Romans 7:7 – “What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul raises an important question: Does the law itself cause sin? He quickly rejects that idea—”Certainly not!” The law is not sinful, but it does have a unique role in showing people what sin is. Without the law, people wouldn’t truly understand right from wrong in a clear, defined way.

Paul uses the example of coveting, which means desiring something that belongs to someone else. He points to the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17) to show that sin exists, but the law exposes it. Before the law was given, people sinned, but they might not have fully realized it was sin. The law makes it clear and undeniable.

This verse teaches that the law acts like a mirror—it reflects human sinfulness, showing people their true condition before God. But the law itself isn’t the problem; sin is.

Historical Context

Paul was addressing believers in Rome, including Jewish Christians who had lived under the Mosaic Law and Gentiles who may have been unfamiliar with its purpose. Many Jews believed that righteousness came through keeping the law, but Paul had been arguing that the law couldn’t save anyone—it could only reveal sin.

In ancient Jewish thought, the law was considered God’s gift, a guide for living righteously (Psalm 19:7-11). However, over time, many had misunderstood its purpose. Instead of seeing it as a way to recognize their need for God’s mercy, they saw it as a way to earn righteousness. Paul was correcting this misunderstanding.

By mentioning coveting, Paul may have been drawing from his own experience. Before coming to Christ, he was a Pharisee who strictly followed the law (Philippians 3:5-6). Yet, even someone like him—who outwardly followed the rules—couldn’t avoid the inner sin of coveting. The law made him realize his need for a Savior.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several foundational truths about sin, the law, and God’s plan of salvation:

1. The law is not sinful, but it exposes sin. The problem isn’t the law itself—it’s human nature. The law reveals the reality of sin but cannot fix it.
2. Sin existed before the law, but the law makes it clear. People were sinners even before the commandments were given, but the law removes any doubt about what is right and wrong.
3. Knowing the law doesn’t stop sin. Just because someone knows what sin is doesn’t mean they can avoid it. In fact, sin often rebels against the law (Romans 7:8-9).
4. The law shows people their need for Jesus. The law isn’t a pathway to salvation; it’s a signpost that leads to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

This verse helps people see why salvation cannot come through human effort. The more someone tries to follow the law perfectly, the more they realize they fall short.

Literary Analysis

Paul begins this verse with a rhetorical question: “What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful?” He is anticipating an objection. Some might misunderstand his earlier teaching and think he is saying that God’s law is bad. He immediately corrects this idea with “Certainly not!”

The phrase “I would not have known what sin was” emphasizes the law’s role as a revealer of sin. Paul doesn’t say sin didn’t exist before the law—he says he wouldn’t have truly recognized it for what it was without God defining it.

By using coveting as an example, Paul shifts the focus from outward actions (like stealing or murder) to inward desires. This is significant because it shows that sin isn’t just about what people do—it’s about the condition of their hearts.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (The command Paul refers to in this verse.)
• Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
• Romans 3:20 – “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”
• Galatians 3:24 – “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today think they are “good” because they don’t commit major crimes. But this verse reminds believers that sin isn’t just about actions—it’s also about desires and attitudes. The law reveals that even good people are still sinners at heart.

This verse also helps explain why legalism—trying to earn God’s approval by following rules—doesn’t work. Knowing the law doesn’t stop people from sinning. If anything, it makes them more aware of their failures. The law’s purpose is not to save but to point people to their need for Christ.

For Christians, this verse is an encouragement. It shows that God doesn’t expect them to be perfect by their own effort. Instead, He provides a solution—Jesus—who fulfills the law and offers grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the way He reveals the truth about sin. He doesn’t leave people in ignorance. He gives them His law, not to condemn them, but to help them see their need for salvation.

A loving parent warns their child about danger. In the same way, God warns people about sin through His law. But He doesn’t stop there—He also provides the way out through Jesus Christ.

God could have left people in their sin, but instead, He teaches them what is right and then gives them the grace to be forgiven and changed. That’s love in action.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the answer to the problem Paul describes. The law shows sin, but Jesus is the one who takes it away.

• Jesus fulfilled the law. He perfectly obeyed God’s commandments (Matthew 5:17).
• Jesus paid for sin. Since no one could keep the law perfectly, Jesus took the penalty for sin on Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Jesus gives believers the power to live righteously. Instead of following rules in their own strength, believers now live by the Spirit (Romans 8:3-4).

Paul is setting up a major point in Romans—people can’t save themselves. They need Jesus. The law prepares them to recognize that.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever thought of yourself as a “good person”? How does this verse challenge that mindset?
2. How has God’s law helped you recognize areas of sin in your life?
3. Why do you think knowing the law doesn’t stop people from sinning?
4. How does this verse help explain why salvation can’t come from following religious rules?
5. What does it mean to rely on Jesus rather than your own efforts to be right with God?

This verse is a powerful reminder that without God’s law, people wouldn’t see their sin clearly. But the law is only part of the picture—Jesus is the answer to the problem the law reveals.