King James Version

What Does Romans 7:2 Mean?

Romans 7:2 in the King James Version says “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead,...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”

Romans 7:2 · KJV

Context

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?

2

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

3

So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

4

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Read Romans 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law—The verb deō (δέω, "bind") describes legal obligation, used throughout Scripture for binding oaths and covenants. Paul illustrates v. 1's principle with marriage law, universally understood across cultures. So long as he liveth establishes the temporal limitation of legal jurisdiction.

But if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband—The verb katargeō (καταργέω, "loosed/released") means to nullify, abolish, or render inoperative. This same verb describes believers being "delivered from the law" (v. 6). Death doesn't modify the law; it removes the person from the law's jurisdiction. The woman isn't less married; she's no longer under marriage's binding authority because death dissolved the relationship. This parallels how Christ's death dissolved believers' relationship to law-condemnation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman marriage law, like Jewish law, recognized death as the definitive termination of marital obligations. Both cultures understood that remarriage after a spouse's death involved no legal or moral impropriety. Paul uses this universal legal principle to explain the radical transition from law to grace accomplished through believers' union with Christ's death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that death—not law modification—brings freedom change your understanding of your relationship to God's commands?
  2. What aspects of 'law-marriage' might you unconsciously treat as still binding despite your union with Christ in His death?
  3. How does this analogy help you understand the finality of Christ's work in liberating you from law-condemnation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἡ1 of 20
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 20

“For”

G1063

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

ὕπανδρος3 of 20

“which hath an husband”

G5220

in subjection under a man, i.e., a married woman

γυνὴ4 of 20

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

τῷ5 of 20
G3588

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

ζῶντι6 of 20

“so long as he liveth”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἀνδρός7 of 20

“of her husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

δέδεται8 of 20

“is bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

νόμου9 of 20

“by 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

ἐὰν10 of 20

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ11 of 20

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποθάνῃ12 of 20

“be dead”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ὁ13 of 20
G3588

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

ἀνδρός14 of 20

“of her husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

κατήργηται15 of 20

“she is loosed”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

ἀπὸ16 of 20

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ17 of 20
G3588

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

νόμου18 of 20

“by 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

τοῦ19 of 20
G3588

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

ἀνδρός20 of 20

“of her husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 2:23-241 Corinthians 7:41 Corinthians 7:39Numbers 30:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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