The intent of the Law was to bring people blessing (life) as they obeyed it ( Leviticus 18:5). Nevertheless because Paul did not obey it, he found that it condemned him. [source][source][source]
". . . it seems fair to conclude that the law would have given life had it been perfectly obeyed." [1][source]
Context Summary
Romans 7:1-13 - The Law Makes Sin Known
To make his meaning clear the Apostle now enters upon a parable drawn from domestic life. He says that we are married to the Law as our first husband, and seek, through union with it, to bring forth fruit unto God. Every convert earnestly endeavors, in the first impulse of the new life, to be good and to form, by incessant effort, a life that is pleasing to God. Like Cain we bring the fruit of the ground, extorted from the soil by the sweat of the brow.
But we are soon disappointed in the result. Our laborious care ends in failure. Sinful desires are too masterful. As Luther said, "The old Adam is too strong for the young Melanchthon." Then we see that the Cross has put death between us and our painful effort. We learn that the marriage contract which bound us to our first husband, the Law, has been dissolved. We are set free to enter into marriage union with the blessed Lord, and He, by His indwelling Spirit, effects in us what our own energies have failed to produce. We are joined to Him that was raised up from the dead, and bring forth fruit unto God. [source]
Chapter Summary: Romans 7
1No law has power over a man longer than he lives 4But we are dead to the law 7Yet is not the law sin; 12but holy, just and good; 16as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it
Greek Commentary for Romans 7:10
This I found unto death [ευρετη μοιαυτη εις τανατον] Literally, “the commandment the one for (meant for) life, this was found for me unto death.” First aorist (effective) passive indicative of ευρισκω heuriskō to find, not active as the English has it. It turned out so for me (ethical dative). [source]
Greek Commentary for Romans 7:10
Literally, “the commandment the one for (meant for) life, this was found for me unto death.” First aorist (effective) passive indicative of ευρισκω heuriskō to find, not active as the English has it. It turned out so for me (ethical dative). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 7:10
Discovered or proved to be. See on Phlippians 2:8. Compare Romans 7:10; Galatians 2:17. [source]