Romans 6:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G3366} yield ye {G3936} your {G5216} members {G3196} as instruments {G3696} of unrighteousness {G93} unto sin {G266}: but {G235} yield {G3936} yourselves {G1438} unto God {G2316}, as {G5613} those that are alive {G2198} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and {G2532} your {G5216} members {G3196} as instruments {G3696} of righteousness {G1343} unto God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and do not offer any part of yourselves to sin as an instrument for wickedness. On the contrary, offer yourselves to God as people alive from the dead, and your various parts to God as instruments for righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.

American Standard Version

neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:13 serves as a pivotal command, transitioning from Paul's theological exposition on the believer's union with Christ in death and resurrection to practical ethical living. It issues a dual imperative: an explicit prohibition against dedicating one's bodily faculties to sin and a clear exhortation to consecrate oneself and one's "members" to God, recognizing the profound spiritual transformation from death to life experienced in Christ. This verse underscores the believer's active responsibility in sanctification, emphasizing that the physical body, along with all its capacities, is not neutral but an instrument to be consciously yielded either to unrighteousness or to divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:13 is deeply embedded within Paul's sustained argument in Romans 6, which addresses the profound implications of a believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Following the rhetorical question in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall We Continue in Sin?"), "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?", Paul emphatically declares that believers have "died to sin" ([Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin")). He then uses baptism as a powerful illustration of this spiritual reality, portraying it as a burial with Christ into death and a resurrection to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). The preceding verses, [Romans 6:11-12](/romans/6-11-12 "Romans 6:11-12 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin"), directly set the stage for verse 13. Paul commands believers to "reckon" themselves dead to sin but alive to God, and then forbids sin from reigning in their mortal bodies. Romans 6:13 thus provides the practical, volitional response to this theological truth and the preceding prohibition, detailing how believers are to actively present themselves and their bodies in light of their new spiritual status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, the body was often viewed with suspicion or as something to be transcended or indulged. Some philosophical schools, like Gnosticism (though nascent in Paul's time, its ideas were present), might have seen the physical body as inherently evil or irrelevant to spiritual life, leading to either asceticism or libertinism. Paul's teaching, however, presents a distinctly Jewish and Christian understanding of the body as an integral part of the human person, created by God, and destined for resurrection. While the broader culture often associated "members" with physical appetites and pagan practices (e.g., idolatry, sexual immorality), Paul reclaims the body's purpose, asserting its capacity to be an instrument for God's righteousness. The concept of "presenting" or "yielding" (παρίστημι, *paristēmi*) was common in the ancient world for presenting oneself for service, whether in military, legal, or religious contexts, making the command immediately understandable to his audience as a call to devoted service.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. First, it highlights the theme of **Sanctification**, emphasizing that the believer's new identity in Christ (justification) necessitates a progressive transformation in behavior. It moves beyond a mere declaration of status to a dynamic process of living out that status. Second, it underscores the **Active Role of the Believer's Will** in spiritual growth; while salvation is by grace through faith, sanctification involves conscious choices and intentional dedication. Third, the verse addresses the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, portraying the "members" as "instruments" or "weapons" (hóplon), suggesting an ongoing battle where one's physical faculties are deployed either for good or evil. Finally, it reinforces the core message of **New Life in Christ**, building on the idea that believers are "alive from the dead," a resurrection life that empowers them to break free from sin's dominion and serve God righteously, as detailed throughout [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **yield (Greek, _parístēmi'_):** From G3936, meaning "to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, conscious act of presenting or dedicating oneself and one's bodily faculties to a specific purpose or master. It is not a passive surrender but an active, volitional offering.
* **members (Greek, _mélos'_):** From G3196, meaning "a limb or part of the body." This term refers to the physical components of the human body—hands, feet, eyes, tongue, ears—and by extension, all the faculties and capacities associated with them, including our thoughts, desires, and actions. Paul emphasizes that every part of our being is involved in this moral choice.
* **instruments (Greek, _hóplon'_):** From G3696, meaning "an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war)." This word carries the connotation of a weapon. Paul's choice of "instruments" or "weapons" transforms the concept of bodily parts from neutral tools into active agents in a spiritual conflict. Our "members" are not merely passive recipients but active participants, capable of being wielded for either sin or righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:"** This is the negative imperative, a clear prohibition. Believers are commanded *not* to present or dedicate any part of their physical bodies or their associated faculties (eyes, hands, tongue, mind) to serve the purposes of "unrighteousness" (adikía, G93 - injustice, wrongdoing) which ultimately serves "sin" (hamartía, G266 - a missing of the mark, a transgression against God's law). This warns against allowing any part of one's being to be used for actions, thoughts, or desires that are contrary to God's holy character and commands.
* **"but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,"** This is the positive imperative, a direct command to present one's entire self (heautoû, G1438 - oneself) to "God" (theós, G2316 - the supreme Divinity). The crucial qualification "as those that are alive from the dead" (záō, G2198 - to live; nekrós, G3498 - dead) provides the theological basis and empowering reality for this command. It reminds believers that they have experienced a spiritual resurrection, a new life in Christ that liberates them from sin's dominion and enables them to serve God. This new life is the foundation for their ability to obey.
* **"and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God."** This phrase reiterates and specifies the positive command, focusing on the "members" (mélos, G3196) of the body. Just as they were not to be instruments of unrighteousness, they are now to be instruments (hóplon, G3696) of "righteousness" (dikaiosýnē, G1343 - equity of character or act, justification) unto God. This means that every part of the believer's being, every faculty and capacity, is to be actively employed in doing what is right, just, and holy, aligning with God's character and will, thereby serving Him.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 6:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Central to its structure is **Antithesis**, creating a sharp contrast between two opposing paths: "instruments of unrighteousness unto sin" versus "instruments of righteousness unto God," and the state of being "dead" versus "alive from the dead." This stark opposition highlights the radical choice and transformation inherent in the Christian life. The phrase "your members [as] instruments" is a powerful **Metaphor**, where the physical parts of the body are likened to tools or weapons. This metaphor emphasizes the active role of the body in moral choices, suggesting that our faculties are not neutral but are actively deployed in a spiritual battle. Furthermore, the use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Neither yield ye... but yield yourselves...") underscores the commanding nature of Paul's instruction, indicating that this is not merely a suggestion but a divine directive requiring conscious, volitional obedience from the believer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:13 is a foundational verse for understanding the practical outworking of sanctification in the believer's life. It bridges the gap between the theological reality of justification (being declared righteous in Christ) and the ethical imperative to live righteously. Having been spiritually united with Christ in His death to sin and resurrection to new life, believers are now empowered and commanded to actively present their entire being—mind, will, and body—as instruments for God's purposes. This is not about earning salvation, but about living in conformity to the new nature received in Christ, recognizing that the body, far from being an impediment, is a vital arena for expressing devotion and obedience to God. It underscores the holistic nature of Christian discipleship, where every part of one's life is brought under the Lordship of Christ.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")
* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:13 calls us to a radical reorientation of our entire being. It challenges us to recognize that our bodies, minds, and all our faculties are not our own to do with as we please, but have been redeemed by Christ and are now to be consciously and continually presented to God. This means examining every aspect of our lives: what we watch with our eyes, what we listen to with our ears, what we say with our tongues, what we do with our hands, where we go with our feet, and even what we think with our minds. Are these "members" being used to further God's kingdom and righteousness, or are they being subtly (or overtly) yielded to the influences of sin and unrighteousness? This verse demands a daily, intentional surrender, a moment-by-moment decision to choose Christ's lordship over every impulse and opportunity. It reminds us that our freedom in Christ is not a license for sin, but an empowerment for holiness, enabling us to live as true instruments of His righteousness in a world desperately in need of His light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I currently yielding my "members" (eyes, hands, tongue, mind) to unrighteousness, perhaps without even realizing it?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to more consciously and consistently yield myself and my members as instruments of righteousness to God?**
* **How does the truth of being "alive from the dead" empower me to resist temptation and choose righteousness in challenging situations?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "members" in this verse?**

Answer: By "members" (Greek: *melē*), Paul is referring to the various parts of the human body, such as hands, feet, eyes, ears, and the tongue. However, the meaning extends beyond mere physical anatomy to encompass all the faculties and capacities associated with these body parts, including our thoughts, desires, and actions. It's a holistic term for our entire physical and active self. The command is to dedicate every aspect of our being—what we see, hear, say, do, and even think—to God's purposes, rather than allowing them to be used for sin.

**How can someone be "alive from the dead" in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: Being "alive from the dead" refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person places faith in Jesus Christ. Paul explains this extensively in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God"). Spiritually, before Christ, humanity is "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are united with Him, experiencing a spiritual death to the power and dominion of sin and a spiritual resurrection to a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This new life is characterized by freedom from sin's bondage and the ability to live in obedience to God, as seen in the call to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of one who completely yielded His "members" as instruments of righteousness unto God. From His unwavering obedience in the wilderness temptations ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")) to His resolute march to the cross, declaring "not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Not My Will")), Jesus perfectly demonstrated what it means to present oneself entirely to God. Furthermore, our ability to obey this command stems directly from His death and resurrection. It is because Christ "died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day" ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")) that we are made "alive from the dead" in Him. Our new spiritual life, which enables us to yield to God, is a direct result of His victorious work. Therefore, every act of yielding our members to righteousness is a participation in Christ's own obedient life and a testament to the transformative power of His resurrection, making us living extensions of His righteous reign in the world.

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

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Romans 6:16

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Colossians 3:5

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

Romans 7:5

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Colossians 2:13

¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;