So then, the law is holy
The phrase "So then" indicates a conclusion drawn from previous arguments, specifically Paul's discussion on the purpose and nature of the law. The term "law" refers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil components. The holiness of the law reflects its divine origin, as it was given by God to guide His people. In biblical context, holiness signifies being set apart for God's purposes. The law's holiness underscores its role in revealing God's character and standards. This aligns with Psalm 19:7, which states, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul."

and the commandment is holy
The "commandment" here can be seen as a specific reference to the individual statutes within the broader law. Each commandment is holy, meaning it is pure and reflects God's will. This holiness is not just in its origin but also in its purpose, which is to lead people to a deeper understanding of sin and the need for redemption. The commandment's holiness is evident in its ability to convict and guide, as seen in Romans 3:20, where the law makes us conscious of sin.

righteous
The law and its commandments are described as "righteous," indicating their alignment with God's justice and moral order. Righteousness in this context means that the law is fair and just, providing a standard by which human actions are measured. This righteousness is not only a reflection of God's character but also a means by which humans can understand what is right and wrong. The law's righteousness is affirmed in Deuteronomy 4:8, which speaks of the statutes and judgments as righteous.

and good
The goodness of the law highlights its beneficial nature. It was given for the well-being of humanity, to instruct and protect. The law's goodness is seen in its role as a tutor leading to Christ, as mentioned in Galatians 3:24. It points to the need for a savior and the ultimate good found in Jesus Christ. The goodness of the law is also evident in its ability to promote societal order and personal morality, reflecting God's desire for human flourishing.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the believers in Rome, explaining the purpose and nature of the Law in the life of a Christian.

2. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which includes the Ten Commandments and other regulations found in the first five books of the Old Testament.

3. The Roman Church
The audience of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were grappling with the role of the Law in the new covenant established through Christ.The Nature of the Law
The Law is described as "holy, righteous, and good," reflecting God's character. It is not the Law that is flawed, but human nature that struggles to uphold it.

Purpose of the Law
The Law serves to reveal sin and our inability to achieve righteousness on our own, pointing us to the need for a Savior.

Living Under Grace
While the Law is good, Christians are called to live under grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law through love and obedience to Christ.

The Law and Christian Ethics
The moral principles of the Law continue to guide Christian ethics, emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the fulfillment of the Law.

Transformation Through Christ
Believers are transformed by the renewing of their minds, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will, as revealed in the Law and fulfilled in Christ.(12) Wherefore.--This word introduces a conclusion, not from the verse immediately preceding, but from the whole of the last five verses. The Apostle glances back for a moment over the course of his argument.

Verses 12, 13. - So that the Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Has then that which is good become death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, through that which is good working death unto me; that sin might become exceeding sinful through the commandment. The question of ver. 7, "Is the Law sin?" has now been answered so far as this - that, far from being so, the commandment was in itself "unto life" (cf. Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:5), only that sin took occasion by it, and so got power to slay. But still it would appear that law was ultimately the cause of death. Was, then, its purpose and effect, after all, deadly? for, though not sin, it seems to have been death to us. No, it is replied; away with the thought! Its effect was only to reveal sin in its true light; it was only an Ithuriel's spear ('Par. Lost,' bk. 4.),bringing out and exposing the deadly thing that before was latent. And (as is elsewhere set forth in pursuance of the line of thought) its effect in the end was really "unto life;" for its awakening of the sense of sin, and of a craving for redemption from it, was the necessary preparation for such redemption (cf. Galatians 3:19, seq.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


So
Ὥστε (Hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

then,
μὲν (men)
Conjunction
Strong's 3303: A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law [is]
νόμος (nomos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

holy,
ἅγιος (hagios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

commandment [is]
ἐντολὴ (entolē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

holy,
ἁγία (hagia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

righteous,
δικαία (dikaia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

good.
ἀγαθή (agathē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.


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NT Letters: Romans 7:12 Therefore the law indeed is holy (Rom. Ro)