New Testament
Romans 7:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Romans 7:3, the Apostle Paul uses the example of marriage to illustrate a spiritual truth about the law and grace.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is alive, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is not an adulteress even if she marries another man.
So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 7:3, the Apostle Paul uses the example of marriage to illustrate a spiritual truth about the law and grace. He explains that a woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive. If she marries another man while her husband is still living, she is considered an adulteress. However, if her husband dies, she is released from that marital law and is free to marry again without being labeled as an adulteress. This analogy highlights how believers are freed from the law through the death of Christ. Just as the woman is no longer bound to her husband after his death, Christians are no longer bound by the law because of Jesus' sacrifice. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of grace and the new life believers have in Christ, allowing them to live in a way that honors God without the constraints of the old covenant.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 7:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to understand our freedom in Christ. Just as a widow is free to remarry, we are free from the law's condemnation. We should embrace this freedom to live righteously, knowing that our relationship with God is based on grace, not legalism.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 7:3 mean?
Romans 7:3 explains that a woman is bound to her husband while he is alive. If she marries another man while he is still living, she is considered an adulteress. However, if her husband dies, she is free from that law and can remarry without being labeled as an adulteress.
What is the meaning of adultery in Romans 7:3?
In Romans 7:3, adultery refers to a woman marrying another man while her first husband is still alive. This act is seen as a violation of the marital bond, highlighting the seriousness of the commitment in marriage.
How does Romans 7:3 relate to freedom in Christ?
Romans 7:3 illustrates that believers are no longer bound by the law due to Christ's sacrifice. Just as a widow is free to remarry, Christians can live freely under grace, not under the constraints of the old covenant.
What themes are present in Romans 7:3?
Key themes in Romans 7:3 include marriage, adultery, the contrast between law and grace, freedom in Christ, and spiritual transformation. These themes highlight the significance of commitment and the new life believers have through Jesus.
The Book of Romans
Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.
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