Sold Under Sin

“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.” -Romans 7:14

The point of this verse is to highlight the contrast between spirit and flesh. The modern church has had two thousand years of experience with God’s spirit being poured out on and in his people, so the contrast may not be as stark as it would have been to Paul’s original audience. To the ancients, however, spirit and flesh were on opposite ends of the spectrum.

The Greek word for spiritual (πνευματικός) in this context makes it clear that Paul is highlighting the law’s divine nature. As such, it is from God, and therefore, it is just and good, and holy.

The Greek word for flesh (σάρκινός) in this context also makes it clear that Paul means that which is weak, sinful and transitory. Literally, it means that which is not spiritual or divine, but merely human.

And not only is Paul a mere weak and mortal man, he is one who has been sold under sin. The language here is that of the slave market. The Greek phrase is literally, πεπραμένος ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν and the perfect participle means that this is not a one time occurrence but a continuing state of being. Leon Morris notes, “This is the only New Testament passage where this verb is followed by ὑπό.” 

Paul means to give the picture that as one who is of the flesh, he is under the control of sin’s power. 

[It is important to recall the context of the larger argument here. Paul is not saying that he, in his current state as a Christian, has no choice but to sin. Rather, in the context of the human ability to keep the law, we see how sin, using the law against us, slays us. The law is of God. The sons of Adam are sold under sin. And when the twain meet, the result is death.]