Romans 6:21

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death.

What {G5101}{G3767} fruit {G2590} had ye {G2192} then {G5119} in {G1909} those things whereof {G3739} ye are {G1870} now {G3568} ashamed {G1870}? for {G1063} the end {G5056} of those things {G1565} is death {G2288}.

but what benefit did you derive from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end result of those things was death.

What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.

What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Commentary

Context

Romans 6:21 is part of a larger discussion by the Apostle Paul concerning the believer's new identity in Christ. Having established in the earlier verses of Romans 6 that believers are "dead to sin" and "alive unto God" (Romans 6:11), Paul here challenges his readers to reflect on their past life of sin. He contrasts the futile and destructive outcomes of a life lived in unrighteousness with the glorious freedom and eternal life found in Christ. The chapter emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Emptiness and Futility of Sin: Paul's rhetorical question, "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?" highlights that a life pursuing sinful desires yields no lasting good or beneficial "fruit." Instead, it leads to regret, disgrace, and a sense of moral bankruptcy once one's eyes are opened to God's truth.
  • The Inevitable Consequence of Sin: The stark declaration, "for the end of those things is death," serves as a severe warning. This "death" is not merely physical but refers primarily to spiritual separation from God, ultimately culminating in eternal condemnation. It underscores the profound seriousness of sin and its ultimate destructive power.
  • Transformation and Shame: The very act of being "ashamed" points to a transformed perspective. What was once pursued or tolerated is now recognized as morally reprehensible and spiritually damaging, indicative of a change of heart and mind that comes with repentance and faith in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fruit" is karpos (καρπός), which signifies an outcome, result, or harvest. Paul's question implies that the "harvest" of a sinful life is utterly worthless and brings only shame. The term "death" is thanatos (θάνατος), which in this context, and throughout Romans, often refers to spiritual death—a state of separation from God, contrasting sharply with the "eternal life" mentioned in the subsequent verse.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets up the profound contrast found just two verses later. While the "end of those things is death," the glorious alternative is presented in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Paul also speaks of being "dead in trespasses and sins" in Ephesians 2:1, further clarifying the spiritual state before salvation. The "fruit" concept is also explored in Galatians 5:19-21, which lists the "works of the flesh" that yield no good fruit.

Practical Application

Romans 6:21 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to continually assess their lives and choices. It challenges us to reflect on what truly brings lasting satisfaction and genuine purpose. Any activity or pursuit that ultimately leads to shame, regret, or spiritual deadness is identified as unfruitful and dangerous. Conversely, the verse encourages us to pursue a life of righteousness, knowing that its outcome is not only freedom from sin's dominion but also the promise of eternal life. It fosters gratitude for the salvation offered through Christ, which liberates us from the destructive path of sin and empowers us to live a life that honors God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 1:32

    Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

  • 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.

  • Romans 6:23

    For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Proverbs 14:12

    ¶ There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

  • Galatians 6:7

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

  • Galatians 6:8

    For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

  • 1 John 2:28

    ¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
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