Romans 7:5

KJV

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} when {G3753} we were {G2258} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}, the motions {G3804} of sins {G266}, which {G3588} were by {G1223} the law {G3551}, did work {G1754} in {G1722} our {G2257} members {G3196} to bring {G1519} forth fruit {G2592} unto death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For when we were living according to our old nature, the passions connected with sins worked through the Torah in our various parts, with the result that we bore fruit for death.

Berean Standard Bible

For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.

American Standard Version

For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were through the law, wrought in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 7:5 profoundly articulates the devastating effect of sin, illustrating how the unregenerate human nature, referred to as "the flesh," leverages the very commands of God's holy Law to incite sinful passions, which then actively operate within human faculties, inevitably culminating in spiritual death. This verse serves as a stark portrayal of humanity's desperate condition prior to divine intervention, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent exposition on the liberating power of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 7:5 is situated within Paul's intricate theological argument concerning the relationship between the Mosaic Law, sin, and the believer's new identity in Christ. Following his exposition on justification by faith and sanctification in union with Christ in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Union with Christ"), Paul addresses a crucial question that naturally arises: if the Law exposes sin, is the Law itself sinful or the cause of sin? In [Romans 7:1-6](/romans/7-1-6 "Romans 7:1-6 - Analogy of Marriage to the Law"), he uses the analogy of marriage to explain that believers have "died to the Law" through Christ's body, just as a wife is released from her husband's law upon his death, enabling her to be joined to another. This verse, [Romans 7:5](/romans/7-5 "Romans 7:5 - The Law and the Flesh"), specifically describes the prior state of being "married" to the Law in the flesh, where the Law, though good, paradoxically stimulated sin. It sets the stage for Paul's personal struggle described in [Romans 7:7-25](/romans/7-7-25 "Romans 7:7-25 - The Struggle Within") and the triumphant resolution found in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile Christians, many of whom would have been familiar with the Mosaic Law. For Jewish believers, the Law was central to their identity and understanding of righteousness. Paul is carefully dismantling the misconception that adherence to the Law could bring salvation or sanctification, a notion prevalent among some Jewish Christians. He is not condemning the Law itself, which was given by God, but rather demonstrating its inability to provide life or power over sin due to the fallen nature of humanity. The concept of "flesh" (σάρξ, *sarx*) in Pauline theology refers not merely to the physical body but to the entirety of human nature apart from God's Spirit—a nature prone to sin and rebellion. This understanding was crucial for his audience to grasp the radical shift from a law-based righteousness to a grace-based one.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the **radical depravity of fallen humanity** and the pervasive power of sin, which, when operating "in the flesh," actively exploits the Law. Secondly, it highlights the **Law's inability to justify or sanctify**, showing that while the Law is holy and good, it could only expose sin and condemn, never empower obedience or grant life, as clarified in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"). Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **spiritual death** as the inevitable "fruit" or consequence of living under the dominion of sin and the Law, setting up the contrast with the "life" found in Christ and the Spirit in [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death"). This verse is a critical pivot point, demonstrating the absolute necessity of God's grace and the new covenant in Christ for true freedom and spiritual vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** (G4561) In this context, "flesh" does not merely refer to the physical body but to the unredeemed human nature, the sinful disposition that stands in opposition to God and His Spirit. It denotes humanity's fallen state, characterized by weakness, corruption, and a propensity toward sin, apart from divine grace. It is the realm where sin holds sway.
* **motions (Greek, _páthēma'_):** (G3804) This word signifies "sufferings," "passions," or "emotions." Here, it refers specifically to the sinful passions, desires, or impulses that are stirred up and become active within the unregenerate person. It emphasizes the compelling, internal stirrings of sin, not just external actions, but the deep-seated inclinations of the fallen nature.
* **did work (Greek, _energéō'_):** (G1754) Meaning "to be active, efficient," or "to work effectually in." This verb highlights the potent and active nature of these sinful "motions" or passions. It indicates that sin is not passive but is a dynamic, operative force within the "members" (parts of the body, faculties) of the individual "in the flesh," producing tangible, destructive results.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when we were in the flesh,"**: This clause establishes the temporal and spiritual condition of humanity prior to conversion and union with Christ. "In the flesh" (ἐν τῇ σαρκί) describes a state of being dominated by the sinful nature, apart from the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. It refers to a life governed by human desires and capacities, inherently hostile to God's will.
* **"the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members"**: Here, Paul explains how sin operates within the unregenerate. The "motions of sins" (πάθημα τῶν ἁμαμαρτιῶν) refers to the sinful passions or desires that are aroused. The phrase "which were by the law" (τὰ διὰ τοῦ νόμου) is crucial: the Law, though holy and good, paradoxically served as the catalyst or occasion for these sinful passions to be stirred up and made evident. By prohibiting sin, the Law inadvertently highlighted and even intensified the rebellious nature of the flesh. These passions then "did work" (ἐνηργεῖτο) powerfully and effectively "in our members" (ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν), meaning in the various parts of our bodies and faculties, manifesting as sinful acts and inclinations.
* **"to bring forth fruit unto death."**: This final phrase reveals the inevitable and tragic outcome of this process. The active operation of sinful passions, stimulated by the Law within the fallen nature, produces "fruit" (καρποφορῆσαι), which is a metaphor for the natural consequence or result. This "fruit" is "unto death" (εἰς τὸν θάνατον), signifying spiritual death—separation from God, condemnation, and eternal ruin. It underscores the Law's inability to give life and the fatal consequence of relying on human effort under its demands without the Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Romans 7:5](/romans/7-5 "Romans 7:5 - The Law and the Flesh") to convey his theological message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "sin" is portrayed as an active, almost sentient agent that "works" (energéō) within human "members" and "brings forth fruit." This gives sin a dynamic, insidious quality, emphasizing its pervasive power over the unregenerate. Closely related is the **Metaphor** of "fruit unto death," where the consequences of sinful passions are likened to the natural yield of a plant. This vivid imagery underscores the natural and inevitable outcome of a life lived "in the flesh" under the Law, leading not to life but to spiritual demise. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Paradox** at play: the Law, which is holy and good, is shown to inadvertently "stir up" or make evident the "motions of sins." This highlights the Law's unintended effect on fallen humanity, where its very prohibitions expose and even exacerbate the rebellious nature of the flesh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:5 is a cornerstone in Paul's argument for the necessity of Christ's redemptive work. It vividly portrays the human predicament under the Law, where sin, far from being suppressed by divine commands, is paradoxically provoked and amplified by them within the fallen human nature. This demonstrates that the Law's purpose was not to provide salvation or sanctification, but to expose the depth of human sinfulness and the utter inability of humanity to achieve righteousness through self-effort. This profound theological insight prepares the reader for the glorious liberation found in Christ, where believers are freed from the dominion of sin and the condemnation of the Law, empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear fruit unto life. The verse underscores that true life and righteousness are not found in adherence to a legal code, but in a radical transformation wrought by God's grace.

* [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ") - Contrasts the condemnation under the Law with the freedom from condemnation in Christ, where the righteous requirement of the Law is fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit.
* [Galatians 3:21-25](/galatians/3-21-25 "Galatians 3:21-25 - The Law as a Guardian") - Explains that the Law was a "guardian" or "tutor" to lead people to Christ, not to give life. It imprisoned humanity under sin until faith in Christ came.
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin") - Describes the progression of sin from desire to conception to birth, ultimately leading to death, mirroring Paul's "fruit unto death."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:5 offers a sobering mirror, reflecting the profound reality of our human condition apart from Christ. It compels us to acknowledge that our inherent nature, "the flesh," is not merely weak but is actively hostile to God's Law, transforming even good commands into occasions for sin to flourish. This understanding should cultivate a deep humility and a profound gratitude for the salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ. We are reminded that self-effort, moral striving, or strict adherence to rules, while seemingly virtuous, are ultimately futile in overcoming the power of sin within us; they can only highlight our failure and lead to spiritual death. This verse powerfully underscores the absolute necessity of God's grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit for true spiritual life and righteousness. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the "before Christ" state, deepening our appreciation for the liberation we now experience and reinforcing our reliance on the Spirit, not our own strength, for ongoing sanctification. It also fosters compassion for those still "in the flesh," prompting us to share the liberating truth of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "motions of sins" working in the flesh deepen your appreciation for the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your life?**
* **In what ways might we, even as believers, sometimes revert to a "law-based" approach to sanctification, and how does Romans 7:5 challenge that tendency?**
* **Considering the "fruit unto death," how does this verse highlight the urgency of the Gospel message for those who have not yet embraced Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 7:5 imply that the Law itself is bad or causes sin?**

Answer: No, Romans 7:5 does not imply that the Law is bad or inherently causes sin. Paul emphatically denies this in [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law is Holy"). The Law is holy, righteous, and good, reflecting God's perfect character. However, because fallen humanity is "in the flesh"—meaning our nature is corrupted by sin—the Law's prohibitions, instead of being obeyed, paradoxically serve to expose and even stimulate the rebellious desires of the sinful nature. The Law reveals sin and makes it known, but it does not provide the power to overcome it. It acts like a mirror, showing us our spiritual blemishes, but cannot cleanse them. The problem lies not with the Law, but with our sinful human nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:5, with its stark depiction of humanity's bondage to sin and the Law's inability to deliver, powerfully sets the stage for the glorious and complete fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The "fruit unto death" that inevitably resulted from the "motions of sins" working in the "members" of those "in the flesh" is precisely what Christ came to reverse. He is the ultimate answer to the dilemma posed by this verse. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke the power of sin and the condemnation of the Law, offering a new covenant where the Spirit, not the Law, empowers righteousness. As [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death") declares, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." Where the Law revealed sin and led to death, Christ, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, fulfilled the Law's righteous demands and provided the means for new life. Believers are no longer "in the flesh" in the condemning sense, but "in Christ" and "in the Spirit," empowered to bear the "fruit of the Spirit" (as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) unto eternal life, rather than fruit unto death. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His resurrection, He offers victory over death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")).

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.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Galatians 5:16

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

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 6:13

Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.

Romans 6:21

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death.