Romans 6:16

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Know ye {G1492} not {G3756}, that {G3754} to whom {G3739} ye yield {G3936} yourselves {G1438} servants {G1401} to {G1519} obey {G5218}, his servants {G1401} ye are {G2075} to whom {G3739} ye obey {G5219}; whether {G2273} of sin {G266} unto {G1519} death {G2288}, or {G2228} of obedience {G5218} unto {G1519} righteousness {G1343}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, then, of the one whom you are obeying, you are slaves — whether of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to being made righteous?

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:16 articulates a fundamental spiritual principle: every individual is a servant to the power they choose to obey. Paul presents a stark, unavoidable dichotomy, asserting that one's allegiance is either to sin, which inevitably leads to spiritual death, or to obedience, which culminates in a righteous standing before God and the promise of eternal life. This verse underscores the active, volitional nature of spiritual commitment and the profound consequences that flow from it, serving as a pivotal statement in Paul's argument for the believer's new identity in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:16 is strategically placed within Paul's extended theological argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans Chapter 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Following his profound declaration that believers have died to sin and been raised to new life in Christ through baptism ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptized into Christ's Death and Resurrection")), Paul addresses a potential antinomian misunderstanding: that grace might abound more if one continues in sin. He vehemently refutes this idea, urging believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies ([Romans 6:12](/romans/6-12 "Romans 6:12 - Do Not Let Sin Reign")) and to instead present their members as instruments of righteousness to God ([Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Yield Yourselves to God")). Verse 16 functions as a powerful summary and logical conclusion to this exhortation, reinforcing the inescapable truth that one's actions reveal their true master and the ultimate destination of their chosen path. It solidifies the theological foundation for the practical implications of Christian living that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman world in which Paul wrote was deeply familiar with the institution of slavery. The concept of a "master" (despotes or kyrios) and a "servant" or "slave" (doulos) was not merely a metaphor but a pervasive social reality. Slaves were considered property, entirely subject to their master's will, with no independent rights or identity. Paul masterfully leverages this common understanding to illustrate profound spiritual truths. When he speaks of "yielding yourselves servants to obey," his audience would immediately grasp the implication of complete submission and ownership. This cultural backdrop also highlights the radical freedom offered by Christ—freedom not *from* service, but freedom *to choose* a new, benevolent Master, contrasting sharply with the often harsh realities of literal slavery. The legal and social implications of allegiance were also significant, as Roman citizens pledged loyalty to the emperor, and deviations could have severe consequences, providing a powerful parallel to spiritual allegiance.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 6:16 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the book of Romans and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it profoundly articulates the theme of **Lordship and Allegiance**, emphasizing that there is no neutral ground; every person is subject to one of two masters—sin or God. This concept is foundational to understanding the radical transformation that occurs in salvation, where one's ultimate allegiance shifts. Secondly, the verse highlights **Choice and Consequence**, underscoring the volitional act of "yielding" oneself and the inevitable, contrasting outcomes: spiritual death under the dominion of sin, or righteousness and life through obedience to God. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of covenant and human responsibility. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Spiritual Transformation and New Identity**, building on the preceding verses in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - New Life in Christ"). For those "dead to sin" ([Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin")), this verse clarifies that their new identity in Christ should naturally lead to a life of obedience to righteousness, demonstrating their liberation from sin's former dominion and their new status as servants of 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, volitional act of presenting or offering oneself. It's not a passive state but an active decision to place oneself at the disposal of another, highlighting human agency in choosing allegiance.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, meaning "a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)." This term is crucial. It does not mean a hired hand or an employee, but a bondservant, one who is wholly owned by their master. This implies complete submission, allegiance, and the absence of independent will, emphasizing the absolute nature of the spiritual bondage or devotion.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, meaning "equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification." This refers to a state of being right with God, both in terms of one's legal standing (justification) and one's moral character (conforming to God's will). It is the antithesis of sin and the ultimate goal of obedience, leading to life and fellowship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye not,"**: This opening phrase is a rhetorical question, implying that the truth Paul is about to state should be self-evident or already understood by his audience. It serves to engage the reader and underscore the foundational nature of the principle.
* **"that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,"**: This clause establishes the premise: the act of presenting or offering oneself (yielding) to a particular authority or influence. The term "servants" (doûlos) emphasizes the complete submission and allegiance involved in this act of obedience.
* **"his servants ye are to whom ye obey;"**: This is the inescapable consequence of the yielding. The one to whom you consistently obey demonstrates who your true master is. There is no middle ground; obedience defines ownership and allegiance.
* **"whether of sin unto death,"**: This presents the first of two stark alternatives. If one's obedience is directed towards "sin" (hamartía, G266), the inherent outcome or purpose (eis, G1519) is "death" (thánatos, G2288)—a spiritual separation from God and ultimate destruction.
* **"or of obedience unto righteousness?"**: This presents the second, contrasting alternative. If one's obedience (hypakoḗ, G5218) is directed towards God (implied by "obedience"), the outcome or purpose is "righteousness" (dikaiosýnē, G1343)—a state of being right with God, leading to life and holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Servants to Whom You Obey") to drive home his theological point. The most prominent is **Dichotomy**, presenting a stark, either/or choice between two mutually exclusive masters: sin or obedience. This creates a clear, undeniable contrast between their paths and ultimate destinations (death vs. righteousness). Closely related is the **Metaphor** of the master-servant relationship, which vividly illustrates the concept of spiritual allegiance and ownership. By drawing on the familiar social structure of slavery, Paul makes the abstract concept of spiritual dominion tangible and relatable. Finally, the verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question**, "Know ye not...?", which is not meant to elicit an answer but to affirm a truth that Paul expects his readers to already understand or to impress upon them the obviousness and gravity of the principle he is asserting. This engages the audience directly and emphasizes the self-evident nature of spiritual allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:16 serves as a powerful theological anchor, asserting the non-negotiable reality of spiritual allegiance. It dismantles any notion of neutrality in the spiritual realm, declaring that every individual is, by their actions and choices, serving a master. This fundamental truth underscores the radical transformation inherent in salvation: a transfer of dominion from the enslaving power of sin to the liberating lordship of God. The verse highlights that true freedom is not the absence of authority, but the freedom to choose a benevolent master whose service leads to life and righteousness, rather than the deceptive "freedom" of sin which ultimately leads to death. It sets the stage for understanding that the Christian life is not merely about avoiding bad deeds, but about actively yielding oneself to God's will, demonstrating a new identity and purpose rooted in Christ.

* [John 8:34](/john/8-34 "John 8:34 - Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters")
* [Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Fruit of Holiness and Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:16 confronts us with an inescapable truth: our daily lives are a testament to whom we truly serve. This verse is not merely a theological statement but a profound call to self-examination and intentional living. It challenges believers to recognize that every decision, every thought, and every action is an act of obedience, revealing the true master of their hearts. For those in Christ, it is a powerful reminder that while we have been freed from sin's dominion, we are now called to actively and consistently yield our members—our bodies, minds, and wills—as instruments for God's righteousness. This requires a conscious, moment-by-moment choice to align with God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than succumbing to the lingering pull of the flesh or the temptations of the world. True spiritual freedom is found not in autonomy from all masters, but in the joyful, voluntary service to the only Master who offers life, purpose, and eternal joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still find myself yielding to sin, even subtly, rather than to God's righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to more intentionally "yield myself" as a servant of obedience unto righteousness?**
* **How does understanding the concept of being a "servant" (doulos) of God deepen my appreciation for the freedom I have in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that believers can lose their salvation if they sin?**

Answer: No, Romans 6:16 does not imply that believers can lose their salvation. Instead, it clarifies the fundamental change in a believer's *master* and *allegiance*. Prior to conversion, a person is a slave to sin, and their actions are driven by its dominion, leading to death. Upon conversion, through faith in Christ, a person is freed from sin's power and becomes a servant of God. While believers still struggle with sin (as acknowledged elsewhere by Paul, e.g., [Romans 7:14-25](/romans/7-14-25 "Romans 7:14-25 - The Struggle Within")), their *ultimate allegiance* and *identity* have fundamentally shifted. The verse emphasizes that consistent, intentional yielding to sin is characteristic of one who is *still* under sin's dominion, whereas a true believer's life, though imperfect, is marked by a new, prevailing desire to obey God, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation for Those in Christ")). The warning serves as an exhortation to live consistently with one's new identity in Christ, not as a threat to salvation itself.

**How does one "yield" themselves to righteousness in practical terms?**

Answer: To "yield" oneself to righteousness involves a conscious and ongoing commitment to align one's thoughts, desires, and actions with God's will, rather than with sinful impulses. Practically, this means:
* **Daily Surrender:** Beginning each day by intentionally presenting your body and mind to God for His purposes, acknowledging His lordship over every area of your life ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")).
* **Obedience to God's Word:** Actively studying and applying biblical principles to everyday situations, allowing Scripture to guide your choices and responses.
* **Reliance on the Holy Spirit:** Recognizing that true obedience is not achieved through human effort alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers and empowers them to live righteously ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")).
* **Fleeing Temptation:** Actively avoiding situations, influences, or thoughts that lead to sin, and choosing instead to pursue what is pure and honorable ([1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")).
* **Confession and Repentance:** When sin occurs, quickly confessing it to God, repenting (turning away from it), and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confess Sins, He is Faithful and Just")). This ensures that one's allegiance remains firmly with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by nature, is born into slavery to sin ([John 8:34](/john/8-34 "John 8:34 - Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin")), yielding to its dominion and facing its inevitable outcome of death. However, Christ entered this reality as the perfectly obedient Son, who "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His life was a continuous act of yielding to the Father's will, culminating in His atoning sacrifice, which broke the power of sin over those who believe ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the new and rightful Master, offering liberation from sin's tyranny. Believers are now "freed from sin and enslaved to God" ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin, Enslaved to God")), not by their own merit or strength, but by virtue of their union with Him. He is the one to whom we now yield ourselves, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in the "newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")) that His perfect obedience secured for us, leading us not to death, but to eternal righteousness in Him.

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

John 8:34

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Joshua 24:15

¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

2 Peter 2:19

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

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.

Romans 6:19

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.