希腊原文词研究
Nomos (G3551) — Law in the New Testament
νόμος (nomos) is the principal Greek word for 'law,' used in the New Testament for the Mosaic law, the OT Scriptures broadly, and Christian teaching as a regulating principle.
这个词的意思
In classical Greek, νόμος (nomos) derives from the idea of something assigned or distributed (cf. νέμω, to deal out), and came to mean a custom, usage, or established rule. Its range in the New Testament is broad: it can refer to law in general, to the specific law given through Moses, to the Old Testament Scriptures as a whole, and even to a governing principle or influence within the believer.
The lexicon entry distinguishes several layers of meaning. It denotes law in general (Rom. 3:27; 5:13), an internal force or impulse (Rom. 7:21, 23, 25; 8:2), the Mosaic law specifically (Matt. 5:18; John 1:17; Acts 6:13; 1 Tim. 1:8), and Christian teaching referred to as 'the law of Christ' (Gal. 6:2) or 'the law of faith' (Rom. 3:27).
By metonymy, νόμος also names the books containing the law — the Pentateuch (Matt. 12:5; John 1:45) — and, more loosely, the entire Old Testament, especially in phrases like 'the law and the prophets' (Matt. 5:17) or 'the law, the prophets, and the psalms' (Luke 24:44).
在圣经里的用法
In the Gospels, νόμος most often refers to the Mosaic law as the authoritative framework of Israel's life. Jesus says he came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17–18), and the entire law hangs on the twin commandments of love (Matt. 22:40). For the Pharisees, 'the law' is the scribal domain they meticulously keep (Matt. 23:23; Luke 10:26).
In Luke–Acts and the Epistles, the word expands. Luke ties Joseph and Mary's ritual acts to 'the law of Moses' and 'the law of the Lord' (Luke 2:22, 39). Paul uses νόμος to probe the relationship between law and faith, contrasting life 'under law' with life in Christ (Gal. 4:5; 1 Cor. 9:20), and even identifies it with an inward principle (Rom. 8:2). James calls Scripture 'the royal law' (Jas. 2:8) and 'the law of liberty' (Jas. 1:25).
词条详解
- G3551 νόμος is the most common NT word for 'law' (164 occurrences). It can mean law in general, the Mosaic law, the Pentateuch, the OT as a whole, or an inward principle — so every context must be read carefully.
示例经文
- Matthew 5:17 Jesus frames his mission relative to the law: he fulfills rather than abolishes it.
- Matthew 5:18 The permanence of the law is underlined: not a stroke will pass away until all is accomplished.
- Matthew 12:5 Here 'the law' refers to the Pentateuch, where Sabbath regulations are found.
- Luke 24:44 The risen Christ identifies 'the law, the prophets, and the psalms' with the whole OT witness about him.
常见问题
Does νόμος always mean the Mosaic law?
No. While that is the most frequent use, it also names law in general, the Pentateuch, the OT as a whole, and Christian teaching as a guiding principle (e.g., 'the law of Christ' in Gal. 6:2).
Why does Paul sometimes treat 'law' negatively and sometimes positively?
The lexicon shows Paul distinguishes the law's condemning function (Rom. 7) from its role as a holy, good guide (1 Tim. 1:8). Context determines whether νόμος is set over against faith or affirmed as God's word.
Is 'the law' in James the same as Moses' law?
James calls it 'the royal law' and 'the law of liberty,' applying it to the love command. He treats Scripture as a continuing, Spirit-led standard for the Christian community rather than as a relic.