Romans 6:10

KJV

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3739}{G1063} in that he died {G599}, he died {G599} unto sin {G266} once {G2178}: but {G1161} in that {G3739} he liveth {G2198}, he liveth {G2198} unto God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For his death was a unique event that need not be repeated; but his life, he keeps on living for God.

Berean Standard Bible

The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.

American Standard Version

For the death that he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:10 profoundly articulates the definitive nature of Christ's redemptive work, establishing the theological bedrock for the believer's new identity. It declares that Christ's death was a singular, decisive act that fully dealt with the power and penalty of sin, while His subsequent resurrection life is eternally consecrated to God, providing the pattern and power for believers to live in newness of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:10 stands as a pivotal verse within Paul's broader theological argument in [Romans chapter 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Having established the doctrine of justification by faith in earlier chapters, Paul now addresses the practical implications, specifically refuting the antinomian charge that grace encourages continued sin ([Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall we continue in sin?")). He explains that believers, through baptism, are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, thereby dying to sin and being raised to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - United with Christ in Death and Resurrection")). Verses [6:6-9](/romans/6-6-9 "Romans 6:6-9 - Our Old Self Crucified") elaborate on this union, emphasizing that our old self was crucified with Christ so that we might no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:10 then provides the foundational truth for this reality, stating that Christ's own death "unto sin once" and His life "unto God" are the historical and theological basis for the believer's participation in this new spiritual state, leading directly into the exhortation for believers to "reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" in [Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts. The cultural milieu included various philosophical schools and religious practices, some of which might have misinterpreted Christian liberty as license for immoral behavior. The concept of "dying to" or "living for" something was a familiar idiom, often used in relation to allegiance or servitude. For instance, a slave "died" to his former master when purchased by a new one, or a person "died" to their old way of life upon conversion to a new philosophy. Paul leverages this understanding to explain the radical shift in allegiance and identity that occurs through union with Christ. The idea of a definitive, once-for-all sacrifice was also crucial for Jewish converts, who were accustomed to repeated animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant, making Christ's single, perfect sacrifice a profound theological development.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Romans and Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **Union with Christ**, where the believer's spiritual status and experience are inextricably linked to Christ's historical acts of death and resurrection. It underscores the **Finality and Sufficiency of Christ's Atonement**, particularly through the word "once," emphasizing that His sacrifice definitively dealt with sin's power and penalty, requiring no repetition. The verse also highlights the theme of **New Life in Christ**, contrasting Christ's death "unto sin" with His life "unto God," thereby providing the pattern for the believer's own liberation from sin's dominion and their call to live a life dedicated to God's glory. This foundational truth empowers believers to live out the practical righteousness that is the fruit of their justification, moving from the realm of sin's slavery to the freedom of serving God ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin, Enslaved to Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **died (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** This verb signifies a complete separation, a cessation of relationship or influence. When applied to Christ's death "unto sin," it means His death decisively broke the power and claim of sin. It was not merely a physical death, but a death that rendered sin's dominion over Him null and void, and by extension, over those united with Him. This death was a final and effective act against the very principle of sin.
* **once (Greek, _ephápax'_):** This adverb is crucial, emphasizing the singular, unrepeatable, and utterly sufficient nature of Christ's death. It conveys a sense of finality and completeness, indicating that His sacrifice for sin was exhaustive and requires no further repetition. This "once-for-all" aspect highlights the perfection and efficacy of His atonement, distinguishing it from the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
* **liveth (Greek, _záō'_):** This verb denotes continuous, active, and vibrant life. Following His death, Christ's resurrection inaugurated a new mode of existence—an eternal, incorruptible life. When it states "he liveth unto God," it signifies that His resurrected life is entirely directed towards, in perfect fellowship with, and in complete obedience to the Father. It is a life lived for God's purposes and glory, demonstrating His victory over death and His ongoing reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in that he died":** This introductory phrase serves as a causal conjunction, explaining the basis or reason for the subsequent declaration. It points directly to the historical event of Christ's crucifixion, which is the foundational act of redemption. The "in that" (Greek: _hos_) refers to the sphere or manner of His death, setting the stage for its purpose.
* **"he died unto sin once":** This is the core statement regarding the purpose and efficacy of Christ's death. The phrase "unto sin" (Greek: _te hamartia_) uses the dative case, indicating the sphere or object to which His death was directed. Christ did not die *because* He sinned, but His death was *in relation to* sin—to deal with its power, penalty, and dominion. The inclusion of "once" (Greek: _ephápax_) powerfully underscores the unique, unrepeatable, and fully sufficient nature of this sacrifice. It was a singular, definitive act that completely satisfied divine justice and broke sin's hold.
* **"but in that he liveth":** This clause introduces a stark contrast to the preceding statement, shifting from Christ's death to His resurrection life. The conjunction "but" (Greek: _dé_) highlights this dramatic transition from the realm of death to the realm of life. Just as His death had a specific purpose, so too does His ongoing life.
* **"he liveth unto God":** This final clause defines the nature and purpose of Christ's resurrected life. "Unto God" (Greek: _to theo_) again uses the dative case, signifying that His life is entirely directed toward, dedicated to, and lived in perfect communion with God the Father. Having definitively conquered sin and death, Christ's resurrected existence is one of continuous, perfect obedience, fellowship, and glorification of God, serving as the ultimate pattern for the believer's new life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 6:10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ's Death and Life"). The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, where the two halves of the verse present opposing yet complementary realities: Christ's death "unto sin" is set against His life "unto God." This stark opposition highlights the radical transformation wrought by His redemptive work. There is also a powerful use of **Emphasis** through the adverb "once" (_ephápax_), which underscores the singularity, finality, and complete sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, distinguishing it from all other forms of atonement. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Basis** or **Foundation** for Paul's subsequent exhortations in [Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11-14 "Romans 6:11-14 - Live as Those Alive to God"), where the theological truth of Christ's definitive work becomes the logical ground for the believer's practical living. The concise, declarative style also lends itself to **Aphorism**, making the statement memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:10 is a cornerstone for understanding the profound theological implications of Christ's work. It establishes that Christ's death was not merely a historical event but a definitive, once-for-all act that completely severed sin's dominion and satisfied the righteous demands of God. This singular sacrifice means there is no further need for propitiation or expiation for sin. His subsequent resurrection life, lived eternally unto God, signifies His victory over death and His ongoing, perfect communion with the Father. This dual reality—a definitive death to sin and an eternal life unto God—forms the basis for the believer's new identity and spiritual reality, as we are united with Him in both His death and resurrection. Our freedom from sin's mastery and our call to live righteously are rooted in this unchangeable truth of Christ's finished work.

* [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered Once for Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:10 offers profound implications for the daily life of a believer, moving beyond mere theological assent to practical transformation. Understanding that Christ's death "unto sin once" means that the power and penalty of sin have been decisively broken by His single, perfect sacrifice should liberate us from the crushing weight of guilt and the fear of condemnation. We are no longer under sin's dominion but are free to live in Christ. Furthermore, recognizing that Christ "liveth unto God" provides a powerful model and motivation for our own lives. Our new life in Christ is not merely a cessation of sinning, but an active, ongoing dedication to God's purposes and glory. This truth empowers us to "reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin")), enabling us to resist temptation, pursue righteousness, and live in joyful obedience, not out of obligation to earn salvation, but out of gratitude for the new life we have been freely given in Him. This verse calls us to align our daily choices with the ultimate reality established by Christ's finished work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's death "unto sin once" deepen your appreciation for the finality and sufficiency of His sacrifice for your sins?**
* **In what ways does Christ's resurrected life, lived "unto God," inspire and shape your own aspirations for living a life dedicated to God?**
* **How does the truth of Romans 6:10 empower you to resist the temptation to sin, knowing that sin's dominion has been broken in Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God" in your daily thoughts and actions?**

### FAQ
**Did Christ die because He Himself sinned?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The phrase "he died unto sin" does not imply that Christ was personally sinful. Rather, it means that His death was *in relation to* sin, specifically to deal with its power, penalty, and dominion. He died as the perfect, spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the sins of humanity upon Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His death was a substitutionary atonement, an act of perfect obedience to the Father's will, to conquer sin on behalf of all who would believe.

**What is the significance of the word "once" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "once" (Greek: _ephápax_) is profoundly significant. It emphasizes the singular, unrepeatable, and utterly sufficient nature of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant, which could never fully take away sins ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Imperfect Sacrifices")), Christ's death was a perfect, once-for-all offering that definitively dealt with sin forever ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). This means there is no need for any further sacrifice, and His work is complete, providing eternal redemption for all who trust in Him.

**How does Christ's death and life relate to a believer's own experience?**

Answer: Romans 6:10 provides the theological foundation for the believer's new identity and life in Christ. Through faith and baptism, believers are spiritually united with Christ. This union means that just as Christ died to sin's dominion, believers are considered "dead to sin" ([Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin")). And just as Christ lives a resurrected life "unto God," believers are raised to walk in "newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")), living "unto God" through Him. This is not merely an ethical command but a spiritual reality, enabling believers to live free from sin's mastery and to dedicate their lives to God's glory ([Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11-14 "Romans 6:11-14 - Reckon and Present Yourselves to God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:10 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In His death, Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), definitively conquered the power and penalty of sin "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin")). This singular, perfect sacrifice fulfilled all Old Testament types and shadows, rendering further animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:11-14](/hebrews/10-11-14 "Hebrews 10:11-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice Perfects")). His resurrection, described as living "unto God," signifies His triumph over death and His eternal, uninterrupted communion with the Father, inaugurating the new creation. As the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), Christ's resurrected life is the prototype and source of the believer's own new life. He is the New Adam, establishing a new humanity that is no longer enslaved to sin but lives in freedom and righteousness, continually dedicated to God's purposes. Thus, Christ's death and life are not merely historical facts but the living, dynamic reality that empowers and defines the believer's existence, making Him the very center of our redemption and sanctification ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 4:6

For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Hebrews 9:26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Romans 14:7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.