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 word **nómos**, represented by `{{G3551}}`, is a central concept in scripture, fundamentally meaning **law**. It appears **197 times** across **158 unique verses**. The term encompasses the idea of prescriptive usage and regulation, and is used specially to refer to the law of Moses, but also figuratively to describe a principle or even the Gospel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{G3551}}` is used in multiple significant contexts. Primarily, it refers to the Mosaic **law**, given by God through Moses [[John 1:17]]. It is often paired with the **prophets** to denote the body of Old Testament scripture ([[Matthew 7:12]], [[Luke 24:44]]). The word is also used figuratively to describe governing principles, such as the "**law** of the Spirit of life" which stands in contrast to the "**law** of sin and death" [[Romans 8:2]]. Scripture identifies the "**law** of Christ" [[Galatians 6:2]] and the "perfect **law** of liberty" [[James 1:25]] as guiding principles for believers. A major theme is its inability to justify humanity, as righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by the works of the **law** [[Galatians 2:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and nature of the law:
* `{{G459}}` **ánomos** (lawless): This term describes those who are not subject to the **law**. The **law** is explicitly not made for a righteous man but for the **lawless** and disobedient [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
* `{{G1785}}` **entolḗ** (commandment): This word refers to the specific injunctions that constitute the **law**. The **law** is described as a "**law** of **commandments** contained in ordinances" [[Ephesians 2:15]].
* `{{G3847}}` **parábasis** (transgression): The **law**'s function is to define wrongdoing. It was added because of **transgressions** [[Galatians 3:19]], for where there is no **law**, there is no **transgression** [[Romans 4:15]].
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): This concept is frequently contrasted with the **law**. Scripture explains that **righteousness** does not come by the **law** [[Galatians 2:21]], but Christ is the end of the **law** for **righteousness** to everyone who believes [[Romans 10:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G3551}}` is profound, charting the relationship between God's standards and humanity's state.
* **Revealer of Sin:** The **law** serves to provide the knowledge of sin [[Romans 3:20]]. Without the **law**, one would not know what coveting is, because the **law** said, "Thou shalt not covet" [[Romans 7:7]].
* **Incapable of Justifying:** The **law** is holy and spiritual, but it is made weak by the flesh and cannot justify a person ([[Romans 8:3]], [[Galatians 2:16]]). If there had been a **law** given which could have given life, righteousness would have been by the **law** [[Galatians 3:21]].
* **Fulfilled in Christ:** Christ did not come to destroy the **law**, but to fulfil it [[Matthew 5:17]]. He is its ultimate end, redeeming believers from its curse ([[Romans 10:4]], [[Galatians 3:13]]).
* **The Principle of the New Covenant:** The concept of **law** is transformed under the new covenant, where God promises to put His **laws** into the minds and hearts of His people [[Hebrews 8:10]]. This shifts the **law** from an external code to an internal principle.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3551}}` **nómos** is more than just a set of rules. It is a foundational theological term that defines God's holy standard, exposes sin, and demonstrates humanity's need for a righteousness that can only be found through faith. Its usage illustrates the transition from an external code that could not save to the internal "law of the Spirit," fulfilled in Christ and written on the hearts of believers.
TRV