Paragraph 7:4–6
7:4a
Therefore: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Therefore :
(1) It means therefore here. For example:
So (New International Version)
(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible, Revised English Bible)
(2) It means in the same way here. For example:
Likewise (Revised Standard Version)
(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, God’s Word, New Century Version)
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).
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
-or-
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 Berean Standard Bible 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 (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
⌊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
-or-
you yourselves
also: Here this word indicates that Paul said something more about the believers, probably connected to what he said in 7:1.
to the law: Here the word law probably refers to the law of Moses. For example:
to the power of the Law (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
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. 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 died
-or-
because of your being included/joined in dying in Cristo’s death
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” (Berean Standard Bible) 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
-or-
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
-or-
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 (Good News Translation)
-or-
brought…back to life (God’s Word)
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
-or-
we can do the work of God
-or-
we will now live righteous lives to the glory of God
we: Paul changed from “you (plur.) ” to we. He now includes himself with the believers about bearing fruit for God. See the example above.
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