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Book of Romans - Chapter 7 - Verse 1

7:1
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?

Meaning

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is addressing believers who are familiar with the Jewish law. He is explaining that the law has authority over a person for their entire life, symbolizing the control and power it holds over individuals. The law, in this context, refers to the Old Testament commandments and regulations given to the Israelites by God. Paul is reminding the Jewish believers that they are no longer bound by the law because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are freed from the burden of trying to perfectly follow the law in order to be righteous in God's eyes. Instead, they are now justified by their faith in Christ. This verse serves as a reminder to believers of the transformative power of faith and the freedom that comes from embracing the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ.

Theological Overview

The verse ‘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’ can be interpreted theologically in the context of the Mosaic Law. Here, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Jewish believers in Rome, reminding them of the significance of the Law in governing their lives. The phrase 'the law hath dominion over a man' highlights the authority and control that the Law held over an individual's actions and behavior. In Jewish tradition, adherence to the Mosaic Law was seen as essential for righteousness and obedience to God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of the Law in guiding one's conduct and moral choices. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the original Greek and Hebrew meanings of 'dominion' and 'law' to gain a clearer understanding of the verse’s nuances and implications for believers.

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