{
  "id": "dict_006231",
  "term": "Works of the law",
  "slug": "works-of-the-law",
  "letter": "W",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "“Works of the law” is Paul’s phrase for deeds done in obedience to the Mosaic law. In Romans and Galatians, he says such works cannot justify sinners before God.",
  "simple_one_line": "A technical Pauline phrase about doing what the Mosaic law requires in justification debates.",
  "tooltip_text": "A technical Pauline phrase about doing what the Mosaic law requires in justification debates.",
  "aliases": [
    "Works of law",
    "Deeds of the law"
  ],
  "scripture_references": [
    "Rom. 3:20",
    "Gal. 2:16",
    "Gal. 3:2",
    "Gal. 3:5",
    "Rom. 9:32"
  ],
  "original_language_terms": [
    "[{\"language\": \"Greek\", \"term\": \"erga nomou\", \"transliteration\": \"erga nomou\", \"gloss\": \"works of law\", \"relevance_note\": \"The Greek phrase stands behind the technical Pauline discussion.\"}]"
  ],
  "related_entries": [
    "Justification",
    "Mosaic Law",
    "Law in Paul",
    "Boundary markers",
    "New Perspective on Paul"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Galatians",
    "Romans"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "“Works of the law” refers to actions required by the Mosaic law. In Paul’s argument, people are not justified by these works but through faith in Jesus Christ. Interpreters differ on whether the phrase points mainly to the law as a whole, to badges of Jewish covenant identity such as circumcision and food laws, or to both; the safest conclusion is that Paul denies justification by law-keeping.",
  "description_academic_full": "“Works of the law” (Greek, erga nomou) is a Pauline expression found especially in Romans and Galatians for deeds performed in relation to the Mosaic law. In context, Paul argues that no one is justified before God by such works, because the law reveals sin rather than providing the basis of right standing with God. Orthodox interpreters differ over emphasis: some understand the phrase broadly as obedience to the Mosaic law in general, while others stress particular Jewish identity markers that distinguished Jews from Gentiles; many conservative interpreters recognize that both themes may be present in Paul’s arguments. What can be stated clearly and safely is that Paul rejects law-keeping as the ground of justification and directs sinners instead to faith in Christ.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "“Works of the law” is Paul’s phrase for deeds done in obedience to the Mosaic law. In Romans and Galatians, he says such works cannot justify sinners before God.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/works-of-the-law/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/works-of-the-law.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}