Romans 4:15

15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

Romans 4:15 in Other Translations

KJV
15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
ESV
15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
NLT
15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
MSG
15 A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise - and God's promise at that - you can't break it.
CSB
15 For the law produces wrath; but where there is no law, there is no transgression.

Romans 4:15 In-Context

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,
15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Romans 7:7-25; 1 Corinthians 15:56; 2 Corinthians 3:7; Galatians 3:10; S Romans 7:12
  • 2. Romans 3:20; Romans 5:13; Romans 7:7
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