Romans 6:3

KJV

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2228} Know ye not {G50}, that so {G3754} many of us {G3745} as were baptized {G907} into {G1519} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} were baptized {G907} into {G1519} his {G846} death {G2288}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that those of us who have been immersed into the Messiah Yeshua have been immersed into his death?

Berean Standard Bible

Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

American Standard Version

Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:3 serves as a foundational declaration of the believer's spiritual identity, profoundly shaped by their union with Christ through baptism. Paul uses this verse to underscore that Christian baptism is not merely a symbolic ritual but a profound identification with the death of Jesus Christ, marking a decisive break from the dominion of sin and inaugurating a new life of righteousness. This verse sets the stage for Paul's extended argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ") regarding the believer's freedom from sin's power and their call to live in newness of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:3 is situated at the very beginning of Paul's profound theological exposition on sanctification, following his extensive discussion of justification by faith in [Romans 3-5](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - Righteousness Through Faith") and the triumph of grace over sin. The verse directly responds to the rhetorical 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?" Paul's emphatic "Certainly not!" in [Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin") immediately precedes our verse, establishing that the believer's new status in Christ makes continuing in sin an illogical and impossible reality. Romans 6:3 then introduces baptism as the tangible illustration and spiritual reality of this decisive break with sin, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that elaborate on the believer's death to sin and resurrection to new life with Christ ([Romans 6:4-11](/romans/6-4-11 "Romans 6:4-11 - Buried and Raised with Christ")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, various forms of ritual washing and immersion were common, but Christian baptism held a unique significance. It was a public declaration of conversion, a break from one's past life, and an initiation into a new community. For early Christians, especially those in Rome, baptism was a radical act that often involved renouncing pagan practices and embracing a new identity in Christ. The Roman church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, would have understood baptism not just as a physical act but as a profound spiritual identification. Paul's emphasis on being "baptized into Christ" and "into his death" would have resonated deeply, contrasting with mere ceremonial washings by highlighting a transformative union with the crucified and resurrected Messiah, a concept central to the burgeoning Christian faith amidst a dominant polytheistic culture.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Romans](/romans/1 "The Book of Romans - Paul's Letter to the Romans") and Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **Union with Christ**, which is the bedrock of Christian experience and salvation. Paul asserts that believers are not merely forgiven *by* Christ but are spiritually united *with* Him in His death and resurrection, a concept further explored in [Romans 6:5](/romans/6-5 "Romans 6:5 - United in His Resurrection"). This union leads directly to the theme of **Death to Sin and New Life**, where the believer's old self, enslaved to sin, is crucified with Christ, enabling them to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - The Old Self Crucified")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Transformative Power of the Gospel**, demonstrating that salvation is not just about a change in legal status (justification) but also a radical transformation of one's nature and conduct (sanctification), moving from slavery to sin to freedom in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know ye not (Greek, _agnoéō'_):** From G50, meaning "not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)." Paul uses this rhetorical question to challenge his readers, implying that the truth he is about to state should be self-evident to those who have undergone Christian baptism. It suggests a mild rebuke or a call to deeper understanding of a foundational spiritual reality they ought to grasp.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism." This word signifies a complete identification or immersion into something, not just a superficial sprinkling. In this context, it denotes a spiritual act of being fully identified with Christ's experience.
* **into (Greek, _eis'_):** From G1519, a primary preposition meaning "to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.)." This preposition is crucial, indicating not merely a causal relationship ("because of") but a profound union, identification, or movement towards. To be baptized "into" Christ's death means to be immersed into the very essence and reality of His death, making it one's own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye not":** Paul begins with a rhetorical question, designed to jolt his audience into a deeper realization of what they already should know. It serves as an emphatic assertion, implying that the truth about to be stated is fundamental and undeniable for any Christian.
* **"that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ":** This clause identifies the recipients of this truth: all believers who have undergone Christian baptism. The phrase "into Jesus Christ" signifies a profound spiritual union and identification with Christ Himself, implying a transfer of allegiance and a new identity found in Him. It's not just a ritual *about* Christ, but an immersion *into* Him.
* **"were baptized into his death?":** This is the core assertion. The act of baptism, which signifies union with Christ, specifically identifies the believer with Christ's death. This is not merely a physical death but a death to the power and dominion of sin, a decisive break from the old way of life. It means that the believer's former self, enslaved to sin, has died with Christ, providing the basis for a new life free from sin's mastery.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [Romans 6:3](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3 - Baptized into His Death") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Know ye not...?") which immediately engages the reader, implying that the truth presented should be self-evident to those who have experienced Christian baptism. This device serves to underscore the foundational nature of the doctrine of union with Christ. Furthermore, Paul uses powerful **Symbolism**, where the physical act of baptism symbolizes a spiritual reality: immersion in water symbolizes immersion into Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The act itself is a **Metaphor** for the believer's spiritual death to sin and identification with Christ's atoning work. This symbolic language allows Paul to convey complex theological truths in a relatable and impactful manner, emphasizing the transformative nature of Christian conversion and the believer's new identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:3 articulates a pivotal theological truth: Christian baptism is a powerful spiritual enactment of a believer's union with Christ, specifically in His death. This union signifies a definitive break from the dominion of sin, establishing the theological basis for sanctification. It's not merely a symbolic act but a participation in the historical reality of Christ's crucifixion, which dealt the decisive blow to sin's power. This foundational truth underpins the believer's ability to live a new life of righteousness, no longer enslaved to the old patterns of sin, because their old self has died with Christ.

* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")
* [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Him")
* [1 Peter 3:21](/1_peter/3-21 "1 Peter 3:21 - Baptism, An Appeal to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:3 invites believers to deeply ponder the profound implications of their baptism. It calls us beyond a mere understanding of baptism as a ritual and into a spiritual apprehension of our radical identification with Christ's death. This means recognizing that our old self, enslaved to sin, was crucified with Him, and therefore, sin no longer has dominion over us. This truth liberates us from the guilt and power of sin, empowering us to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. Understanding this union provides the spiritual foundation for resisting temptation, pursuing holiness, and walking in the newness of life that Christ's resurrection makes possible. It is a powerful reminder that our past has been dealt with decisively, and our future is defined by our union with the risen Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding my baptism as a spiritual identification with Christ's death change my perspective on daily struggles with sin?**
* **In what ways might I be living as if sin still has dominion over me, despite having been "baptized into his death"?**
* **How can I more consistently "reckon myself dead to sin" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God")) in my thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ

**Does "baptized into his death" mean that water baptism literally makes me die to sin?**

Answer: No, "baptized into his death" in [Romans 6:3](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3 - Baptized into His Death") refers to a spiritual reality, not a literal physical death or an automatic transformation solely through the act of water baptism. Paul is emphasizing the spiritual union that occurs when a person believes in Christ. Water baptism serves as an outward symbol and public declaration of this inward spiritual reality: that the believer has been united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This union means that the believer's "old self" (the person enslaved to sin) has died with Christ, breaking sin's power over them. The spiritual death to sin happens through faith in Christ, and baptism is the powerful, visual representation of that profound spiritual identification. As [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Him") states, we are "buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, specifically in His atoning death and victorious resurrection. The verse highlights that the believer's freedom from sin's dominion is not achieved through personal effort or ritualistic observance, but solely through a radical identification with Christ's finished work on the cross. His death was not merely a historical event, but a redemptive act that broke the power of sin and death for all who believe. When we are "baptized into Jesus Christ," we are mystically united with Him in that very act of death, signifying that our old, sinful nature has been crucified with Him ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man is Crucified")). This union is the bedrock of the new covenant, where Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death become the basis for our righteousness and new life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the spiritual reality of being "baptized into his death" is entirely Christ-centered, enabling believers to live in the power of His resurrection ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection")) and walk in newness of life, no longer slaves to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Dead to Sin, Alive to 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

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Romans 6:8

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 6:4

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:5

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: