King James Version

What Does Romans 7:12 Mean?

Romans 7:12 in the King James Version says “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Romans 7:12 · KJV


Context

10

And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

11

For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

12

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

13

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid . But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

14

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.—Paul emphatically vindicates law's character after showing its inability to sanctify. Hagios (ἅγιος, "holy") means set apart, reflecting God's nature. Dikaios (δίκαιος, "just/righteous") indicates law's equity and conformity to God's righteousness. Agathos (ἀγαθός, "good") describes intrinsic moral excellence and benevolent purpose.

The threefold description defends law against implications that it's sinful (v. 7) or evil (v. 13). Law perfectly reflects God's character—the problem isn't law's quality but humanity's corruption. This distinction is crucial: sin's misuse of law doesn't taint law's essential goodness. The physician's diagnosis (law) isn't evil because it reveals terminal illness (sin). This prepares for the conclusion that sin, not law, deserves blame for spiritual death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish reverence for Torah as God's perfect revelation forms the background. Paul doesn't diminish law's divine origin or moral authority; rather, he clarifies its purpose in God's redemptive plan. Law reveals sin and drives people to Christ—a holy, just, and good function, though not a sanctifying one.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does affirming law's holiness, justice, and goodness change how you read Old Testament commandments?
  2. What's the difference between respecting law's divine authority and expecting law to accomplish what only Christ can?
  3. How might properly honoring law's goodness while resting in Christ's fulfillment prevent both legalism and antinomianism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὥστε1 of 13

Wherefore

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

2 of 13
G3588

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

μὲν3 of 13
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

νόμος4 of 13

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

ἁγία5 of 13

holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ6 of 13

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

7 of 13
G3588

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

ἐντολὴ8 of 13

the commandment

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἁγία9 of 13

holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ10 of 13

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δικαία11 of 13

just

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

καὶ12 of 13

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀγαθή13 of 13

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)


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 7:12 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 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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