What is the meaning of Romans 7:3? So then “So then” connects Paul’s illustration to his broader argument in Romans 7:1-2 that “the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives”. It signals a practical conclusion he is drawing from the marriage analogy. In context, Paul is showing that death changes legal relationships. Cross references reinforce this principle: Hebrews 9:16-17 speaks of a covenant made effective by death, and Galatians 2:19 notes that believers “died to the law” through Christ so they might live for God. If she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive Paul uses a clear, everyday scenario. According to God’s design, marriage unites a man and a woman as “one flesh” until death (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). While her husband lives, the wife remains under the binding covenant of that marriage. • Genesis 2:24—marriage creates a lifelong union. • 1 Corinthians 7:10-11—Paul echoes Jesus in urging spouses not to separate, and if they do, to remain unmarried or be reconciled. She is called an adulteress If the wife takes another man while her husband lives, Scripture defines it plainly as adultery. God’s moral law forbids this breach of covenant (Exodus 20:14). Jesus reinforces the same standard in Matthew 5:27-28 and Luke 16:18. The word “called” highlights the public, objective judgment: society and God’s Word alike recognize the act as sinful. But if her husband dies Death ends the legal bond of marriage. The covenant is fulfilled, not broken. Paul’s illustration depends on this universally accepted truth. 1 Corinthians 7:39 states, “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord”. This shows the divine logic: death releases from previous obligations. She is free from that law Here “that law” refers to the marriage law binding her to her first husband. Once death occurs, the law no longer applies. The same pattern underlies Paul’s teaching that believers, having died with Christ, are released from the Mosaic law’s condemnation (Romans 7:4-6). Galatians 3:24-25 notes the law was a guardian until Christ came; now faith has come, believers are no longer under that guardian. And is not an adulteress if she marries another man Post-death remarriage is honorable and free of moral reproach. The widow’s new union is legitimate because no covenant remains with the first husband. This underscores God’s concern for both moral purity and compassionate provision (Deuteronomy 24:5; 1 Timothy 5:14). The point: freedom from the prior covenant allows a fresh, rightful relationship. summary Romans 7:3 uses the unambiguous rules of marriage to illustrate a spiritual reality. While a husband lives, a wife would commit adultery by uniting with another man; when he dies, she is released and may remarry without sin. In the same way, believers who “died” with Christ are freed from the law’s jurisdiction and can belong to Him in newness of life. The verse affirms both the sanctity of lifelong marriage and the liberating power of death—whether physical in marriage or spiritual in union with Christ—to dissolve an old covenant and usher in a new, God-ordained relationship. |
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