OET interlinear ROM 7:4

7:4a

Therefore: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the BSB translates as Therefore:

1. It means therefore here. For example:

   So (NIV) (BSB, NIV, NASB, KJV, NLT, NET, REB)

2. It means in the same way here. For example:

   Likewise (RSV) (RSV, GNT, NJB, ESV, CEV, NABRE, GW, NCV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because in 7:4–6 Paul gave his conclusion about dying to the Laws of Moses based on the analogy of the law of the husband (7:2–3).The BDAG lists “therefore” as the meaning here and does not list “likewise” as a sense for this word. The Louw and Nida lexicon, as well as the Liddell and Scott lexicon, also list “therefore” as a possible meaning but not “likewise.”

brothers: Here the word brothers refers to believers in Jesus, both men and women. The word indicates a close relationship because all believers are considered spiritual children of God. See how you translated this word in 7:1.

you also died to the law: The phrase died to is a figure of speech that indicates that the law no longer has any power over us. Some languages must change this metaphor into a simile. For example:

you have become as a dead person to the law

you became as if dead to the Laws of Moses

See how you translated the words died to in 6:2.

you also died: The Greek word that the BSB translates as died is literally “were caused to die.” It implies that God caused believers to be like dead people to the law. They are only to follow Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So Paul used the metaphor of death to make that clear. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

you also were put to death (NABRE)

God made you as if dead

you: Here the word you is emphatic in the Greek. Here are other ways to translate this word:

as for you

you yourselves

also: Here this word indicates that Paul said something more about the believers, probably connected to what he said in 7:1.Dunn (page 361).

to the law: Here the word law probably refers to the law of Moses. For example:

to the power of the Law (CEV)

to the Laws of Moses

7:4b

through the body of Christ: Here the phrase the body of Christ refers to Jesus dying on the cross.Cranfield (page 336), Dunn (page 362), and Jewett (page 434). The word through indicates that Jesus dying on the cross enabled God to cause us to be dead to the law (7:4a). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

because when Christ died in our place, it’s as if we also diedWestern Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation on TW.

because of your being included/joined in dying in Cristo’s deathKankanaey Back Translation on TW.

The phrase the body of Christ does not refer figuratively to believers being members of his body (as in 12:4–5 and other verses in the NT) here.

7:4c

that you might belong to another: This is a purpose clause. In this case believers already belong to another. In some languages a fulfilled purpose clause must be translated as a result clause. For example:

and so you belong to another

belong to another: The same Greek phrase here is translated as “joined to another” (BSB) in 7:3a and “marries” in 7:3d. But it means “be to/for another” here and implies a close relationship. It does not imply marriage here as it did in 7:3. Do not translate it as “join to” or “marry” here.

another: Here this word refers to someone other than (the power of) sin (chapter 6). It does not refer to someone other than Jesus (7:4b). In fact, 7:4d makes it clear that believers belong to Jesus.

In some languages a literal translation would indicate the wrong meaning. If that is true in your language, explain the proper meaning in your translation. For example:

another, someone other than the power of sin

7:4d

to Him who was raised from the dead: This phrase explains who the other person (“another”) in 7:4c is. This describes Jesus. Believers belong to him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

and that person/one has been raised from the dead

who is Jesus, who has risen from death

If you explain the word Him as Jesus, some languages need to translate the clause who was raised from the dead without the word who for the correct meaning. For example:

who is Jesus, the one has risen from death

who is Jesus, the person God raised from death

who was raised from the dead: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

whom God raised from the dead

raised from the dead: This phrase refers to God making Jesus alive again after he died and was put in the tomb. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

raised…from death (GNT)

brought…back to life (GW)

See how you translated this phrase in 4:24 or 6:9.

7:4e

in order that we might bear fruit to God: This phrase connects to “belong to another” (7:4c), not “raised from the dead” (7:4d). The purpose of us belonging to Jesus is to bear fruit to God. In some languages the correct connection must be explained in the translation. For example:

and you ^(plur) and I belong to him in order that we might bear fruit to God

we might bear fruit to God: The phrase bear fruit is a metaphor that means “doing good deeds that produce good results.” These good results benefit God or his kingdom. In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use a simile. For example:

  be like plants that produce fruit for God

• Make the meaning more explicit. For example:

  we might produce good results that honor God

• Translate without the figure of speech. For example:

  we might serve God

  we can do the work of GodOtomi Back Translation on TW.

  we will now live righteous lives to the glory of GodTagbanwa Back Translation on TW.

we: Paul changed from “you^(plur)” to we. He now includes himself with the believers about bearing fruit for God. See the example above.