Romans 7:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} shall we say {G2046} then {G3767}? Is the law {G3551} sin {G266}? God forbid {G3361}{G1096}. Nay {G235}, I had {G1097} not {G3756} known {G1097} sin {G266}, but {G1508} by {G1223} the law {G3551}: for {G1063}{G5037} I had {G1492} not {G3756} known {G1492} lust {G1939}, except {G1508} the law {G3551} had said {G3004}, Thou shalt {G1937} not {G3756} covet {G1937}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, what are we to say? That the Torah is sinful? Heaven forbid! Rather, the function of the Torah was that without it, I would not have known what sin is. For example, I would not have become conscious of what greed is if the Torah had not said, “Thou shalt not covet.”

Berean Standard Bible

What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”

American Standard Version

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Howbeit, I had not known sin, except through the law: for I had not known coveting, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 7:7, the Apostle Paul directly confronts a potential misunderstanding arising from his preceding discussion on the Law and sin. He emphatically denies that the Law itself is sinful, clarifying instead that its divine purpose is to expose the true nature and pervasiveness of sin within the human heart, particularly by bringing to light internal desires like covetousness, which would otherwise remain unrecognized as transgression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal transition in Paul's intricate argument within [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin and the Law"). Having just declared that believers are "dead to the law" through their union with Christ's death ([Romans 7:4](/romans/7-4 "Romans 7:4 - Dead to the Law")), and now serve God in the "newness of the Spirit" rather than the "oldness of the letter" ([Romans 7:6](/romans/7-6 "Serving in Newness of Spirit")), Paul anticipates a crucial objection. If the Law, as he has implied, leads to death and arouses sinful passions ([Romans 7:5](/romans/7-5 "Sinful Passions Aroused by the Law")), does this mean the Law itself is inherently evil or a source of sin? Paul's immediate and forceful "God forbid!" sets the stage for a deeper, more nuanced explanation of the Law's indispensable, yet limited, function in revealing sin, rather than producing it. His personal testimony in the subsequent verses further illustrates this dynamic.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile believers, many of whom were deeply familiar with the Mosaic Law. For Jewish Christians, the Law was a foundational element of their identity and relationship with God, revered as holy and divine. To suggest that the Law was somehow "sin" would have been scandalous and deeply offensive. Paul's argument here is therefore crucial for affirming the Law's divine origin and goodness while simultaneously demonstrating its inability to justify or sanctify. He is navigating a theological landscape where the Law's role in salvation history needed careful re-evaluation in light of Christ's advent. The cultural context also includes the pervasive influence of Stoic philosophy, which emphasized moral self-sufficiency, contrasting sharply with Paul's assertion of human inability to overcome sin without divine intervention, even with the Law as a guide.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin") contributes significantly to several major themes in [the book of Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans"). Firstly, it underscores the **holiness and goodness of the Law**, emphatically denying any inherent sinfulness in God's divine commands. This theme is explicitly reiterated in [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Just, and Good"), where Paul states, "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Secondly, the verse highlights the Law's primary function as a **revealer of sin**. It acts as a diagnostic tool, exposing the depth and specific manifestations of human depravity, particularly the internal inclinations that might otherwise go unrecognized as sin. This revelatory power is crucial for demonstrating humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Lastly, by focusing on the commandment "Thou shalt not covet," Paul introduces the theme of **internal sin**, showing how the Law probes beyond outward actions to expose the sinful desires of the heart, a concept foundational to understanding the comprehensive nature of human fallenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Greek, _ginōskō'_):** (G1097) This verb signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it denotes an experiential, intimate knowledge or recognition. Paul's statement, "I had not known sin, but by the law," implies that without the Law's specific prohibitions, particularly against coveting, he would not have experientially recognized the full extent or specific nature of sin, especially its internal manifestations, within himself. The Law served as the means through which his understanding of sin transitioned from an abstract concept to a concrete, personal reality.
* **sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** (G266) Derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," this term refers to a deviation from God's perfect standard, encompassing both the inherent state of rebellion against God and specific acts of transgression. In this context, Paul uses it to refer to the pervasive power and specific instances of moral failure that the Law illuminates. He clarifies that the Law does not *create* sin, but rather defines and exposes what God considers to be sin, making humanity's moral failures evident.
* **covet (Greek, _epithyméō'_):** (G1937) This verb means "to set the heart upon" or "to long for," and can refer to desires that are either righteous or illicit. However, when used in the context of the Tenth Commandment, as it is here, it unequivocally refers to an unlawful, greedy, or inordinate desire for what belongs to another. Paul's choice of this specific commandment is highly significant because it targets an internal disposition rather than an outward action, demonstrating the Law's capacity to reveal the hidden depths of sin within the human heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid."**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, anticipating a logical fallacy that might arise from his previous arguments. His immediate and emphatic response, "God forbid!" (Greek: _mē genoito_), is a strong repudiation, asserting that the Law, being from God, cannot be inherently sinful. This sets the foundation for understanding the Law's true, righteous function.
* **"Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:"**: This clause clarifies the Law's primary, revelatory purpose. Paul asserts that without the Law, his understanding of sin would have been incomplete or superficial. The Law acts as a divinely appointed standard that defines what sin is, making it discernible and bringing it into sharp focus. It does not create sin, but rather exposes its presence and nature.
* **"for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."**: Paul provides a concrete, personal example using the Tenth Commandment. The Greek word "lust" (G1939, _epithymía_) here refers to illicit desire or covetousness. He confesses that his internal desires, which might otherwise have gone unnoticed or unclassified as sinful, were only recognized as such because the Law specifically prohibited them. This illustrates how the Law penetrates beyond external actions to expose the hidden, internal inclinations of the heart, demonstrating its profound ability to reveal the full scope of human depravity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several **literary devices** in [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "The Law and Sin"). The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question** ("What shall we say then? Is the law sin?"), which serves to engage the reader directly, anticipate potential objections, and immediately draw attention to the core issue at hand. This is followed by a forceful **Apostolic Dissent** or **Rejection Formula** ("God forbid!"), a common Pauline idiom (_mē genoito_) that expresses a vehement, absolute denial, leaving no room for ambiguity. Furthermore, Paul uses **Autobiographical Confession** ("I had not known sin... I had not known lust"), shifting from theological exposition to personal experience to illustrate his point. This makes the abstract concept of the Law's function relatable and compelling. Finally, there is a subtle form of **Personification** where the Law is depicted as "saying" a commandment, imbuing it with an active voice that directly addresses and reveals truth to the individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:7 is foundational for understanding the Law's role in God's redemptive plan. It firmly establishes that the Law is not the problem; rather, it is our sinful nature that is exposed by the Law. The Law, being holy and good, perfectly reflects God's character and righteous demands. Its function is not to provide salvation, but to illuminate the depth of human sinfulness, thereby demonstrating our utter inability to achieve righteousness through self-effort. This revelation of sin's pervasiveness, extending even to internal desires, serves to humble humanity and prepare the heart to recognize its desperate need for a Savior. Without the Law, sin would remain largely unrecognized, and the need for grace would be obscured.

* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")
* [1 Timothy 1:8-10](/1_timothy/1-8-10 "1 Timothy 1:8-10 - The Law is Good if Used Lawfully")
* [James 1:23-25](/james/1-23-25 "James 1:23-25 - The Law as a Mirror")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:7 offers profound insights for believers today, prompting us to re-evaluate our understanding of God's Law and its ongoing relevance. While we are no longer under the Law as a means of salvation, it remains an invaluable tool for self-examination and spiritual growth. The Law, like a perfect mirror, reflects the true condition of our hearts, exposing not only our outward transgressions but also the hidden desires and inclinations that displease God. This humbling revelation is not meant to condemn us, but to drive us to a deeper reliance on Christ's atoning work and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that true righteousness extends beyond mere external conformity to internal purity, calling us to a continuous process of repentance and surrender. By recognizing the Law's revelatory power, we gain a clearer understanding of the magnitude of God's grace and the depth of our need for daily redemption and transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has God's Word, like a mirror, revealed sin in your own heart that you might not have recognized otherwise?**
* **In what ways does understanding the Law's purpose as a revealer of sin deepen your appreciation for God's grace in Christ?**
* **What internal desires or "covetousness" might the Holy Spirit be bringing to your attention through God's commandments today?**

### FAQ

**Is the Law inherently bad or sinful, according to Paul?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Paul emphatically states, "God forbid!" The Law itself is not sinful. Rather, it is holy, just, and good, perfectly reflecting God's righteous character ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Just, and Good")). The problem lies not with the Law, but with humanity's sinful nature, which is incapable of perfectly obeying it. The Law's function is to expose sin, not to create it.

**If the Law is good, why does it seem to "arouse" sinful passions, as implied earlier in Romans 7?**

Answer: The Law doesn't *cause* sin, but it *exposes* and *activates* the sin that is already present within the human heart. Paul explains in [Romans 7:5](/romans/7-5 "Romans 7:5 - Sinful Passions Aroused by the Law") that "when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death." The Law, by defining what is forbidden, paradoxically stirs up the rebellious nature of fallen humanity, leading to a greater awareness of transgression. It acts like a magnifying glass, making visible what was previously hidden or vague.

**What is the significance of Paul using the Tenth Commandment ("Thou shalt not covet") as his example?**

Answer: The Tenth Commandment ([Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment")) is unique among the Ten Commandments because it targets an internal disposition—desire or "lust"—rather than an outward action. By citing this command, Paul demonstrates that the Law's reach extends beyond observable behaviors to the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. This highlights the comprehensive nature of sin and the Law's profound ability to reveal human depravity at its deepest level, proving that no one can achieve righteousness by merely avoiding external transgressions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:7, by demonstrating the Law's power to expose sin, ultimately points to the profound necessity and sufficiency of Christ. The Law, though holy and good, could only reveal the depth of human sinfulness and our utter inability to meet God's righteous standards; it could not provide the power to overcome sin or grant righteousness. This is where Christ enters as the divine solution. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), living a life of perfect obedience that we could not. More crucially, through His sacrificial death, Christ bore the penalty for our Law-breaking, taking away the sin that the Law exposed ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). For those united with Him by faith, the condemnation of the Law is removed ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), and the power of sin is broken. The Law, therefore, serves as a "schoolmaster" or "guardian" to lead us to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")), revealing our desperate need for a Savior who alone can provide true righteousness and the freedom to walk in newness of life by the Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")).

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

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.

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

Romans 4:15

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.

Deuteronomy 5:21

Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any [thing] that [is] thy neighbour's.

1 Corinthians 15:56

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

Romans 13:9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Romans 7:8

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.