The Law and Sin

⁷ What shall we say, then?^(A) Is the law sinful? Certainly not!^(B) Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.^(C) For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”^[a](D)

¹³ Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good^(A) to bring about my death,^(B) so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

¹⁴ We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual,^(A) sold^(B) as a slave to sin.^(C)

¹⁶ And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.^(A)

⁴ in order that the righteous requirement^(A) of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.^(B)

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(A) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^(B)

⁸ We know that the law is good^(A) if one uses it properly.

¹⁵ because the law brings wrath.^(A) And where there is no law there is no transgression.^(B)