What does Romans 10:5 mean?
"For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." - Romans 10:5

Romans 10:5 in the King James Version of the Bible states: "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." This verse is a part of a larger passage in the book of Romans where the apostle Paul is addressing the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ as opposed to the righteousness that comes through the law of Moses.
To truly understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it was written. The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul, who was a devout Jew and a former persecutor of Christians. Paul's main purpose in writing to the Romans was to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ in a comprehensive and systematic way, addressing both the Jews and the Gentiles.
In this particular verse, Paul is referencing the words of Moses from the Old Testament. The righteousness that Moses describes in the law refers to the prescribed rules and regulations given by God to the Israelites. These laws were intended to govern every aspect of their lives, including their moral, ethical, and religious conduct. The passage is highlighting the fact that the righteousness that comes from the law is based on one's ability to perfectly fulfill its demands. In other words, if a person could perfectly keep the law, they would attain righteousness and life.
However, Paul is also pointing out the inability of humanity to fulfill the law perfectly. The truth is that no one can meet the perfect standards of God's law. This is a key theme throughout the book of Romans, as Paul emphasizes the universal sinfulness of humanity and their inability to save themselves through works or adherence to the law. In Romans 3:23, Paul says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
In contrast to the righteousness that comes from the law, Paul goes on to talk about the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 3:22, he says, "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe." This righteousness is not based on human effort or works, but it is a gift from God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
The verse also carries significant symbolism. It serves as a foreshadowing of the fulfillment of the law through Christ. Jesus, as the perfect and sinless Son of God, came to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law on behalf of humanity. As a result, those who believe in Him are declared righteous and are granted eternal life. This is the central message of the gospel and the crux of Paul's teachings in the book of Romans.
In summary, Romans 10:5 in the King James Version of the Bible serves as a foundational piece of Paul's argument regarding the righteousness that comes from the law versus the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It sets the stage for the overarching themes of universal sinfulness, the inability of the law to save, and the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ. The verse also holds symbolic significance as it anticipates the fulfillment of the law through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Romans 10:5 underscores the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation, as opposed to relying on one's own works or efforts to earn righteousness before God.
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Romans 10:5 - "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."
"For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." - Romans 10:5
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