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?

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}?

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?

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?

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?

Romans 6:16 presents a foundational truth about spiritual allegiance: we are servants to whomever we choose to obey. Paul draws a stark contrast between two masters—sin and God—and their inevitable outcomes: spiritual death or righteousness leading to eternal life.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's profound explanation in Romans Chapter 6, where he addresses the misconception that believers might continue in sin so that grace may abound. Paul vehemently refutes this idea, asserting that those who have been baptized into Christ have died to sin and risen to walk in newness of life. The chapter urges believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies (Romans 6:12) but instead to yield their members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Verse 16 serves as a powerful summary and warning, reinforcing the idea that our actions reveal our true master.

Key Themes

  • The Master-Servant Relationship: The verse highlights that everyone serves someone or something. There is no neutral ground; one is either a servant of sin or a servant of God. This concept of slavery to sin is a recurring theme in the New Testament.
  • Choice and Consequence: Paul emphasizes the active choice to "yield yourselves." This yielding is not passive but a deliberate act of submission. The consequence of this choice is absolute: service to sin leads to "death" (spiritual separation and ultimate destruction), while service to "obedience unto righteousness" leads to a right standing with God and true life.
  • Transformation in Christ: For believers, this verse underscores the radical transformation that occurs at conversion. Having been freed from the dominion of sin, they are now called to live out their new identity as servants of God. This echoes the promise of being "alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "servants" is doulos (δοῦλος), which signifies a bondservant or slave. This term implies complete ownership and allegiance, not merely a hired hand. It means that the individual's will is entirely subject to the master's. The act of "yielding" (Greek: paristano, παραίστημι) means to present oneself, to place at one's disposal, or to offer. This emphasizes the conscious and volitional decision involved in choosing one's master. The phrase "unto death" (εἰς θάνατον) highlights the ultimate outcome of a life under sin's dominion, contrasting sharply with "unto righteousness" (εἰς δικαιοσύνην), which points to a state of being right with God and living according to His will.

Practical Application

Romans 6:16 calls believers to a profound self-examination. Every decision, every action, and every thought is an act of obedience, revealing who our true master is. This verse reminds us:

  • Daily Choices Matter: We are constantly making choices about what we will obey. Will we give in to sinful desires, or will we choose to follow God's commands?
  • True Freedom is in Service: While seemingly paradoxical, true freedom from sin's tyranny is found in voluntarily becoming a "bondservant of God." As Galatians 5:1 states, Christ has set us free, and this freedom is for serving Him, not for indulging the flesh.
  • The Power of the New Nature: Because believers have been given a new nature in Christ, they are no longer compelled to obey sin. They now have the power through the Holy Spirit to choose righteousness. This leads to the "fruit of righteousness" and ultimately, eternal life.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual destiny is tied to our daily allegiance.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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