Roma 7:5 TA PAQHMATA TWN hAMARTIWN

Jonathan Robie (jwrobie@mindspring.com)
Tue, 22 Apr 1997 09:01:27 -0400

Roma 7:5 (GNT) hOTE GAR HMEN EN THi SARKI, TA PAQHMATA TWN hAMARTIWN TA DIA
TOU NOMOU ENHRGEITO EN TOIS MELESIN hHMWN, EIS TO KARPOFORHSAI TW QANATW:

TA PAQHMATA TWN hAMARTIWN is almost always translated "sinful passions".
When I read this though, I first read it as "the sufferings of sin". Here's
a traditional translation from the New American Standard, followed by a
translation from the Little Greek Translation which reflects the way I had
read it initially:

Roma 7:5 (NASU) For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which
were [aroused] by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear
fruit for death.
Roma 7:5 (LGT) For while we were in the flesh, the sufferings of sin, which
were effected in our bodies through the law, that we might bear fruit for death.

This makes sense in terms of the suffering we have under the weight of the
law, our inability to live up to its demands, and the inevitable
condemnation we fall under if we try to earn our way by following the law.

What do you think - does this second translation also have merit?

Jonathan

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