Romans 10:5 - For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.” Leviticus 18:5
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What does "Romans 10:5" mean?
Romans 10:5 is quoting Leviticus 18:5 and using it as a point of contrast in Paul's argument about how righteousness is obtained before God. Let's break down what it means:
"For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law...": Paul is referring to the Old Testament (which was written by Moses, according to tradition, or attributed to him). He is acknowledging that the Old Testament does discuss a way to attain righteousness.
"...“The one who does them will live by them.” Leviticus 18:5": This is a direct quote from Leviticus. It essentially says that if a person perfectly and consistently obeys all the laws of God, they will attain life and righteousness through their own actions. In other words, strict obedience to the law guarantees life.
Here's the significance in the context of Romans 10:
The Law as a Standard of Perfection: Paul is highlighting the extremely high standard of the law. To "live by" doing the law implies perfect obedience. Even a single transgression breaks the entire system. The law, therefore, becomes a very difficult (arguably impossible) path to righteousness.
Contrast with Righteousness by Faith: Paul is setting up a contrast between "righteousness by works of the law" (the method described in Leviticus) and "righteousness by faith" in Jesus Christ, which he will explain in the following verses. He is essentially saying, "There's a way to be righteous through your own actions, but it's incredibly difficult. But there's also another way: through faith in Jesus."
The Law's Intended Purpose: Paul isn't necessarily disparaging the law. He understands that the law had a purpose in revealing sin and pointing people to their need for a savior. The law served as a tutor leading people to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
The impossibility of fulfilling the law: Ultimately, Paul argues (throughout Romans and other epistles) that no one can perfectly fulfill the law and therefore achieve righteousness on their own merit. The law serves to show us our sinfulness and our need for grace.
In summary, Romans 10:5 is a statement about the Old Testament's perspective on how righteousness could be obtained: through perfect obedience to the law. Paul uses this verse to contrast it with the New Testament's understanding of how righteousness is obtained: through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:5 - For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.” Leviticus 18:5
What does "Romans 10:5" mean?
Romans 10:5 is quoting Leviticus 18:5 and using it as a point of contrast in Paul's argument about how righteousness is obtained before God. Let's break down what it means:
"For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law...": Paul is referring to the Old Testament (which was written by Moses, according to tradition, or attributed to him). He is acknowledging that the Old Testament does discuss a way to attain righteousness.
"...“The one who does them will live by them.” Leviticus 18:5": This is a direct quote from Leviticus. It essentially says that if a person perfectly and consistently obeys all the laws of God, they will attain life and righteousness through their own actions. In other words, strict obedience to the law guarantees life.
Here's the significance in the context of Romans 10:
The Law as a Standard of Perfection: Paul is highlighting the extremely high standard of the law. To "live by" doing the law implies perfect obedience. Even a single transgression breaks the entire system. The law, therefore, becomes a very difficult (arguably impossible) path to righteousness.
Contrast with Righteousness by Faith: Paul is setting up a contrast between "righteousness by works of the law" (the method described in Leviticus) and "righteousness by faith" in Jesus Christ, which he will explain in the following verses. He is essentially saying, "There's a way to be righteous through your own actions, but it's incredibly difficult. But there's also another way: through faith in Jesus."
The Law's Intended Purpose: Paul isn't necessarily disparaging the law. He understands that the law had a purpose in revealing sin and pointing people to their need for a savior. The law served as a tutor leading people to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
The impossibility of fulfilling the law: Ultimately, Paul argues (throughout Romans and other epistles) that no one can perfectly fulfill the law and therefore achieve righteousness on their own merit. The law serves to show us our sinfulness and our need for grace.
In summary, Romans 10:5 is a statement about the Old Testament's perspective on how righteousness could be obtained: through perfect obedience to the law. Paul uses this verse to contrast it with the New Testament's understanding of how righteousness is obtained: through faith in Jesus Christ.