Romans 10:5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

For {G1063} Moses {G3475} describeth {G1125} the righteousness {G1343} which {G3588} is of {G1537} the law {G3551}, That {G3754} the man {G444} which doeth {G4160} those things {G846} shall live {G2198} by {G1722} them {G846}.

For Moshe writes about the righteousness grounded in the Torah that the person who does these things will attain life through them.

For concerning the righteousness that is by the law, Moses writes: “The man who does these things will live by them.”

For Moses writeth that the man that doeth the righteousness which is of the law shall live thereby.

Context of Romans 10:5

In Romans chapter 10, the Apostle Paul continues his profound theological discussion regarding Israel's relationship with God, particularly their pursuit of righteousness. He expresses his heartfelt desire for Israel's salvation (Romans 10:1) and addresses their zeal for God, which he notes is "not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2). Verse 5 serves as a foundational premise, laying out the absolute standard for righteousness under the Old Testament law. This sets the stage for Paul to introduce the superior and accessible path of righteousness by faith in Christ, which is the central theme of the Gospel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Righteousness by Law Defined: This verse, quoting Leviticus 18:5, succinctly states the principle of righteousness under the Mosaic Law. It emphasizes that life (meaning covenant blessings, spiritual well-being, and favor with God) was promised to those who perfectly and consistently performed all that the law commanded.
  • The Law's Demanding Standard: Paul highlights the absolute nature of the law's requirement: "the man which doeth those things shall live by them." This implies a perfect, unwavering obedience, which is ultimately unattainable for fallen humanity. The law, therefore, reveals sin rather than providing a means of salvation (Romans 3:20), proving humanity's inability to earn righteousness.
  • Crucial Contrast with Faith: This verse serves as a pivotal contrast to the "righteousness which is of faith," which Paul immediately introduces in the subsequent verses (Romans 10:6). While the law demands perfect doing and performing, faith demands trusting and believing. This distinction is central to understanding the Gospel's good news.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "doeth those things" (from the Hebrew, 'asah, used in Leviticus 18:5) underscores the emphasis on active, consistent, and complete performance of the law's stipulations. The word "live" (from the Hebrew, chayah) signifies not merely physical existence, but a full, blessed life, characterized by God's favor, intimate relationship, and covenant blessings. This was the promise of the Old Covenant for perfect obedience, a standard no human could perfectly meet.

Practical Application and Significance

Romans 10:5 is vital for understanding the fundamental distinction between attempting to earn righteousness through works of the law and receiving righteousness through faith. It reminds us that no one can achieve salvation or standing before God through perfect adherence to rules or good deeds, because human imperfection makes such a level of obedience impossible. This verse powerfully sets the stage for the Gospel message: since righteousness by law is unattainable, God, in His mercy, provided righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. This truth frees believers from the impossible burden of trying to earn salvation and points instead to the free gift of God's grace, as elaborated in Ephesians 2:8-9. It encourages us to abandon self-righteousness and embrace God's perfect provision for salvation through faith alone.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 18:5

    Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 9:29

    And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

  • Ezekiel 20:13

    But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

  • Ezekiel 20:21

    Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

  • Ezekiel 20:11

    And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them.

  • Galatians 3:12

    And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

  • Luke 10:27

    And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

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