Romans 6:11

KJV

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise {G3779} reckon {G3049} ye {G5210} also {G2532} yourselves {G1438} to be {G1511} dead {G3498} indeed {G3303} unto sin {G266}, but {G1161} alive {G2198} unto God {G2316} through {G1722} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} our {G2257} Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the same way, consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God, by your union with the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:11 serves as a foundational exhortation, calling believers to actively appropriate and live out the profound spiritual reality of their union with Christ. It asserts that, just as Christ definitively conquered sin through His death and now lives eternally unto God, so too are believers to consider themselves definitively freed from sin's dominion and wholly consecrated to God's purposes, a transformation made possible solely through their identification with Jesus Christ our Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal conclusion to Paul's argument in the preceding verses of [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Paul begins the chapter by refuting the antinomian charge that grace encourages continued sin ([Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1-2 "Romans 6:1-2 - Shall We Continue in Sin?")). He then elaborates on the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection through baptism, explaining that this act symbolizes a spiritual death to sin and a resurrection to a new life in Christ ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")). The logical progression leads to the assertion that since Christ died to sin once for all and now lives to God, believers, too, share in this new reality ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ Died Once for All")). Romans 6:11 then transitions from this theological declaration to a practical imperative, urging believers to "reckon" or consider this spiritual truth as their present reality, thereby laying the groundwork for the subsequent calls to present their bodies as instruments of righteousness ([Romans 6:12-14](/romans/6-12-14 "Romans 6:12-14 - Do Not Let Sin Reign")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse Christian community in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jewish believers would have been familiar with the concept of covenant identity and the radical break from a past way of life, while the Gentile believers would have come from various pagan backgrounds, often characterized by pervasive idolatry and moral laxity. The concept of "dying to sin" and "living to God" would have challenged deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior for both groups. Furthermore, the Roman legal and accounting systems, with their emphasis on reckoning, counting, and imputation, provide a subtle backdrop for Paul's use of the term "reckon" (λογίζομαι), making the theological concept of imputation more accessible and concrete to his audience. The pervasive influence of sin in the ancient world, often seen as an inescapable force, made Paul's declaration of freedom from its dominion a truly revolutionary and counter-cultural message.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 6:11 powerfully encapsulates several major theological themes central to Paul's epistle. Foremost is the theme of **Union with Christ**, emphasizing that the believer's spiritual status is inextricably linked to Christ's death and resurrection. This union is the basis for **Death to Sin's Dominion**, signifying a decisive break from sin's enslaving power, not merely a cessation of sinful acts, but a fundamental change in allegiance and identity. This freedom from sin then enables **New Life in God**, a life characterized by purpose, fellowship, and service directed towards God, reflecting the "newness of life" Paul spoke of earlier ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Active Appropriation of Truth**, as the imperative "reckon" calls believers to consciously embrace and live in accordance with the spiritual realities God has already accomplished on their behalf. This is not a call to earn salvation, but to live out the implications of a salvation already received, moving from passive reception to active participation in their sanctification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reckon (Greek, _logízomai'_):** This word (G3049) means to calculate, count, compute, or regard as true. It is an accounting term, implying a definitive entry in a ledger. Paul is instructing believers to consider, or impute, to themselves the truth of their spiritual status: that they are indeed dead to sin and alive to God. It's not about pretending, but about acknowledging and acting upon a factual, divine reality.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** This term (G3498) refers to something literally or figuratively "dead." In this context, it is used figuratively to describe a state of being utterly separated from, unresponsive to, and without power over sin. Just as a physically dead person cannot respond to worldly stimuli, so the believer, by virtue of their union with Christ's death, is to be considered spiritually unresponsive and immune to sin's former dominion.
* **alive (Greek, _záō'_):** This word (G2198) signifies to "live" in a literal or figurative sense. Here, it denotes a state of spiritual vitality, responsiveness, and active engagement with God. It implies a new orientation of one's being, purpose, and energy towards God, in contrast to the former orientation towards sin. This new life is dynamic and empowered by God's Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves":** This opening phrase, "Likewise" (G3779), connects the believer's experience directly to Christ's. Just as Christ's death to sin was definitive and His life to God eternal ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ Lives to God")), so too must believers apply this truth to themselves. The imperative "reckon" (G3049) is a command to actively consider, account, or compute this reality as true for their own lives. It emphasizes a conscious, intellectual, and volitional act of embracing one's new identity in Christ. The inclusion of "yourselves" (G1438) makes the application intensely personal and direct.
* **"to be dead indeed unto sin":** This clause declares the believer's new status in relation to sin. "Dead indeed" (G3498, G3303) emphasizes the absolute and undeniable nature of this spiritual death. It means that the believer's former relationship with sin, characterized by slavery and dominion, has been severed. Sin no longer has a rightful claim or controlling power over them. This is not a call to *try* to die to sin, but to recognize that, in Christ, they *are* dead to sin's reign.
* **"but alive unto God":** This phrase presents the glorious antithesis to being dead to sin. The conjunction "but" (G1161) highlights the stark contrast. While dead to sin, the believer is now "alive" (G2198) for a new, divine purpose: "unto God" (G2316). This signifies a new orientation, a new source of life, and a new master. The believer's life is now to be lived in fellowship with God, for His glory, and in accordance with His will.
* **"through Jesus Christ our Lord":** This concluding phrase is crucial, identifying the sole means by which this radical transformation occurs. The spiritual death to sin and new life unto God are not self-generated or earned but are entirely "through" (G1722) the person and work of "Jesus Christ our Lord" (G2424, G5547, G2257, G2962). This emphasizes the centrality of Christ in the believer's salvation and sanctification, making it clear that this new reality is a gift of grace, rooted in His finished work.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant **literary devices** in Romans 6:11 to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, vividly juxtaposing "dead indeed unto sin" with "alive unto God." This sharp opposition highlights the radical transformation that occurs in the believer's life, moving from one state of being to a completely opposite one. The use of **Metaphor** is also central, as "dead" and "alive" are not literal physical states but powerful spiritual analogies describing a change in allegiance, power, and orientation. The believer is not physically dead, but spiritually unresponsive to sin's lure, and spiritually vibrant in their relationship with God. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Imperative** or **Exhortation**, with the command "reckon ye." This is not merely a statement of fact but a call to action, urging believers to consciously appropriate and live in light of their new spiritual reality. The phrase "through Jesus Christ our Lord" serves as a **Causal Clause**, identifying the divine agent and sole means of this transformation, underscoring the **Christocentric** nature of Paul's theology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:11 is a theological linchpin, bridging the declarative truth of justification with the imperative of sanctification. It asserts that the believer's new identity in Christ, established at conversion, is not merely a legal standing but a radical spiritual reality that demands a corresponding lifestyle. This verse underscores the concept of "positional truth"—what God has declared to be true about believers in Christ—and calls for its "experiential realization" in daily living. It challenges believers to align their thinking and behavior with their new spiritual status, moving beyond a passive understanding of salvation to an active, Spirit-empowered walk of righteousness. The death to sin is not a gradual process but a decisive break, while the life unto God is a continuous journey of growth and consecration.

* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")
* [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Died and Hidden with Christ")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Died to Sins, Live to Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:11 presents a profound challenge and a liberating truth for every believer. It calls us to a conscious, daily act of faith: to "reckon" ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This isn't about conjuring up a feeling or pretending a reality that isn't true; it's about acknowledging, believing, and acting upon the spiritual fact that God has already accomplished in us through Christ. To reckon ourselves dead to sin means to no longer yield to its temptations as if it still holds sway, to recognize that its power has been broken, and that we are no longer its slaves. To reckon ourselves alive to God means to consciously orient our desires, thoughts, and actions towards Him, seeking His glory and living in His power. This involves actively choosing righteousness, pursuing holiness, and engaging in practices that nourish our new life in Christ, such as prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. It is a continuous process of aligning our subjective experience with our objective reality in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you still struggle to "reckon" yourself dead to sin?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully as someone "alive unto God"?**
* **How does understanding your identity "through Jesus Christ our Lord" empower you to overcome temptation?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "reckon" yourself dead to sin and alive to God?**

Answer: To "reckon" (Greek: _logízomai_) means to calculate, count, or consider something as true and valid. In [Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin, Alive to God"), Paul is not asking us to pretend or to try to make something true by sheer willpower. Rather, he is urging us to acknowledge and act upon a spiritual reality that God has already accomplished for us in Christ. Because we have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")), our old self, enslaved to sin, has died with Him. We are no longer under sin's dominion. Simultaneously, we have been raised with Him to a new life, a life now dedicated to God. To "reckon" this means to consciously believe this truth, to internalize it, and to live in a way that is consistent with this new identity, refusing to yield to sin's former power and actively pursuing God's will.

**Is Romans 6:11 about trying harder to be good, or something else?**

Answer: [Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin, Alive to God") is emphatically *not* about trying harder in your own strength. In fact, it's the opposite. It's about recognizing that the power to overcome sin comes from Christ's finished work, not from human effort. Paul has already established that believers have died to sin's power through their union with Christ ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Our Old Self Crucified")). The command to "reckon" is a call to align your mindset and actions with this accomplished spiritual fact. It's a call to faith, to believe what God says is true about you, and then to live out of that truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus")). It's a shift from "trying to be" to "being what you are in Christ."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The believer's ability to be "dead indeed unto sin" and "alive unto God" is not an inherent human capacity but a direct result of their profound union with Christ. It is because Christ Himself "died unto sin once" and "liveth unto God" ([Romans 6:10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ Lives to God")) that believers can share in this same reality. His death on the cross was the definitive act that broke sin's power and satisfied God's righteous demands, making possible our release from its dominion ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory Over Sin")). His resurrection inaugurated a new realm of life, a life of righteousness and fellowship with God, into which believers are now invited ([Ephesians 2:4-6](/ephesians/2-4-6 "Ephesians 2:4-6 - Raised with Christ")). Therefore, the command to "reckon" ourselves is a call to live out the implications of Christ's victory, recognizing that our new identity and capacity for holiness flow entirely from His finished work. He is the source, the means, and the very essence of our spiritual transformation, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Romans 6:2

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Galatians 2:19

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.