King James Version

What Does Romans 7:13 Mean?

Romans 7:13 in the King James Version says “Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid . But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by t... — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 7:13 · KJV


Context

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.

15

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. allow: Gr. know


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid.—Paul anticipates objection: if law is good (v. 12) but produces death (v. 10), isn't good itself deadly? Mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο)—his strongest negation—emphatically denies this. Law remains good; sin bears sole responsibility for death.

But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is goodHina phanē hamartia (ἵνα φανῇ ἁμαρτία, "that it might be shown to be sin") reveals law's purpose: unmasking sin's true character. Sin's ability to pervert even God's good law into death's instrument exposes sin's exceeding malignity. That sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinfulKath' hyperbolēn hamartōlos (καθ' ὑπερβολὴν ἁμαρτωλός, "sinful beyond measure") intensifies sin's vileness. Law's function is diagnostic—revealing sin's lethal nature and desperate need for remedy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul concludes his defense of law's goodness while explaining its condemning ministry. The purpose wasn't arbitrary condemnation but accurate diagnosis. Only when sin appears 'exceeding sinful' do people abandon self-righteousness and flee to Christ. Law serves God's redemptive plan by demolishing false hopes in human ability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has law functioned to make sin appear 'exceeding sinful' in your life rather than merely disappointing or regrettable?
  2. What might it reveal about your view of sin if law's exposure doesn't drive you to desperate dependence on Christ?
  3. How does understanding law's diagnostic purpose help you receive conviction without condemnation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
Τὸ1 of 30
G3588

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

οὖν2 of 30

Was then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀγαθοῦ3 of 30

that which is good

G18

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

ἐμοὶ4 of 30

unto me

G1698

to me

γένηται5 of 30

made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

θάνατον6 of 30

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

μὴ7 of 30

God forbid

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γένηται8 of 30

made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀλλὰ9 of 30

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

10 of 30
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία11 of 30

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἵνα12 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

φανῇ13 of 30

it might appear

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

ἁμαρτία14 of 30

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

διὰ15 of 30

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ16 of 30
G3588

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

ἀγαθοῦ17 of 30

that which is good

G18

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

μοι18 of 30

in me

G3427

to me

κατεργαζομένη19 of 30

working

G2716

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

θάνατον20 of 30

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα21 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

γένηται22 of 30

made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καθ'23 of 30

exceeding

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὑπερβολὴν24 of 30
G5236

a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently

ἁμαρτωλὸς25 of 30

sinful

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

26 of 30
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία27 of 30

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

διὰ28 of 30

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς29 of 30
G3588

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

ἐντολῆς30 of 30

the commandment

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription


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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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