Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook the subtle emphasis here: Paul doesn't just say the law is good, but that it's good "if one uses it lawfully." This highlights that the law's goodness isn't automatic; it depends entirely on how it's applied and understood, hinting at the difference between genuine obedience and legalism. The implication is that misuse or misunderstanding can pervert even God's good law into something harmful.
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is directly addressing the misuse of the Law by some in the early church, who were wrongly teaching that strict adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation. He's about to contrast this false teaching with the true gospel of grace, emphasizing that the Law's purpose is to convict of sin, not to earn righteousness. This verse sets up Paul's powerful argument about God's glorious gospel and his own transformation from persecutor to preacher.
The Bible talks a lot about God's law. But is the law itself the ultimate goal? Or does it point to something more?
Paul starts by affirming the law is 'good.' This isn't a throwaway line! In a culture that might have been devaluing or misinterpreting the Law, he makes it clear: the Mosaic Law, given by God, has inherent goodness and divine purpose.
However, he immediately adds a crucial condition: 'if one uses it lawfully.' This means the law isn't good in a vacuum. Its goodness is realized when it's applied according to its intended design – to reveal God's character, guide His people, and ultimately, point to Christ. The law's goodness is in its function, not just its existence.
What does it mean to use God's law 'lawfully'? It's more than just following rules; it's about understanding why the rules were given.
Using the law 'lawfully' means employing it according to God's design. Paul, writing to Timothy who leads a church, would have understood this in several ways:
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When we use the law to condemn without offering the Gospel, or to build self-righteousness, we are not using it lawfully. True lawful use brings glory to God by recognizing our need for Him and embracing His provision in Christ.
This passage echoes the idea that the law itself is good and righteous, clarifying that it's not inherently bad but serves a holy purpose.
Romans 7:16This verse directly questions the source of evil, concluding that sin, not the law, is the culprit, reinforcing Paul's assertion that the law is good when used rightly.
Galatians 3:24Here, the law is described as a 'disciplinarian' or 'trainer' leading us to Christ, showing a lawful and beneficial purpose for the law in God's plan.
Matthew 22:37-40Jesus summarizes the entire law with the commandments to love God and love neighbor, highlighting the ultimate good and intended purpose of the law – love.
It's easy to overlook the subtle emphasis here: Paul doesn't just say the law is good, but that it's good "if one uses it lawfully." This highlights that the law's goodness isn't automatic; it depends entirely on how it's applied and understood, hinting at the difference between genuine obedience and legalism. The implication is that misuse or misunderstanding can pervert even God's good law into something harmful.
Paul is directly addressing the misuse of the Law by some in the early church, who were wrongly teaching that strict adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation. He's about to contrast this false teaching with the true gospel of grace, emphasizing that the Law's purpose is to convict of sin, not to earn righteousness. This verse sets up Paul's powerful argument about God's glorious gospel and his own transformation from persecutor to preacher.
Paul is directly addressing the misuse of the Law by some in the early church, who were wrongly teaching that strict adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation. He's about to contrast this false teaching with the true gospel of grace, emphasizing that the Law's purpose is to convict of sin, not to earn righteousness. This verse sets up Paul's powerful argument about God's glorious gospel and his own transformation from persecutor to preacher.
"Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully," — It's easy to overlook the subtle emphasis here: Paul doesn't just say the law is good, but that it's good "if one uses it lawfully." This highlights that the law's goodness isn't automatic; it depe…
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Last reviewed October 2026