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⇱ Romans 7:3 So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even if she marries another man.

Bible > Romans > Chapter 7 > Verse 3
◄ Romans 7:3 ►
New International Version
So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

New Living Translation
So while her husband is alive, she would be committing adultery if she married another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and does not commit adultery when she remarries.

English Standard Version
Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.

Berean Standard Bible
So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Berean Literal Bible
So then, if she is to another man, the husband being alive, she will be called an adulteress; but if the husband should die, she is free from the law, so as for her not to be an adulteress, having been to another man.

King James Bible
So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

New King James Version
So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.

New American Standard Bible
So then, if while her husband is alive she gives herself to another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she gives herself to another man.

NASB 1995
So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.

NASB 1977
So then if, while her husband is living, she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she is joined to another man.

Legacy Standard Bible
So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.

Amplified Bible
Accordingly, she will be designated as an adulteress if she unites herself to another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from the law [regarding marriage], so that she is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Christian Standard Bible
So then, if she is married to another man while her husband is living, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law. Then, if she is married to another man, she is not an adulteress.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So then, if she gives herself to another man while her husband is living, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law. Then, if she gives herself to another man, she is not an adulteress.

American Standard Version
So then if, while the husband liveth, she be joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be joined to another man.

Contemporary English Version
to marry someone else. However, if she goes off with another man while her husband is still alive, she is said to be unfaithful.

English Revised Version
So then if, while the husband liveth, she be joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be joined to another man.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she will be called an adulterer. But if her husband dies, she is free from this law, so she is not committing adultery if she marries another man.

Good News Translation
So then, if she lives with another man while her husband is alive, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is legally a free woman and does not commit adultery if she marries another man.

International Standard Version
So while her husband is living, she will be called an adulterer if she lives with another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from this Law, so that she is not an adulterer if she marries another man.

NET Bible
So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is alive, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she is joined to another man, she is not an adulteress.

New Heart English Bible
So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she is called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she is joined to another man.

Webster's Bible Translation
So then, if while her husband liveth, she is married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband is dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Weymouth New Testament
This accounts for the fact that if during her husband's life she lives with another man, she will be stigmatized as an adulteress; but that if her husband is dead she is no longer under the old prohibition, and even though she marries again, she is not an adulteress.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

World English Bible
So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so then, the husband being alive, she will be called an adulteress if she may become another man’s; and if the husband may die, she is free from the law, so as not to be an adulteress, having become another man’s.

Berean Literal Bible
So then, if she is to another man, the husband being alive, she will be called an adulteress; but if the husband should die, she is free from the law, so as for her not to be an adulteress, having been to another man.

Young's Literal Translation
so, then, the husband being alive, an adulteress she shall be called if she may become another man's; and if the husband may die, she is free from the law, so as not to be an adulteress, having become another man's.

Smith's Literal Translation
Wherefore, the husband living, she shall be called adulteress if she be to another man: but if the man die, she is free from the law; not to be an adulteress, being to another man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore, whilst her husband liveth, she shall be called an adulteress, if she be with another man: but if her husband be dead, she is delivered from the law of her husband; so that she is not an adulteress, if she be with another man.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, while her husband lives, if she has been with another man, she should be called an adulteress. But when her husband has died, she is freed from the law of her husband, such that, if she has been with another man, she is not an adulteress.

New American Bible
Consequently, while her husband is alive she will be called an adulteress if she consorts with another man. But if her husband dies she is free from that law, and she is not an adulteress if she consorts with another man.

New Revised Standard Version
Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus if, while her husband is alive, she should be attached to another man, she becomes an adulteress: but if her husband is dead, she is free from the law; so that she is not an adulteress though she becomes another man’s wife.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But if while her lord lives, she shall leave for another man, she becomes an adulteress to him, but if her lord should die, she has been freed from The Written Law, and she is not an adulteress if another man should have her.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So then, if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress. But if her husband die, she is free from the law; so that she is not an adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Audio Bible



Context
Release from the Law
…2For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even if she marries another man. 4Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

Mark 10:11-12
So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Luke 16:18
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Matthew 19:9
Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

1 Corinthians 6:16
Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31-32
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” / This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.

1 Corinthians 7:2
But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ...

Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Leviticus 20:10
If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.


Exodus 20:14
Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Leviticus 20:10
And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Numbers 5:13
And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner;

through.

Ruth 2:13
Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

1 Samuel 25:39-42
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife…

1 Timothy 5:11-14
But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; …

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Romans 7
1. No law has power over a man longer than he lives.
4. But we are dead to the law.
7. Yet is not the law sin;
12. but holy, just and good;
16. as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.














So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress;
This phrase addresses the legal and moral implications of marriage under Jewish law, which was deeply rooted in the Old Testament. According to the Mosaic Law, marriage was a binding covenant, and adultery was a serious offense (Exodus 20:14). The cultural context of the time viewed marriage as a sacred institution, and breaking this covenant through adultery was not only a personal sin but also a violation of community standards. The term "adulteress" reflects the societal and religious condemnation of such actions. This principle is consistent with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, where He emphasizes the sanctity of marriage (Matthew 5:32).

but if her husband dies, she is free from that law
The death of a spouse releases the surviving partner from the marital law, allowing them to remarry without being considered adulterous. This reflects the legal principle found in the Torah, where death nullifies the binding nature of the marriage covenant (Numbers 36:6-9). Theologically, this can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's release from the law through the death of Christ, as Paul elaborates in Romans 7:4. The concept of being "free from the law" is central to understanding the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where believers are no longer bound by the law but live under grace.

and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
This clause confirms the legitimacy of remarriage after the death of a spouse, aligning with Jewish customs and laws that permitted widows and widowers to remarry (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). In the broader biblical narrative, this freedom to remarry symbolizes the new life and freedom believers have in Christ. Theologically, it underscores the idea of liberation from the law's condemnation, as believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5). This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, where the old self is put to death, and a new life in Christ begins.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the believers in Rome with teachings on the law and grace.

2. The Roman Church
The audience of Paul's letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

3. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which Paul uses to illustrate spiritual truths about sin and grace.

4. Marriage
Used as an analogy by Paul to explain the believer's relationship to the law and to Christ.

5. Adultery
A key concept in this verse, representing unfaithfulness and the breaking of a covenant.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Law's Authority
The law has authority over a person only as long as they live. This principle is crucial for understanding our relationship to the law through Christ.

Freedom Through Death
Just as a widow is free to remarry, believers are freed from the law through the death of Christ, allowing them to belong to Him.

The Seriousness of Adultery
Adultery is a serious breach of covenant, both in marriage and spiritually. It serves as a warning against unfaithfulness to God.

The New Covenant in Christ
Believers are called to live under the new covenant, characterized by grace and truth, rather than the old covenant of the law.

Living in Spiritual Faithfulness
Just as marriage requires faithfulness, our relationship with Christ demands spiritual fidelity and commitment.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Romans 7:3?

2. How does Romans 7:3 illustrate the sanctity of marriage in God's eyes?

3. What does Romans 7:3 teach about the consequences of adultery?

4. How can Romans 7:3 guide Christians in honoring marital commitments today?

5. How does Romans 7:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on marriage in Matthew 19?

6. In what ways can Romans 7:3 influence Christian views on marriage and divorce?

7. How does Romans 7:3 address the concept of marriage and adultery?

8. What does Romans 7:3 imply about the permanence of marriage vows?

9. How does Romans 7:3 relate to the broader theme of law in Romans?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 7?

11. Is remarriage after divorce permissible according to the Bible?

12. If Paul is speaking personally in Romans 7:14, why does he seem to contradict his own moral and spiritual teachings?

13. In 1 Timothy 1:8-9, why is the law described as mainly for the lawless when other passages emphasize its value for all believers?

14. Why do the charges against Paul in Acts 25:7 remain vague, and how does this ambiguity align or conflict with other New Testament accounts of similar trials?
What Does Romans 7:3 Mean
So then

“So then” connects Paul’s illustration to his broader argument in Romans 7:1-2 that “the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives”. It signals a practical conclusion he is drawing from the marriage analogy. In context, Paul is showing that death changes legal relationships. Cross references reinforce this principle: Hebrews 9:16-17 speaks of a covenant made effective by death, and Galatians 2:19 notes that believers “died to the law” through Christ so they might live for God.

If she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive

Paul uses a clear, everyday scenario. According to God’s design, marriage unites a man and a woman as “one flesh” until death (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). While her husband lives, the wife remains under the binding covenant of that marriage.

• Genesis 2:24—marriage creates a lifelong union.

• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11—Paul echoes Jesus in urging spouses not to separate, and if they do, to remain unmarried or be reconciled.

She is called an adulteress

If the wife takes another man while her husband lives, Scripture defines it plainly as adultery. God’s moral law forbids this breach of covenant (Exodus 20:14). Jesus reinforces the same standard in Matthew 5:27-28 and Luke 16:18. The word “called” highlights the public, objective judgment: society and God’s Word alike recognize the act as sinful.

But if her husband dies

Death ends the legal bond of marriage. The covenant is fulfilled, not broken. Paul’s illustration depends on this universally accepted truth. 1 Corinthians 7:39 states, “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord”. This shows the divine logic: death releases from previous obligations.

She is free from that law

Here “that law” refers to the marriage law binding her to her first husband. Once death occurs, the law no longer applies. The same pattern underlies Paul’s teaching that believers, having died with Christ, are released from the Mosaic law’s condemnation (Romans 7:4-6). Galatians 3:24-25 notes the law was a guardian until Christ came; now faith has come, believers are no longer under that guardian.

And is not an adulteress if she marries another man

Post-death remarriage is honorable and free of moral reproach. The widow’s new union is legitimate because no covenant remains with the first husband. This underscores God’s concern for both moral purity and compassionate provision (Deuteronomy 24:5; 1 Timothy 5:14). The point: freedom from the prior covenant allows a fresh, rightful relationship.

summary

Romans 7:3 uses the unambiguous rules of marriage to illustrate a spiritual reality. While a husband lives, a wife would commit adultery by uniting with another man; when he dies, she is released and may remarry without sin. In the same way, believers who “died” with Christ are freed from the law’s jurisdiction and can belong to Him in newness of life. The verse affirms both the sanctity of lifelong marriage and the liberating power of death—whether physical in marriage or spiritual in union with Christ—to dissolve an old covenant and usher in a new, God-ordained relationship.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

then,
ἄρα (ara)
Conjunction
Strong's 686: Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

she is [joined]
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

to another
ἑτέρῳ (heterō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.

man
ἀνδρὶ (andri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

[while her] husband
ἀνδρὸς (andros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

is [still] alive,
ζῶντος (zōntos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

she is called
χρηματίσει (chrēmatisei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5537: From chrema; to utter an oracle, i.e. Divinely intimate; by implication, to constitute a firm for business, i.e. bear as a title.

an adulteress;
μοιχαλὶς (moichalis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3428: A prolonged form of the feminine of moichos; an adulteress.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

[her]
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

husband
ἀνήρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

dies,
ἀποθάνῃ (apothanē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

she is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

free
ἐλευθέρα (eleuthera)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1658: Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

that
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

law
νόμου (nomou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

[and]
αὐτὴν (autēn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

is
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

an adulteress,
μοιχαλίδα (moichalida)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3428: A prolonged form of the feminine of moichos; an adulteress.

[even if she marries]
γενομένην (genomenēn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

another
ἑτέρῳ (heterō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.

man.
ἀνδρὶ (andri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.


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NT Letters: Romans 7:3 So then if while the husband lives (Rom. Ro)