The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life

1. A statement made in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul.

The general sense is that strict observance of the letter of the law is far less important than being true to its spirit.

Example Sentences

"Spirit of a law," is used to designate its intention; in this sense it has been said: "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

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When St. Paul told the Christians of Corinth that "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life,"* he was using inspiring language.

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Even in our field it may be true that 'the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.'

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It is one of the cases where 'the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.'

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And it is easy to know which law we are obeying: for any law which we magnify and keep through pride, is always the law of the letter; but that which we love and keep through humility, is the law of the Spirit: And the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.

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