Romans 7:3 - So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.
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What does "Romans 7:3" mean?
This verse, Romans 7:3, is part of a larger analogy Paul is using to explain the relationship between Christians and the law. Let's break it down:
"So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress..." This is a straightforward statement about marriage laws in that time. While a woman's husband is alive, she is bound to him by law. If she has sexual relations with another man, she is considered an adulteress, and that act would have had significant social and legal consequences.
"But if the husband dies, she is free from the law..." Death ends the marriage contract. The woman is no longer bound by the law regarding marriage.
"...so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man." This is the consequence of the husband's death. Since the previous marriage bond has been broken, the woman is now free to marry another man without being considered an adulteress.
The analogy:
Paul uses this illustration of marriage to explain the relationship of believers to the law of Moses. In the preceding verses (Romans 7:1-2), he establishes that the law has authority over a person only as long as that person lives (spiritually). Here's how the analogy works:
The woman: Represents believers (Christians).
The husband: Represents the Law of Moses. Christians were once bound to the Law.
Death of the husband: Represents the death of Christ. Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers have died to their old life under the law. They are no longer bound by its requirements as a means of justification.
Joining another man after the husband's death: Represents being united with Christ. Having died to the law, believers are now free to be joined to Christ and live under grace.
In essence, Paul is arguing:
Just as a woman is bound to her husband by law only as long as he lives, believers were bound to the law of Moses.
But through Christ's death, believers have "died" to the law. The law no longer has authority over them in the same way.
They are now free to be united with Christ and live a new life in the Spirit. They are no longer under the law's condemnation because Christ has fulfilled it.
Key takeaway:
Romans 7:3, within the context of the chapter, explains that Christians are no longer bound by the law as a means of salvation. Christ's death has freed them from its condemnation, allowing them to be united with him and live a life of grace and righteousness through the Holy Spirit. The law is not abolished, but its role has changed for believers. It now serves as a guide and a reflection of God's character, not as a means to earn salvation.
Romans 7:3 - So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.
What does "Romans 7:3" mean?
This verse, Romans 7:3, is part of a larger analogy Paul is using to explain the relationship between Christians and the law. Let's break it down:
"So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress..." This is a straightforward statement about marriage laws in that time. While a woman's husband is alive, she is bound to him by law. If she has sexual relations with another man, she is considered an adulteress, and that act would have had significant social and legal consequences.
"But if the husband dies, she is free from the law..." Death ends the marriage contract. The woman is no longer bound by the law regarding marriage.
"...so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man." This is the consequence of the husband's death. Since the previous marriage bond has been broken, the woman is now free to marry another man without being considered an adulteress.
The analogy:
Paul uses this illustration of marriage to explain the relationship of believers to the law of Moses. In the preceding verses (Romans 7:1-2), he establishes that the law has authority over a person only as long as that person lives (spiritually). Here's how the analogy works:
The woman: Represents believers (Christians).
The husband: Represents the Law of Moses. Christians were once bound to the Law.
Death of the husband: Represents the death of Christ. Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers have died to their old life under the law. They are no longer bound by its requirements as a means of justification.
Joining another man after the husband's death: Represents being united with Christ. Having died to the law, believers are now free to be joined to Christ and live under grace.
In essence, Paul is arguing:
Just as a woman is bound to her husband by law only as long as he lives, believers were bound to the law of Moses.
But through Christ's death, believers have "died" to the law. The law no longer has authority over them in the same way.
They are now free to be united with Christ and live a new life in the Spirit. They are no longer under the law's condemnation because Christ has fulfilled it.
Key takeaway:
Romans 7:3, within the context of the chapter, explains that Christians are no longer bound by the law as a means of salvation. Christ's death has freed them from its condemnation, allowing them to be united with him and live a life of grace and righteousness through the Holy Spirit. The law is not abolished, but its role has changed for believers. It now serves as a guide and a reflection of God's character, not as a means to earn salvation.