The meaning of “νόμος”
Understanding nómos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
law. - law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the vol...
νόμος
law. - law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume) - also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 12:5 | “Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?” Word: νόμος (nómos) | |
| John 8:5 | “Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” Word: νόμος (nómos) | |
| Romans 7:1 | “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?” Word: νόμος (nómos) | |
| Galatians 3:21 | “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” Word: νόμος (nómos) | |
| Philippians 3:6 | “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Word: νόμος (nómos) |
Theological Word Study: Law
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Law, instruction
The Hebrew Torah (תּוֹרָה) means law or instruction—God's revealed will for His people. The Law includes moral, civil, and ceremonial commandments, revealing God's character and humanity's need for a Savior.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Law
The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10).