King James Version

What Does Romans 4:15 Mean?

Romans 4:15 in the King James Version says “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”

Romans 4:15 · KJV

Context

13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14

For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

15

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

16

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

17

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. before him: or, like unto him

Read Romans 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Paul explains why law cannot be the means of inheritance: ho gar nomos orgēn katergazetai (ὁ γὰρ νόμος ὀργὴν κατεργάζεται, "for the law works wrath"). The verb katergazetai (κατεργάζεται) means accomplishes, produces, brings to completion. Law's function is not to enable obedience but to reveal and even provoke disobedience, thereby incurring divine wrath (cf. 3:20, 5:20, 7:7-13). This is not law's fault but humanity's—the law is holy, righteous, and good (7:12), but we are sinful.

The explanatory clause hou gar ouk estin nomos oude parabasis (οὗ γὰρ οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος οὐδὲ παράβασις, "for where there is no law, neither is there transgression") establishes a principle: law defines and quantifies sin. Parabasis (παράβασις) means transgression, stepping over a boundary. Without the boundary (law), there can be trespass in fact but not transgression in a legal sense. Paul is not saying people without the law don't sin (1:18-32 refutes that), but that law makes sin "exceedingly sinful" (7:13) by giving it the character of direct rebellion against God's revealed will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology viewed Torah as the path to life and blessing (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). Paul's claim that law works wrath rather than righteousness would shock his Jewish readers—yet he grounds this in Torah itself, which pronounces curses on disobedience (Deut 27:26, quoted in Gal 3:10). The law reveals God's standard but provides no power to meet it, leaving humanity under condemnation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can law be good and holy (7:12) yet work wrath—what does this reveal about the problem of sin?
  2. What does Paul mean that 'where no law is, there is no transgression,' and how does law magnify sin?
  3. Why is it essential to understand law's function as condemning rather than justifying before we can embrace the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὁ1 of 12
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 12

“Because”

G1063

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

νόμος3 of 12

“law”

G3551

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

ὀργὴν4 of 12

“wrath”

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

κατεργάζεται·5 of 12

“worketh”

G2716

to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion

οὗ6 of 12

“where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

γὰρ7 of 12

“Because”

G1063

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

οὐκ8 of 12

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν9 of 12

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

νόμος10 of 12

“law”

G3551

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

οὐδὲ11 of 12

“there is no”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

παράβασις12 of 12

“transgression”

G3847

violation

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 5:13Galatians 3:101 Corinthians 15:56Romans 3:19-20Romans 7:7-25John 3:36

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