4:14 4:14

Romans 4:15

4:16 4:16

Bible Versions

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.
Because {G1063} the law {G3551} worketh {G2716} wrath {G3709}: for {G1063} where {G3757} no {G3756} law {G3551} is {G2076}, there is no {G3761} transgression {G3847}.
For what law brings is punishment. But where there is no law, there is also no violation.
because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.
for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

Romans 4:15 (KJV): "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression."

Context

This verse appears in Romans chapter 4, where the Apostle Paul is building his argument for justification by faith, not by works of the law. He uses Abraham as a prime example, showing that Abraham was counted righteous by faith (see Romans 4:3), long before the Mosaic Law was given. Paul explains that the promise to Abraham and his seed came through the righteousness of faith, not through the law (Romans 4:13-14). Verse 15 provides the reason why relying on the law for righteousness is futile and even counterproductive: the law's primary effect is to reveal sin and bring God's wrath, not to grant justification.

Key Themes

  • The Law and Wrath: The central assertion is that the law "worketh wrath." This means the law actively produces or results in God's righteous anger and condemnation because it highlights humanity's inability to perfectly keep its demands.
  • Defining Transgression: The verse clarifies the nature of "transgression." Transgression (Greek: parabasis) is literally a 'stepping over' a boundary or command. Without a specific command or law defining what is forbidden, there cannot be a formal transgression of that law.
  • The Law's Purpose (in this context): Paul isn't saying the law is bad, but that its function is not to save. Instead, it exposes sin and sinfulness, making clear the standard humans fail to meet, thereby leading to wrath. As Romans 3:20 states, "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "worketh wrath" translates the Greek katergazetai orgēn. Katergazetai means to "work out, produce, effect, or cause." Orgēn refers to God's settled, righteous indignation against sin. So, the law doesn't just occasionally cause wrath; it is its inherent effect when it encounters sinful humanity. "Transgression" is parabasis, emphasizing the specific act of crossing a known legal boundary.

Reflection & Application

This verse is crucial for understanding the gospel message. It shows that trying to earn salvation by keeping religious rules or laws is a path that leads to condemnation, not justification. The law serves to show us our sinfulness and our need for a Saviour. Because we all fail to keep the law perfectly, we all fall short and face wrath. This highlights the absolute necessity of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to believers, freeing them from the condemnation the law brings. Understanding this truth helps us appreciate the freedom and peace found in justification by faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 5:13

    (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

  • Galatians 3:10

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

  • Romans 3:19

    ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

  • Romans 3:20

    Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:56

    The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

  • Romans 7:7

    ¶ What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

  • Romans 7:25

    I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
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