Romans 6:18

KJV

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Being {G1659} then {G1161} made free {G1659} from {G575} sin {G266}, ye became the servants {G1402} of righteousness {G1343}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and after you had been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

American Standard Version

and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:18 succinctly encapsulates the profound transformation experienced by believers: a decisive liberation from the enslaving dominion of sin and a subsequent, willing commitment to serve righteousness. This verse, a pivotal conclusion to Paul's argument in Romans 6, underscores that genuine conversion is not merely freedom *from* something, but freedom *for* something—a new allegiance and purpose found in Christ, shifting one's entire life orientation from spiritual death to life empowered by God's grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:18 serves as a powerful summary and concluding statement to Paul's extended argument in Romans 6, which addresses the crucial question posed in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall we continue in sin?"): "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" Having established the believer's spiritual union with Christ in His death and resurrection through baptism (e.g., [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")), Paul then exhorts believers to live consistently with this new reality. He contrasts the former state of being "servants of sin unto death" ([Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Servants of sin")) with the new reality of "obeying from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you" ([Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Obeying from the heart")). Verse 18, therefore, provides the triumphant outcome of this obedience: freedom from sin and a new servitude to righteousness, cementing the idea that there is no neutral ground; one serves either sin or God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "servants" (δοῦλοι, *douloi*) or "slaves" was deeply ingrained in the Roman world. Slavery was a pervasive social institution, and Paul's audience would have intimately understood the implications of being a slave: complete ownership, allegiance, and submission to a master. This cultural reality provides a powerful backdrop for Paul's theological metaphor. He uses this familiar, albeit harsh, imagery to convey the radical nature of the believer's transfer of allegiance. Just as a slave had no rights or will apart from their master, so too the believer, once enslaved to sin, now willingly and completely belongs to God, serving His will. This imagery would have resonated strongly, emphasizing the totality of the shift from one master (sin) to another (righteousness/God).
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several key themes developed throughout [Romans chapter 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Foremost is the theme of **Liberation and New Allegiance**. Believers are not merely forgiven of sin, but fundamentally freed from its power and dominion, as detailed in [Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Our old man crucified"). This freedom, however, is not license for lawlessness but a transfer of servitude, leading to the theme of **Sanctification and Righteous Living**. The new life in Christ is characterized by actively "yielding yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" ([Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Yielding to God")). The verse also highlights the **Impossibility of Neutrality**; Paul consistently argues that humanity is always in servitude to one master or another, whether sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness, as clearly stated in [Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Servants of sin or righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **made free (Greek, _eleutheróō_):** From G1659. This word signifies to liberate or exempt from liability. In this context, it denotes a decisive and complete emancipation from the power, dominion, and enslaving nature of sin. It's not merely forgiveness, but a breaking of sin's authoritative grip over one's life.
* **servants (Greek, _doulóō_):** From G1402. While the KJV translates this as "servants," the root word (δοῦλος, *doulos*) means "slave." The verb form here, *doulóō*, means "to enslave" or "to become a servant/slave." Paul deliberately uses this strong term to emphasize the complete transfer of ownership and allegiance. It implies a willing and total submission to a new master, righteousness, in contrast to the former, involuntary servitude to sin.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē_):** From G1343. This term encompasses equity of character and act, and in a Christian context, specifically refers to justification and the state of being right with God. Here, it represents the new sphere of allegiance and the new way of life that is aligned with God's holy character and will, enabled by the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Being then made free from sin":** This clause describes the believer's past, decisive break from the tyrannical reign of sin. The passive voice ("made free") emphasizes that this liberation is primarily God's work, a divine act of grace and power. It signifies a fundamental change in status and allegiance, where sin no longer holds the ultimate authority or dictates one's actions as it once did. This freedom is not an absence of temptation, but a breaking of sin's power to compel obedience.
* **"ye became the servants of righteousness":** This second clause describes the believer's new, present reality and ongoing commitment. The freedom from sin is not a vacuum but leads directly to a new form of "servitude." This is a willing, active, and joyful submission to God's will, characterized by a life that increasingly reflects His righteous character. It implies a conscious choice to align one's thoughts, words, and deeds with what is right and pleasing to God, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Metaphor** and **Antithesis** in Romans 6:18. The central metaphor is that of **slavery**, which vividly illustrates the believer's former and present states. Humanity is depicted as being under the absolute dominion of a master. Previously, this master was sin, leading to spiritual death. Now, through Christ, believers are "made free" from this oppressive master, only to willingly become "servants" (slaves) to a new master: righteousness. This isn't a return to bondage but a transfer of allegiance to a benevolent and life-giving master. The **Antithesis** is stark: sin versus righteousness. Paul highlights the absolute contrast between these two masters and their respective outcomes. There is no middle ground; one serves either sin or righteousness, leading to either death or life. This rhetorical device underscores the radical and transformative nature of conversion and sanctification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:18 articulates a foundational truth of Christian theology: salvation is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative experience that reorients one's entire being and allegiance. The freedom from sin is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end—a life devoted to God and characterized by righteousness. This concept of a decisive break from sin's power and a subsequent commitment to holy living is central to the doctrine of sanctification, emphasizing that while justification declares us righteous, sanctification makes us progressively righteous in practice. It underscores the active role of the believer, empowered by the Spirit, in "working out" their salvation with fear and trembling ([Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work out your own salvation")).

* [John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Truth sets you free")
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast in the liberty")
* [1 Peter 2:16](/1_peter/2-16 "1 Peter 2:16 - Free, yet servants of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:18 presents a profound challenge and comfort to believers. The comfort lies in the assurance that we have been decisively "made free from sin"—its condemning power and its enslaving dominion have been broken through Christ. We are no longer compelled to obey its dictates. The challenge, then, is to live in light of this freedom. If we are truly servants of righteousness, our daily choices, attitudes, and priorities should reflect this new allegiance. This means actively choosing to "present your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" ([Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Present your members to God")) rather than yielding to the lingering temptations of the old master. It calls for intentional discipleship, cultivating habits of holiness, pursuing justice, and loving mercy, not out of obligation but as a joyful response to the liberating grace of God. Our actions are the outward manifestation of our inward transformation and a testament to whom we truly serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I still feel the lingering pull of sin, and how can I more fully appropriate the freedom Christ has given me?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to be a "servant of righteousness" in my daily interactions, work, and personal choices?**
* **How does my understanding of being "made free from sin" motivate me to pursue holiness, rather than seeing it as a burden?**

### FAQ

**Does "made free from sin" mean I will never sin again?**

Answer: No, "made free from sin" in [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Made free from sin") does not mean that a believer achieves sinless perfection in this life. Rather, it signifies a liberation from sin's *dominion* or *mastery*. Before Christ, sin reigned as an absolute monarch, compelling obedience. After conversion, its power to enslave is broken. While believers still have a sinful nature and will struggle with temptation, as acknowledged in [Romans 7:14-25](/romans/7-14-25 "Romans 7:14-25 - The struggle with sin"), they are no longer slaves to sin but have the power through the Holy Spirit to resist it and choose righteousness. The emphasis is on a change of allegiance and a new ability to say "no" to sin and "yes" to God.

**What is the difference between being a "servant of sin" and a "servant of righteousness"?**

Answer: The distinction is fundamental and transformative. To be a "servant of sin," as described in [Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Servants of sin unto death"), means to be under sin's absolute control, obeying its impulses and leading to spiritual death. It implies a life characterized by rebellion against God's will and a lack of true freedom. In contrast, becoming a "servant of righteousness" means that one's allegiance has shifted to God. This new servitude is not oppressive but liberating, as it aligns one's life with God's good and perfect will. It is a willing and joyful submission that leads to life, peace, and fruitfulness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as seen in [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No condemnation in Christ"). It's a servitude that brings true freedom and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His atoning sacrifice on the cross that humanity is "made free from sin." Christ's death was not merely an example but a substitutionary act that broke the legal and spiritual power of sin over those who believe. As [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from the power of death") explains, Jesus "through death might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." This liberation from sin's dominion is the direct result of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, as articulated throughout [Romans chapter 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Furthermore, becoming "servants of righteousness" is made possible by Christ, who is Himself our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ our righteousness")). He not only frees us *from* sin but empowers us *for* a life of righteousness through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom He sent ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, our freedom and our new servitude are entirely Christ-dependent, reflecting His perfect obedience and the new covenant He inaugurated, enabling us to live lives that genuinely honor God.

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 6:22

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Galatians 5:1

¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Romans 6:7

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.