Romans 7:6

But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses believers in Rome, marking the shift from their former existence under the law to their current condition after dying to it through Christ.

The words — κατηργήθημεν (katērgēthēmen) translates literally to "we have been released" or "set free," while ἀποθανόντες (apothanontes) means "having died."

The thread — This movement from legal bondage to spiritual freedom runs through Galatians 3:23 and the letter versus Spirit contrast in 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Why it lands — The text states that believers have been released from the law to serve in the new way of the Spirit rather than the old written code. This requires a reader to stop measuring obedience by external regulation and begin relying on the Spirit's guidance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Cross-references

Galatians 3:23 Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.
2 Corinthians 3:6 And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brothers, 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 to God.
Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
Galatians 2:19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God.
Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
Galatians 6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.