Romans 7:3

So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Cross-references

Exodus 20:14 gives the commandment against adultery that defines the law Paul references in Romans 7:3.

1 Samuel 25:39-42 shows Abigail marrying David after Nabal's death — a direct OT example of the widow's freedom to remarry described here.

Matthew 5:32 echoes Jesus' teaching that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery, directly paralleling Romans 7:3.

Mark 10:6-9 grounds marriage permanence in creation, supporting Paul's premise that the bond lasts until death.

Matthew 19:9 states that remarriage after divorce (except for immorality) is adultery, echoing the marriage bond principle Paul uses here.

Mark 10:11 Parallel

Mark 10:11 similarly declares that divorce and remarriage constitutes adultery, aligning with the marriage law analogy Paul employs.

1 Corinthians 7:39 states the same principle: wife bound while husband lives, free after his death — a direct parallel to Paul's marriage analogy.

1 Timothy 5:11-14 advises younger widows to remarry, reinforcing the principle that widows are free to marry without sin.

Leviticus 20:10 Historical context

Leviticus 20:10 prescribes the death penalty for adultery, showing the seriousness behind Paul's 'adulteress' label.

Deuteronomy 22:22–24 Historical context

Deuteronomy 22:22-24 commands death for adultery, reinforcing the OT law that underlies Paul's illustration.