Romans 6:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I speak {G3004} after the manner of men {G442} because {G1223} of the infirmity {G769} of your {G5216} flesh {G4561}: for {G1063} as {G5618} ye have yielded {G3936} your {G5216} members {G3196} servants {G1401} to uncleanness {G167} and {G2532} to iniquity {G458} unto {G1519} iniquity {G458}; even so {G3779} now {G3568} yield {G3936} your {G5216} members {G3196} servants {G1401} to righteousness {G1343} unto {G1519} holiness {G38}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(I am using popular language because your human nature is so weak.) For just as you used to offer your various parts as slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led to more lawlessness; so now offer your various parts as slaves to righteousness, which leads to being made holy, set apart for God.

Berean Standard Bible

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

American Standard Version

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 6:19, the Apostle Paul employs a vivid human analogy of slavery to underscore the radical transformation in a believer's life. Acknowledging the human struggle to grasp profound spiritual truths, he contrasts the former life of bondage to sin, which resulted in increasing lawlessness, with the new life in Christ. Paul issues a direct, practical command for believers to actively and intentionally dedicate every part of their being—their "members"—to the service of righteousness, leading progressively towards a state of true holiness and sanctification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:19 is a pivotal verse within Paul's extended argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Freedom from Sin"). Having established in the preceding verses that believers are "dead to sin" and "alive unto God in Christ Jesus" through their identification with Christ's death and resurrection ([Romans 6:1-11](/romans/6-1-11 "Romans 6:1-11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")), Paul moves from theological declaration to practical exhortation. He has already urged them 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 present their "members as instruments of righteousness unto God" ([Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Present Yourselves to God")). Verse 19 serves as a powerful recapitulation and intensification of this call, using a common human experience (slavery) to illustrate the profound spiritual shift from one master to another, culminating in the climactic summary of the chapter in [Romans 6:22-23](/romans/6-22-23 "Romans 6:22-23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire was a slave-holding society, and the concept of slavery was deeply ingrained in daily life. People understood what it meant to be owned, to serve a master, and to have one's body and will subject to another. Paul frequently drew upon this pervasive social reality to explain spiritual truths, making his message immediately relatable to his audience in Rome, many of whom were likely slaves or former slaves, or at least familiar with the institution. The "infirmity of your flesh" (G769, _asthéneia_) likely refers to the human tendency to struggle with complex theological concepts, not necessarily a moral weakness, but a limitation in fully grasping spiritual realities without tangible analogies. Paul deliberately "speaks after the manner of men" (G442, _anthrōpinos_) to simplify and clarify, using an earthly illustration to convey heavenly truths.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes in Romans. Firstly, the theme of **Sovereignty and Allegiance** is central, as Paul contrasts the former master (sin) with the new master (righteousness/God). Believers are no longer under the dominion of sin but are now free to serve God, as explored throughout [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Freedom from Sin"). Secondly, the theme of **Sanctification** is explicitly highlighted by the phrase "unto holiness." This refers to the ongoing, progressive process of being set apart for God's purposes and increasingly conformed to Christ's image. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth in practical godliness. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Volitional Choice and Responsibility**, underscoring that while salvation is by grace, the outworking of that salvation involves deliberate acts of yielding and presenting oneself to God, as seen in the call to "yield your members" to righteousness, building on the earlier exhortation in [Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Present Yourselves to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **yield (Greek, _parístēmi_):** (G3936) From παρά and ἵστημι; to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid:--assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently, present, prove, provide, shew, stand (before, by, here, up, with), yield. This word denotes a deliberate, volitional act of presenting or offering something for a specific purpose. It implies a conscious decision to place one's members at the disposal of a new master.
* **members (Greek, _mélos_):** (G3196) Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body:--member. In this context, "members" refers to the various parts of the human body—hands, feet, eyes, tongue, mind—which are the instruments through which human will and desire are expressed in action. Paul emphasizes that these physical instruments, once used for sin, are now to be consciously dedicated to God's service.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos_):** (G1401) From δέω; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):--bond(-man), servant. This term highlights the complete submission and allegiance implied by slavery. The believer, though freed from sin's tyranny, is not without a master; rather, they have exchanged a destructive master (sin) for a righteous and life-giving one (God).
* **holiness (Greek, _hagiasmós_):** (G38) From ἁγιάζω; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier:--holiness, sanctification. This word signifies the goal and outcome of yielding to righteousness. It points to the process and state of being set apart for God, purified from sin, and progressively conformed to His character. It is the practical outworking of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:"** Paul prefaces his command by acknowledging the limitations of human understanding. He is using a human analogy (slavery) to make a complex spiritual truth accessible and understandable, recognizing that their "flesh" (G4561, _sárx_), representing human nature with its frailties, might struggle to grasp abstract theological concepts. This is a pastoral concession, not an excuse for moral weakness.
* **"for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity;"** This clause describes the believer's past life before conversion. It paints a stark picture of active submission to sin. The "members" (body parts) were willingly presented as "servants" (slaves) to "uncleanness" (G167, _akatharsía_, moral impurity) and "iniquity" (G458, _anomía_, lawlessness or wickedness). The phrase "unto iniquity" (G1519, _eis_ G458, _anomía_) emphasizes the progressive nature of sin; one act of sin leads to another, deepening the bondage and increasing the degree of lawlessness.
* **"even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."** This is the forceful command and the core of the verse. The "even so now" (G3779, _hoútō_ G3568, _nŷn_) creates a direct parallel and a radical contrast with the past. Just as intentionally and completely as they once served sin, they are now to "yield" (G3936, _parístēmi_) their "members" (G3196, _mélos_) as "servants" (G1401, _doûlos_) to "righteousness" (G1343, _dikaiosýnē_, right conduct and character). The ultimate goal and outcome of this yielding is "unto holiness" (G1519, _eis_ G38, _hagiasmós_), signifying the process of sanctification and separation for God's purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in Romans 6:19 to convey his profound message. The most prominent is **Analogy/Metaphor**, where he likens the believer's relationship to sin and righteousness to that of a slave serving a master. This analogy is sustained throughout [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Freedom from Sin"), making the abstract concept of spiritual dominion tangible and relatable to his audience in a slave-holding society. Closely related is **Antithesis**, as Paul creates a sharp contrast between the past state ("ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity") and the present command ("even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness"). This stark opposition highlights the radical transformation that occurs in conversion and the new ethical imperative. Furthermore, the repetition of "unto iniquity" and "unto holiness" serves as a form of **Emphasis** and underscores the progressive nature of both sin's destructive power and righteousness's sanctifying work. The phrase "infirmity of your flesh" also functions as a form of **Apostolic Condescension**, where Paul, as an authoritative teacher, lowers his discourse to a more accessible level out of pastoral concern for his readers' understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:19 profoundly articulates the practical outworking of a believer's new identity in Christ, moving from the theological reality of justification to the ethical imperative of sanctification. It underscores that freedom from sin's dominion does not lead to lawlessness but to a new, willing servitude to God. This service is not burdensome but liberating, as it leads to genuine purity and a life set apart for divine purposes. The verse highlights the active role of the believer's will in the sanctification process, emphasizing that while God initiates and empowers, we must deliberately choose to present our entire being for His use. This intentional yielding is the pathway to progressive holiness, a journey of becoming more like Christ in character and conduct.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:19 serves as a powerful and practical call to intentional living for the believer. It reminds us that our bodies, minds, and wills are not neutral ground; they are constantly being yielded to one master or another. The choice, though empowered by grace, is ours to make daily. Just as we once allowed our thoughts, words, and actions to be instruments of sin, leading us deeper into unrighteousness, we are now commanded to consciously and deliberately offer every part of ourselves to God. This means actively choosing purity over impurity, truth over lies, compassion over cruelty, and self-control over indulgence. It is a call to a life of progressive sanctification, where every decision, every habit, and every desire is brought under the Lordship of Christ, leading us further into the beautiful and transformative journey of holiness. This pursuit of holiness is not a burdensome legalism but a joyful response to the freedom Christ has given us, allowing us to live out our true identity as children of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life (thoughts, words, actions, habits) do you find yourself still yielding to "uncleanness and iniquity"?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally "yield your members servants to righteousness"?**
* **How does understanding the "unto holiness" aspect of this verse motivate your pursuit of God's character?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be a "servant" of righteousness rather than a servant of sin?**

### FAQ

**Does "infirmity of your flesh" mean Christians are too weak to understand complex theology?**

Answer: The phrase "infirmity of your flesh" (G769, _asthéneia_ G4561, _sárx_) in this context refers to the limitations of human nature, particularly in grasping profound spiritual truths. Paul is not suggesting moral weakness here, but rather a pastoral recognition that abstract theological concepts can be difficult to fully comprehend. Therefore, he uses a common, tangible analogy—slavery—to make his teaching more accessible and relatable to his audience, ensuring that the spiritual reality of their new freedom and responsibility is clearly understood despite human intellectual limitations.

**What does it mean to "yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness"?**

Answer: To "yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness" means to deliberately and continually present every part of your being—your body, mind, emotions, and will—as instruments for God's purposes, leading to a life of increasing purity and devotion. "Members" (G3196, _mélos_) refers to all the faculties of a person (hands, eyes, tongue, thoughts, desires). "Righteousness" (G1343, _dikaiosýnē_) is living in conformity to God's moral standards. "Holiness" (G38, _hagiasmós_) is the process and state of being set apart for God and purified from sin. It's an active, ongoing choice to align your entire life with God's will, moving from a life dominated by sin to one characterized by godliness. This is the practical outworking of the believer's new identity in Christ, as discussed throughout [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Freedom from Sin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "infirmity of your flesh" that Paul speaks of, the very human inability to escape the dominion of sin and perfectly yield to righteousness, is precisely what Christ came to address. He became flesh and dwelt among us, perfectly fulfilling the law and living a life of absolute righteousness, something no human could achieve (see [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ broke the power of sin, freeing humanity from its enslaving grip. As Paul emphasizes earlier in [Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Our Old Self Crucified"), our "old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Therefore, the command to "yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness" is not a new legalistic burden, but a joyful response enabled by Christ's finished work. It is by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, given through Christ (see [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), that believers are now able to genuinely present themselves as instruments of righteousness, progressively growing in the holiness that reflects the very character of God, which is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ (as seen in [Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Presented Holy and Blameless")).

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 3:5

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

Colossians 3:7

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

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.

1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

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.

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.