Romans 7:3 – “So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.”

Extended Explanation

Paul continues using the example of marriage to illustrate a spiritual truth. A married woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If she goes and joins herself to another man while her husband is still alive, she is committing adultery. However, if her husband dies, she is free from the law that bound her to him and can remarry without guilt or sin.

This analogy isn’t primarily about marriage itself but about the believer’s relationship to the Old Testament Law. Paul is explaining that just as a widow is released from the legal bond of marriage when her husband dies, Christians have been released from the Law through their union with Christ. Because of His death and resurrection, those who belong to Him are no longer under the Law’s authority but are now under grace.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, both Jewish and Roman legal systems upheld strong views on marriage and adultery. Jewish law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) clearly stated that a woman was bound to her husband unless he died or issued her a certificate of divorce. Roman law also recognized marriage as a legal contract that was only dissolved by death or divorce.

Paul was writing to a mixed audience in Rome-both Jews who had lived under the Mosaic Law and Gentiles who were familiar with legal contracts. His use of marriage as an illustration made his point clear: just as legal bonds in marriage change when one spouse dies, a believer’s relationship to the Law changes when they come to faith in Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse reinforces an important spiritual truth: a believer is no longer bound to the Law because they have died to it through Christ. Just as a widow is free to marry again, Christians are free to belong fully to Christ.

The Law was given to reveal sin (Romans 3:20), but it could not save. It held people under a system of rules that exposed their guilt without offering a permanent solution. Jesus came to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17) and bring a new way of righteousness-one based on faith rather than works.

This does not mean the Law was bad; rather, it had a temporary purpose. Through Christ, believers move from an old covenant based on commands to a new covenant based on grace (Hebrews 8:6).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s analogy follows a logical progression. First, he establishes that marriage is a binding legal covenant. Then he explains that death changes the nature of that covenant. Finally, he applies this concept to the believer’s relationship with the Law.

The word “adulteress” is key in this verse. Under Jewish and Roman law, adultery was a serious offense, often punishable by severe consequences. By using such a strong word, Paul emphasizes how serious it is to continue living under the Law when Christ has already set believers free.

The phrase “she is released from that law” is also significant. The Greek word used here (κατήργηται, katērgētai) means “to be set free” or “to no longer be under obligation.” This means that just as a widow is completely free from the law of marriage, a believer is completely free from the Law of Moses.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
• Romans 7:4 – “So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”
• Galatians 2:19-20 – “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
• Colossians 2:14 – “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many Christians struggle with legalism, thinking they must obey religious rules to earn God’s favor. This verse reminds believers that they are no longer under the Law’s authority. Salvation is not about rule-keeping but about belonging to Christ.

This also challenges believers to embrace the freedom they have in Christ. If someone tries to live by religious law rather than by faith, they are like a woman committing spiritual adultery-being unfaithful to the grace God has provided in Christ.

At the same time, this freedom does not mean believers should live however they please. Instead, they are called to live in obedience to Christ out of love, not out of obligation to the Law.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire to set people free from the burden of trying to earn righteousness through the Law. He knows that no one can live up to His perfect standard on their own, so He provided Jesus as the answer.

By sending Christ, God offers a new way of relating to Him-not through strict rule-keeping but through faith and grace. Just as a widow is free to love again, believers are free to love and follow God without fear of condemnation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse because He is the reason believers are released from the Law. His death and resurrection bring about a new way of righteousness.

• Romans 8:1-2 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
• Galatians 3:13 – “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”
• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Through Jesus, believers move from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace. They are no longer striving to meet impossible standards but are invited into a relationship with Christ, who makes them righteous through faith.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be released from the Law? How does that change the way you live your faith?
2. Have you ever felt like you had to follow religious rules to be accepted by God? How does this verse challenge that thinking?
3. What does this passage teach about the difference between living under the Law and living under grace?
4. How can understanding your freedom in Christ help you grow in your relationship with God?
5. What are some practical ways to live in the freedom Christ provides while still honoring God in daily life?

This verse is a powerful reminder that in Christ, believers are set free. The Law once held people in bondage, but Jesus has brought a new way of righteousness-one based not on rules, but on a loving relationship with Him.