Romans 6:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Romans 6:10 in the King James Version is a foundational verse explaining the nature and finality of Christ's work on our behalf. It highlights the distinct purposes of His death and resurrection life.

Context

This verse is part of a larger argument in Romans chapter 6 where Paul addresses the question of whether believers should continue in sin because grace abounds (Romans 6:1). Paul emphatically denies this, explaining that believers have died to sin through their identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Verses 1-9 establish the concept of being "dead to sin" and "alive unto God" in Christ. Verse 10 specifically focuses on Christ's own experience as the basis for this reality for believers.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Death Unto Sin: The phrase "he died unto sin once" signifies that Christ's death dealt definitively with the power and penalty of sin. It was a sacrifice that fully satisfied God's justice, breaking sin's dominion over those who are united with Him. This wasn't about Christ being sinful, but His death addressing the sin of humanity.
  • The Finality of the Sacrifice: The word "once" (Greek: ephapax) is crucial. It emphasizes that Christ's death was a single, unrepeatable event sufficient for all time. There is no need for further sacrifices for sin. This connects to the understanding of Christ's perfect and final sacrifice described elsewhere.
  • Christ's Life Unto God: "But in that he liveth, he liveth unto God" points to Christ's resurrection life. Having conquered sin and death, Christ now lives in uninterrupted fellowship and obedience to God the Father. His resurrected life is a life lived completely for God's purposes and glory, demonstrating His victory and ongoing reign.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "died" is apethanen, and "liveth" is ze. The phrases "unto sin" (te hamartia) and "unto God" (to theo) use the dative case in Greek, indicating the sphere or relationship to which the death and life are directed. Christ's death was 'related to' or 'in relation to' sin's power, and His life is 'related to' or 'in submission/dedication to' God.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides the theological bedrock for the believer's new identity. Because Christ died to sin once and lives unto God permanently, believers who are united with Him through faith are also considered dead to sin's power and alive unto God through Him (as stated in the very next verse, Romans 6:11). Our freedom from sin's mastery and our call to live a life dedicated to God are rooted in Christ's finished work. Understanding this empowers us to resist sin and pursue righteousness, not out of obligation to earn salvation, but out of gratitude for the life we have been given in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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