ROM 7:6 Interlinear View

1. Greek word
2. Greek lemma
3. OET-LV words
4. OET-RV words
5. Strongs
6. Role/Morphology
7. OET Gloss
8. VLT Gloss
9. CAPS codes
10. Confidence
11. OET tags
12. OET word #
1. νυνί
2. nuni
3. right now
4. -
5. 35700
6. D·······
7. right_now
8. right_now
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108030
1. Δέ
2. de
3. But
4. but
5. 11610
6. C·······
7. but
8. but
9. S
10. Y60
11. 108031
1. κατηργήθημεν
2. katargeō
3. we were released
4. -
5. 26730
6. VIAP1··P
7. ˱we˲ ˓were˒ released
8. ˱we˲ ˓were˒ released
9. -
10. Y60; R105120; Person=Paul; R107979; R107548
11. 108032
1. ἀπό
2. apo
3. from
4. -
5. 5750
6. P·······
7. from
8. from
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108033
1. τοῦ
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····GMS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108034
1. νόμου
2. nomos
3. law
4. -
5. 35510
6. N····GMS
7. law
8. law
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108035
1. ἀποθανόντες
2. apothnēskō
3. having died off
4. -
5. 5990
6. VPAA·NMP
7. ˓having˒ died_off
8. ˓having˒ died_off
9. -
10. Y60; R105120; Person=Paul; R107979; R107548
11. 108036
1. ἐν
2. en
3. in
4. -
5. 17220
6. P·······
7. in
8. in
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108037
1. ᾧ
2. hos
3. which
4. that which
5. 37390
6. R····DMS
7. which
8. which
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108038
1. κατειχόμεθα
2. kateχō
3. we were being kept
4. -
5. 27220
6. VIIP1··P
7. ˱we˲ ˓were_being˒ kept
8. ˱we˲ ˓were_being˒ kept
9. -
10. Y60; R105120; Person=Paul; R107979; R107548
11. 108039
1. ὥστε
2. hōste
3. so that
4. -
5. 56200
6. C·······
7. so_that
8. so_that
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108040
1. δουλεύειν
2. douleuō
3. to be serving
4. -
5. 13980
6. VNPA····
7. ˓to_be˒ serving
8. ˓to_be˒ serving
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108041
1. ἡμάς
2. egō
3. us
4. -
5. 14730
6. R···1A·P
7. us
8. us
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108042
1. ἐν
2. en
3. in
4. -
5. 17220
6. P·······
7. in
8. in
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108043
1. καινότητι
2. kainotēs
3. newness
4. -
5. 25380
6. N····DFS
7. newness
8. newness
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108044
1. Πνεύματος
2. pneuma
3. of spirit
4. spirit
5. 41510
6. N····GNS
7. ˱of˲ spirit
8. ˱of˲ Spirit
9. GN
10. Y60; Person=Holy_Spirit
11. 108045
1. καί
2. kai
3. and
4. -
5. 25320
6. C·······
7. and
8. and
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108046
1. οὒ
2. ou
3. not
4. -
5. 37560
6. D·······
7. not
8. not
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108047
1. παλαιότητι
2. palaiotēs
3. in oldness
4. -
5. 38210
6. N····DFS
7. ˱in˲ oldness
8. ˱in˲ oldness
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108048
1. γράμματος
2. gramma
3. of letter
4. letter
5. 11210
6. N····GNS
7. ˱of˲ letter
8. ˱of˲ letter
9. -
10. Y60
11. 108049

SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 7:1–6: Believers must follow the new way of the Holy Spirit

In this section, Paul used the example of marriage and the husband dying to show that believers are no longer under the laws of Moses. They are under the new covenant with Jesus. We have died to sin and God has released us from the law of Moses so that we can serve God as the Holy Spirit guides and empowers us.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

We were released from the Law of Moses to serve God in the new way of the Holy Spirit

Dead to the Law, Alive to Serve in the Spirit

Serve^(plur) God in the new way of the Holy Spirit

7:6a

But now, having died to what bound us,

But now, because we have died to those things that had held us captive,
But now, we have become as/like dead to them. Before we believed, they were like a prison for us.

But now: There is contrast to the old life where the law stirred our thinking to sin to now God having set us free from that way of life.

having died to what bound us: The phrase died to is a figure of speech that indicates that the law no longer has any power over us. When we began believing in Jesus, we were no longer under the laws of Moses. Some languages must change this metaphor into a simile. For example:

having become as a dead person to what bound us

became as if dead to what bound us by telling us what to do

became as if dead to the commands that bound us

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

having died: This clause tells the reason or means for being released from the law. For example:

because we died (GNT)

by dying (NIV)

to what bound us: This phrase further describes the laws of Moses. It does not separate these laws of Moses from other laws of Moses. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word what. For example:

now we are released from the law, having died to it. It bound us. We are released so that…

what bound us: The Greek word that the BSB translates as bound refers to holding something so that it cannot leave. Being in prison is one example of the meaning here, but the meaning is more general than that. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

to that which held us captive (ESV)

the law held us like prisoners (NCV)

7:6b

we have been released from the law,

we^(incl) are free from the rule of the laws of Moses,
God has freed us from the control of the laws that he gave to Moses.

we have been released from the law: In contrast to what was true before (7:5), we have been released from the law is true in the present. Translate this word with that meaning.

released from the law: Here the word released indicates that the laws of Moses no longer rule over us. We are free to follow the Holy Spirit. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

untied from the law

no longer required to submit ourselves to the law

The clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

God has released us from the law

See how you translated released from in 7:2.

the law: Here the law refers to the laws of Moses.

General Comment on 7:6a–b

In some languages it is more natural to have the main clause (7:6b) before the reason clause (7:6a). For example:

But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive (ESV)

But the Law no longer rules over us. We are like dead people, and it cannot have any power over us (CEV)

7:6c

so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit,

and so we are serving God in a new way that is produced by the Holy Spirit
Therefore we do the work of God in a new way by means of his Spirit helping us,

so that we serve: The phrase so that introduces the purpose of being released from the laws of Moses (7:6b). It does not connect to being bound (7:6a). In some languages that connection will need to be made clear. For example:

we were released so that we serve

This purpose has already begun. In some languages a result clause must be used for that meaning. For example:

and so we serve

we were released therefore we serve

we serve: Paul implied here that we serve God. Some languages must add who is served. For example:

we can serve God (NLT)

serve: Here this word refers to doing things that God wants people to do. This includes worship, praying, giving tithes, helping others, and doing whatever work that God has given to that person. Here are other ways to translate this word:

do his will

do the things that he commands us to do

See how you translated this word in 1:9.

in the new way: As believers, we serve God in a new way. That new way comes from the Holy Spirit. He leads us so we can serve God in that new way. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in the new way of living in the Spirit (NLT)

based on the new way-of-life that comes from the Holy SpiritKankanaey Back Translation on TW.

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

It refers to the Holy Spirit. The BSB and other English versions indicate that meaning by capitalizing the word. (BSB, RSV, NIV, GNT, NASB, ESV, NLT, CEV, NET, NCV)
It refers to the believer’s spirit. For example:
the spirit (NJB) (NJB, KJV, NABRE, GW, REB)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), but it is difficult to choose, as scholars on both sides make good points about why they choose their interpretation.Witherington (page 177), who supports interpretation (1), says it refers to the new covenant, which is connected with the Holy Spirit, and the old covenant, which is connected with the Law and letter of it. Lenski (page 455), who supports interpretation (2), says this verse is in contrast to the “flesh” (7:5) and so it should refer to the spirit of a person. Morris (on TW) says it means both. Many scholars do not explain their choice.

7:6d

and not in the old way of the written code.

and not in the old/obsolete letters.
and we do not do the work of God in an old way by means of the/those written laws.

and not in the old way of the written code: The phrase “we serve (God)” is implied here. In some languages it is more natural to repeat it here. For example:

we do not serve God in the old way of the written code

the old way of the written code: The Greek word that the BSB translates as old way refers to something that is old and no longer useful. The laws of Moses belong to the old covenant, but Jesus has given us a new covenant. The word of indicates that the written code described that old way to serve God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the old way of obeying the letter of the law (NLT)

an old way dictated by written words (GW)

the obsolete way described in the written Law

the written code: The Greek word is literally “letter.” It can refer to a single letter of the alphabet or a long written document like the book of Romans. Here it refers to the Old Testament. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the letter (NASB)

a written law (GNT)

the letter of the law (NLT)

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-contrast

νυνὶ δὲ

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: νυνί Δέ κατηργήθημεν ἀπό τοῦ νόμου ἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα ὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμάς ἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος καί οὒ παλαιότητι γράμματος)

See how you translated this phrase in [6:22](../06/22.md).

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

κατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου & ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα

˱we˲_˓were˒_released (Some words not found in SR-GNT: νυνί Δέ κατηργήθημεν ἀπό τοῦ νόμου ἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα ὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμάς ἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος καί οὒ παλαιότητι γράμματος)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God has released us from the law … to that which was holding us]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / personification

κατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου & ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα

Here Paul speaks of the law as if it were a slave-master from which someone must be released and who can hold people captive. Paul means that Christians do not have to obey the laws God gave the Jews. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [we no longer have to obey the law … to that which we used to be required to obey] or [we are like slaves who have been released from the law … to that which we used to have to obey like slaves]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα

in which ˱we˲_˓were_being˒_kept

The phrase that by which we were being held refers to the law. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [to the law by which we were being held]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα

˓having˒_died_off in which ˱we˲_˓were_being˒_kept

Paul speaks of the law as if it were a location where Christians could die. Here, died to the law refers to the idea that Christians no longer have to obey the requirements of the laws God gave the Jews. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [no longer being required to obey that by which we were being held]

Note 6 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

ὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς

so_that ˓to_be˒_serving (Some words not found in SR-GNT: νυνί Δέ κατηργήθημεν ἀπό τοῦ νόμου ἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα ὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμάς ἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος καί οὒ παλαιότητι γράμματος)

Here, so that indicates that what follows is the result of Christians having died to the law. Use the natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: [the result being that we might serve]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / ellipsis

δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς

˓to_be˒_serving (Some words not found in SR-GNT: νυνί Δέ κατηργήθημεν ἀπό τοῦ νόμου ἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα ὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμάς ἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος καί οὒ παλαιότητι γράμματος)

Paul is leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply this word from the context. Alternate translation: [we might serve God]

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

ἐν καινότητι & οὐ παλαιότητι

in in newness & (Some words not found in SR-GNT: νυνί Δέ κατηργήθημεν ἀπό τοῦ νόμου ἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα ὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμάς ἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος καί οὒ παλαιότητι γράμματος)

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of newness and oldness, you could express the same ideas in another way. These words indicate different ways in which peopleserve God. Alternate translation: [in the new way … not in the old way]

Note 9 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

ἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος

in in newness ˱of˲_Spirit

Paul uses the possessive form to describe the newness that is produced by the Spirit. Paul means that the Holy Spirit enables Christians to live in a new way that pleases God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [in a new way that comes from the Holy Spirit]

Note 10 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

παλαιότητι γράμματος

˱in˲_oldness ˱of˲_letter

Paul uses the possessive form to describe the oldness that is determined by the letter. Paul means that Christians do not live in the old way that the law of Moses requires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [in the old way that the letter requires]

Note 11 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

γράμματος

˱of˲_letter

Paul uses the letter to refer to the law which is written down with letters. See how you translated this word in [2:27](../02/27.md).

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

Note: The OET-RV is still only a first draft, and so far only a few words have been (mostly automatically) matched to the Hebrew or Greek words that they’re translated from.

Acknowledgements: The SR Greek text, lemmas, morphology, and VLT gloss are all thanks to the CNTR.

OET interlinear ROM 7:6