Romans 10:5
For Moses describeth the righteousnesse which is of the Law, that the man which doeth those things shall liue by them. Romans 10:5 (KJV)
Context: To understand the meaning of Romans 10:5 it is essential to examine its surrounding context. The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Rome, and in this chapter he addresses the importance of faith in Christ for salvation. He sets up a clear contrast between the righteousness that comes from the law and the righteousness that comes from faith.
Reference to Moses: Paul refers to Moses in this verse, acknowledging the role of the law given through him. The law refers to the commandments and statutes given by God to the Israelites, primarily recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Describing the righteousness of the law: Paul explains that Moses presents the law as a means for the people to live righteously before God. The law contained regulations and instructions that governed moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of life.
“The man which doeth those things shall live by them”: While Romans 10:5 echoes language found in Leviticus 18:5, Paul is summarizing Moses’ teaching rather than quoting directly. The emphasis is on the requirement of perfect obedience; according to the law, if a person could keep all of God’s commandments, he would receive life and righteousness.
The inability to attain righteousness through the law: Paul’s primary message throughout Romans is that no one can achieve righteousness by the law because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The purpose of the law was to reveal humanity’s need for a Savior, showing that people fall short of God’s perfect standard and cannot earn salvation by their own efforts.
The contrast between law and faith: In Romans 10 Paul contrasts the righteousness that comes from the law with the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that salvation is not achieved by following the law but by believing in Jesus, confessing Him as Lord, and placing faith in His death and resurrection (Romans 10:9‑10).
Christ, the fulfillment of the law: Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ fulfilled the requirements of the law on behalf of humanity. He lived a perfect, sin‑less life, satisfying the law’s demands and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Through faith in Jesus believers receive His righteousness as a free gift (Romans 3:21‑22).
