginomai is the same as “lives with” in v3. See note XX above.
XLIX “known” = eido. This is to know, consider perceive, appreciate, behold, or remember. It means seeing with one’s eyes, but also figuratively, it means perceiving – seeing that becomes understanding. So, by implication, this means knowing or being aware.

what it is to covetL if the law had not said,LI “You shall not covet.”LII 

Notes on verse 7b

L “what it is to covet” = epithumia. From epithmueo (long for, set one’s heart on, yearn, desire); {from epi (on, upon, at, what is fitting) + thumos (passion, wrath; actions emerging from passion or impulse) {from thuo (to rush along, breathe violently, offer sacrifice)}}. This is desire, a longing built on passionate emotion or urges. This can be a positive or a negative passion (lust or eagerness).
LI “said” = eiron. This is to speak say, answer, command.
LII “covet” = epithumeo. Related to “what it is to covet” in v7. 16x in NT. See note L above.

But sin, seizingLIII an opportunityLIV through the commandment,LV

Notes on verse 8a

LIII “seizing” = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.
LIV “opportunity” = aphorme. 7x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + hormao (to rush, run, start, or spur on); {from horme (onrush, quick motion forward, attempt, inclination, attempt)}. This is occasion, launching point, opportunity.
LV “commandment” = entole. From entellomai (to charge, command, give orders or instructions) {from en (in, on, at, by, with) + tellomai (to accomplish); {from telos (an end, aim, purpose, completion, end goal, consummation, tax; going through the steps to complete a stage or phase and then moving on to the next one)}}. This is an order, command, ordinance, or law. It focuses on the purpose of the command and its end result.

producedLVI in me all kinds ofLVII covetousness.LVIII For apart fromLIX the law sin lies dead.LX 

Notes on verse 8b

LVI “produced” = katergazomai. Related to “discharged” in v2 & “were at work” in v5. From kata (down, against, throughout, among, daily) + ergazomai (to work, labor); {from ergon (see note XVI above)}. This is working something until it is completed, working fully, accomplishing, producing, achieving, performing.
LVII “all kinds of” = pas. This is all or every.
LVIII “covetousness” = epithumia. Same as “what it is to covet” in v7. See note L above.
LIX “apart from” = choris. From chora (space, land, region, fields, open area); from chasma (gap, gulf, chasm, open space); from chasko (to gape, yawn). This is apart from, separate from.
LX “dead” = nekros. Same as “dead” in v4. See note XXX above.

I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came,LXI sin revivedLXII 10 and I died,LXIII and the very commandment that promised lifeLXIV proved to beLXV deathLXVI to me. 

Notes on verses 9-10

LXI “came” = erchomai. Related to “free” in v3. See note XXV above.
LXII “revived” = anazao. Related to “lifetime” in v1. 2x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, anew) + zao (see note IX above). This is to live again, revive, resurrect. It can be literal or figurative.
LXIII “died” = apothnesko. Same as “dies” in v2. See note XV above.
LXIV “life” = zoe. Related to “lifetime” in v1 & “revived” in v9. From zao (see note IX above). This is life including the vitality of humans, plants, and animals – it is life physical and spiritual and life everlasting.
LXV “proved to be” = heurisko. This is to find, learn, or obtain. It is to discover something, which generally implies a period of searching for it. This is to find in a literal or figurative sense. This is where the word “heuristic” comes from.
LXVI “death” = thanatos. Same as “death” in v5. See note XXXIX above.

11 For sin, seizing an opportunity in the commandment, deceivedLXVII me and through it killedLXVIII me. 12 SoLXIX the law is holy,LXX

Notes on verses 11-12a

LXVII “deceived” = exapatao. 6x in NT. From ek (from, from out of) + apatao (to deceive, seduce, cheat, delude; focuses on the method used to lure astray); {from apate (deception, cheating, treachery, fraud)}. This is to deceive of beguile. It focuses on the final effects of the deception.
LXVIII “killed” = apokteino. From apo (from, away from) + kteino (to kill). To put to death, kill, slay. Figuratively, this word can mean abolish, destroy, or extinguish.
LXIX {untranslated} = men. This is truly, indeed, even, in fact. Often, it is not translated, but used to emphasize affirmation.
LXX “holy” = hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.

and the commandment is holy and justLXXI and good.LXXII

Notes on verse 12b

LXXI “just” = dikaios. From dike (the principle of justice; that which is right in a way that is very clear; a decision or the execution of that decision; originally, this word was for custom or usage; evolved to include the process of law, judicial hearing, execution of sentence, penalty, and even vengeance; more commonly, it refers to what is right); may be from deiknumi (to show, point out, exhibit; figurative for teach, demonstrate, make known). This is correct, righteous, just, or a righteous person. It implies innocent or conforming to God’s standard of justice.
LXXII “good” = agathos. This is good, a benefit, or a good thing. It is good by its very nature, intrinsically good. A different word, kalos, refers to external signs of goodness.


Image credit: “German Expressionist Sculpture” – created by Albert Müller, Herman Scherer, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Photo by Martin Beek, 2017.

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