King James Version

What Does Romans 10:5 Mean?

Romans 10:5 in the King James Version says “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.”

Romans 10:5 · KJV

Context

3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

4

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

7

Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them—Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5, which establishes the law's principle: do and live. Poieō (ποιέω, "do, perform, practice") combined with zaō (ζάω, "live") presents perfect obedience as the condition for life. The law's standard is absolute—"the man which doeth" must do all the law without exception (Gal 3:10; James 2:10). This is "the righteousness which is of the law" (hē ek tou nomou dikaiosynē, ἡ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου δικαιοσύνη)—a hypothetical righteousness Israel pursued but could never attain.

Paul is not denigrating the law—he affirms its holiness (Rom 7:12). The problem is human inability, not divine requirement. The law's "do this and live" principle remains valid but unachievable post-fall. Christ alone fulfilled this condition (Matt 5:17-18), keeping every jot and tittle. In union with Christ, believers receive His law-keeping righteousness while the law's curse falls on Him (Gal 3:13). The law's purpose was never to save but to reveal sin and drive us to Christ (Gal 3:19-24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic interpretation of Leviticus 18:5 emphasized doing the commandments as the path to life—both temporal blessings in the land and eternal life in the world to come. Second Temple Jewish texts like 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch (both c. AD 100) wrestle with the apparent impossibility of perfect law-keeping, yet maintain works-righteousness. Paul's radical gospel reinterpretation—that the law's "do this and live" is fulfilled only in Christ—inverts the entire system.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must the law's standard remain uncompromised and absolute for the gospel to make sense?
  2. How does Christ's perfect law-keeping (active obedience) complement His sin-bearing (passive obedience) in your salvation?
  3. In what areas are you most tempted to believe "do this and live" rather than "believe and live"?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Μωσῆς1 of 17

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

γὰρ2 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

γράφει3 of 17

“describeth”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὁ4 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δικαιοσύνην5 of 17

“the righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ὁ6 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκ7 of 17

“is of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὁ8 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμου9 of 17

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ὅτι10 of 17

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ11 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιήσας12 of 17

“which doeth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτοῖς13 of 17

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἄνθρωπος14 of 17

“the man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ζήσεται15 of 17

“shall live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἐν16 of 17

“by”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς17 of 17

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 10:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:5Ezekiel 20:11Nehemiah 9:29Ezekiel 20:13Ezekiel 20:21Galatians 3:12

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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