Weakness Of The Believer Under The Old Covenant

There is one more aspect of the concept of "Weakness" as it is used in Rom 5:6, where the word Greek word asthenēs is translated "without strength".

Keeping in mind that the context of the book of Romans is the redemptive work of God developed through God's covenantal relationship with Israel. Rom 5:6 says that we were weak and without strength before Christ died for us. One of the reasons they were weak is found in Heb. 7:8 where the Greek word asthenēs is again interpreted "weakness".

Heb 7:18 NKJV  For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,

Heb 7:18 NASB  For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness

They were weak and without strength because they were under a weak Law. And the Law was weak because "the Law made nothing perfect" Heb 7:19 (NASB). But, we know that the Spirit has been poured out and is making us complete (perfect). John 17:23

They were also weak because the old covenant was an inferior covenant. Heb. 8:6 says the new covenant is better with better promises.

The Greek word for Better is kreittōn which is defined as "stronger". The opposite of "without strength." The Law was "useless" in that it could not minister or supply heavenly benefits like the promises of the new covenant.

The point here is that when Paul says "when we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly." He does not mean we were unable to think or act, being dead like a corpse. Whatever we think might be our condition before salvation, our view of "without strength" must be consistent throughout the bible and throughout out the New Testament's use of the Greek word asthenēs. Being weak does not mean we cannot know, understand or believe the truth. It just means that there are no means by which our knowledge or faith can effect a change in our spiritual condition. To receive we must believe and to believe we need a promise and the promises of the old covenant did not promise adoption or an eternal inheritance; the new covenant did.