from a primary (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun νόμος (transliterated as *nómos*) fundamentally conveys the idea of a prescribed rule, custom, or regulation. Its etymological root, derived from a primary verb meaning "to parcel out" or "distribute" (especially food or grazing to animals), suggests an established order, an allotted portion, or a fixed arrangement. From this foundational concept of an ordered distribution, *nómos* evolves to signify a binding custom, a statute, or a law that governs conduct.
In its broadest semantic range, *nómos* can refer to:
1. A general principle or rule, an inherent law of nature or human experience (e.g., "the law of sin and death").
2. Any written code or body of legislation.
3. Most prominently in the New Testament, the Mosaic Law, encompassing the commandments given through Moses, the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament), or even the entire Old Testament Scriptures.
4. Figuratively, a new principle of life or conduct, such as "the law of Christ" or "the law of the Spirit."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *nómos* appears over 190 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, where its various meanings are critically explored.
1. **The Mosaic Law:** This is the most frequent usage. Paul often refers to the Mosaic Law as a unified entity, emphasizing its divine origin and its role in revealing sin. In Romans, Paul meticulously argues that "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin" [[Romans 3:20]]. The law, though holy and good [[Romans 7:12]], could not give life or justify humanity because of human sinfulness [[Galatians 3:21]]. It served as a "guardian" or "pedagogue" until Christ came [[Galatians 3:24]]. The Law's demands are also seen in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus affirms its enduring validity while deepening its ethical implications [[Matthew 5:17-20]].
2. **The Old Testament as a Whole:** Sometimes *nómos* refers to the entire body of Old Testament Scripture, encompassing not just the Pentateuch but also the Prophets and Writings. For example, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'?" [[John 10:34]] (citing Psalm 82:6). Similarly, Paul quotes from Isaiah when he says, "In the Law it is written: 'Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people'" [[1 Corinthians 14:21]].
3. **A General Principle or Rule:** Paul also uses *nómos* to describe an operating principle or inherent rule, whether good or bad. Examples include "the law of sin and death" [[Romans 8:2]], which enslaved humanity, and its counterpoint, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" [[Romans 8:2]], which sets believers free. He also speaks of a "law written on their hearts" for Gentiles, signifying an innate moral awareness [[Romans 2:14-15]].
4. **The Law of Christ/Gospel:** In the New Covenant, *nómos* takes on a new dimension as "the law of Christ" [[Galatians 6:2]]. This is not a new set of external regulations but the ethical demands flowing from love for God and neighbor, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which fulfills the true intent of the Mosaic Law. It is the principle of life lived in conformity to Christ's example and teachings.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding *nómos* is enriched by examining its relationship to other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Torah (`{{H8451}}`):** The primary Hebrew equivalent, often translated as "law," but more accurately meaning "instruction" or "teaching." This broader sense highlights the didactic and revelatory nature of God's commands.
* **Dikaiosynē (δικαιοσύνη - `{{G1343}}`):** Righteousness. A central theme in Paul's discussion of *nómos*. The law reveals a standard of righteousness that humanity cannot meet, leading to the need for God's righteousness imputed through faith in Christ.
* **Hamartia (ἁμαρτία - `{{G266}}`):** Sin. The law defines sin and exposes its presence. "Indeed, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law" [[Romans 7:7]].
* **Charis (χάρις - `{{G5485}}`):** Grace. Often contrasted with *nómos* as the means of salvation. Salvation is "not by works of the law but by grace" [[Romans 3:28]], [[Ephesians 2:8-9]].
* **Pistis (πίστις - `{{G4102}}`):** Faith. The means by which believers are justified, in contrast to "works of the law." "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law" [[Romans 3:28]].
* **Diathēkē (διαθήκη - `{{G1242}}`):** Covenant. The Mosaic Law is intrinsically linked to the Old Covenant, which is superseded by the New Covenant in Christ.
* **Entolē (ἐντολή - `{{G1785}}`):** Commandment. Refers to specific directives within the broader framework of the law.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *nómos* is profound and multifaceted, particularly in the New Testament's articulation of salvation history:
1. **Revelation of God's Character:** The Law, being divinely given, reflects God's holy, righteous, and just character. It reveals His perfect standard for human conduct and His will for His people.
2. **Exposure of Sin:** A primary function of the Law, especially in the Pauline corpus, is to expose humanity's sinfulness and inability to meet God's perfect standard. It serves as a mirror, showing our spiritual brokenness and need for a Savior [[Romans 3:20]].
3. **Preparation for Christ:** The Law acted as a "pedagogue" or "guardian" [[Galatians 3:24]] to lead humanity to Christ. By revealing sin and the inability to achieve righteousness through works, it created a yearning for a different solution—God's grace through faith.
4. **Christ as the Fulfillment and End of the Law:** Jesus declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it [[Matthew 5:17]]. Paul states that "Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes" [[Romans 10:4]]. This means Christ perfectly obeyed the Law, bore its curse for humanity, and inaugurated a new covenant where righteousness is granted through faith, not by legalistic adherence.
5. **The Law's Ongoing Purpose for Believers:** While no longer a means of justification, the moral principles underlying the Law remain a guide for sanctification for believers, understood through the lens of Christ's perfect love and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The "law of Christ" [[Galatians 6:2]] encapsulates the Spirit-empowered obedience to God's will, rooted in love, which fulfills the deeper intent of the Mosaic Law.
### Summary
The Greek term *nómos* (`{{G3551}}`) primarily denotes a prescribed rule, custom, or law. In the New Testament, its most prominent usage refers to the Mosaic Law, which served as God's divine revelation, exposing humanity's sinfulness and inability to achieve righteousness through works. The Law functioned as a temporary guardian, pointing humanity to Christ, who is its fulfillment and culmination. While the Old Covenant Law does not justify believers, its moral principles, reinterpreted through the "law of Christ" and empowered by the Holy Spirit, continue to serve as a guide for ethical living and sanctification. Understanding *nómos* is crucial for grasping the New Testament's profound theological distinctions between law and grace, works and faith, and the Old and New Covenants.
TRV