Romans 6:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} we are buried with {G4916} him {G846} by {G1223} baptism {G908} into {G1519} death {G2288}: that {G2443} like as {G5618} Christ {G5547} was raised up {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498} by {G1223} the glory {G1391} of the Father {G3962}, even so {G3779} we {G2249} also {G2532} should walk {G4043} in {G1722} newness {G2538} of life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Through immersion into his death we were buried with him; so that just as, through the glory of the Father, the Messiah was raised from the dead, likewise we too might live a new life.

Berean Standard Bible

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

American Standard Version

We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:4 is a pivotal declaration of the believer's spiritual union with Christ, explaining that through identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, believers are liberated from sin's dominion and empowered to live a transformed life. This verse encapsulates the profound theological truth that Christian baptism symbolizes and actualizes a believer's participation in Christ's redemptive work, leading to a qualitatively new existence marked by righteousness and obedience to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Paul's extended argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"), which directly addresses the antinomian misunderstanding of grace. In [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded"), Paul states that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." This statement could be misconstrued as an encouragement to continue in sin to experience more grace. Paul anticipates this very objection in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall We Continue in Sin?"), asking, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?" His emphatic "By no means!" in [Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin") sets the stage for 6:3-4. Verse 3 introduces the concept of believers being "baptized into Christ Jesus" and "into his death," establishing the profound spiritual identification. Verse 4 then builds upon this, explaining the *purpose* and *outcome* of this baptismal identification: it is not merely a symbolic death to sin, but a spiritual resurrection to a new quality of life, mirroring Christ's own resurrection. The flow of thought moves from a theological premise (union with Christ's death) to an ethical imperative (walking in newness of life).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, various mystery religions involved initiation rites that often included symbolic deaths and rebirths, aiming for a new status or connection with a deity. While Christian baptism shares some superficial similarities in its "death and resurrection" symbolism, its core meaning is radically distinct. Christian baptism is not a magical rite, but a public confession and an outward sign of an inward spiritual reality—union with the historical Christ's actual death and resurrection. For early Christians, baptism was a definitive break from their former pagan or Jewish lives and a public declaration of allegiance to Christ. It was often administered by immersion, which visually represented the burial of the old self and the emergence of a new self. The concept of "glory of the Father" would have resonated with both Jewish (Shekinah glory) and Gentile (divine power/manifestation) understandings of divine presence and action, but here it specifically refers to the Father's power in raising Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried and Raised with Christ") profoundly contributes to several major themes in Romans and Pauline theology. The primary theme is **Identification with Christ**, emphasizing that the believer's spiritual status and power over sin derive directly from their mystical union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This identification is symbolized and affirmed through **Baptism**, which is presented not just as a ritual but as a powerful visual and spiritual representation of this union. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Freedom from Sin's Dominion**, asserting that the "burial into death" signifies a decisive break from the power and reign of sin, not merely its penalty. Finally, it introduces the crucial concept of **Newness of Life**, which is the practical and ethical outcome of this spiritual transformation. This "newness" is not merely a moral improvement but a qualitative change in existence, empowered by the same divine power that raised Christ, leading to a life lived in accordance with God's will, as further explored in [Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11-14 "Romans 6:11-14 - Present Yourselves to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **buried with (Greek, _syntháptō'_):** From the verb *syntháptō* (G4916), meaning "to inter in company with." Paul uses this compound verb to emphasize the profound, shared experience of the believer with Christ. It's not just a symbolic death, but a co-burial, signifying a complete separation from the old life and its dominion of sin. The imagery of burial implies finality—the old self is put away, never to be retrieved.
* **was raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From the verb *egeírō* (G1453), meaning "to waken, rouse, lift up, raise (from sleep, disease, or death)." In this context, it specifically refers to Christ's bodily resurrection from the dead. Paul uses the passive voice ("was raised up") to highlight the divine agency of the Father in Christ's resurrection, underscoring the immense power involved. This same divine power is then paralleled as the source for the believer's new life.
* **newness (Greek, _kainótēs'_):** From the noun *kainótēs* (G2538), meaning "renewal" or "newness." This term denotes something qualitatively new and fresh, not merely recent or renovated (*neos*). It describes a transformed existence that is fundamentally different from the old life lived under sin. This "newness" is a spiritual reality, a fresh start, and a new quality of being that empowers a different way of living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:":** This clause establishes the profound spiritual reality of the believer's identification with Christ. The "therefore" connects back to the previous verses, particularly [Romans 6:3](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3 - Baptized into His Death"), emphasizing that because we have been "baptized into his death," we are consequently "buried with him." "By baptism" (Greek: *dia baptismatos*) indicates the means or channel through which this spiritual burial is publicly signified and experienced. The phrase "into death" (Greek: *eis thanaton*) signifies the purpose or result: this burial is a decisive break from the old life dominated by sin, leading to its demise.
* **"that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,"** This clause introduces the purpose and pattern for the believer's new life. The conjunction "that" (Greek: *hina*) indicates purpose. The phrase "like as" (Greek: *hosper*) draws a direct parallel between Christ's resurrection and the believer's spiritual resurrection. Christ's resurrection is attributed to "the glory of the Father" (Greek: *dia tēs doxēs tou Patros*), signifying the Father's majestic power, divine splendor, and inherent nature. This highlights the supernatural, divine origin of Christ's triumph over death, setting the stage for the equally supernatural empowerment of the believer.
* **"even so we also should walk in newness of life."** This final clause presents the ethical imperative and practical outcome of the believer's union with Christ. "Even so" (Greek: *houtō kai*) reinforces the direct parallel: just as Christ's resurrection was by divine power, so too is the believer's ability to live a transformed life. "Walk" (Greek: *peripateō*) is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct or way of life. To "walk in newness of life" (Greek: *en kainotēti zōēs*) means to live a life that is qualitatively different, marked by a fresh, transformed existence. This new life is empowered by the same divine glory that raised Christ, enabling believers to live free from sin's former dominion and in obedience to God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried and Raised with Christ") to convey his profound theological message. Central to the verse is **Symbolism**, where baptism serves as a powerful, visible representation of an invisible spiritual reality. The act of immersion symbolizes the believer's **burial** with Christ, signifying a complete break from the old life of sin, while emerging from the water symbolizes **resurrection** to a new life in Christ. This symbolic action reinforces the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Furthermore, Paul uses a clear **Analogy** or **Simile** with the phrase "like as Christ was raised up... even so we also should walk." This direct comparison draws a powerful parallel between Christ's historical resurrection and the believer's spiritual transformation, emphasizing that the same divine power at work in Christ's resurrection is available to believers for their new life. Finally, the phrase "newness of life" functions as a **Metaphor**, describing a qualitative transformation of existence rather than merely a temporal freshness. It evokes the idea of a completely different way of being and living, empowered by God's Spirit, distinct from the old, sin-dominated existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:4 is foundational to understanding Pauline theology concerning union with Christ and the process of sanctification. It articulates that the believer's freedom from sin's power is not achieved through self-effort or legalistic adherence, but through a mystical yet real identification with Christ's finished work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection. This verse underpins the doctrine of "dying to sin and living to righteousness," emphasizing that the Christian life is not merely about moral improvement but about a radical change in identity and power source, enabling a walk of holiness. The "glory of the Father" as the power behind Christ's resurrection highlights the divine initiative and omnipotence in both salvation and sanctification, assuring believers that their new life is sustained by God Himself.

* [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Christ")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:4 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for every believer. It reminds us that our struggle against sin is not fought in our own strength, but from a position of victory already secured by Christ. Our baptism, whether water baptism as an outward symbol or the inward spiritual reality, signifies a decisive break from our former enslavement to sin. We are no longer defined by our past failures or the dominion of our sinful nature; instead, we are identified with the risen Christ. The call to "walk in newness of life" is therefore not a burdensome command but an invitation to live out the glorious reality of our new identity. It means consciously choosing to align our daily actions, thoughts, and desires with the resurrected life of Christ, empowered by the same divine "glory of the Father" that raised Him from the dead. This verse encourages us to continually yield our members to righteousness, recognizing that our true nature is now one of freedom and life in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace the reality that you have been "buried with Christ into death" to sin?**
* **How does understanding that Christ was raised "by the glory of the Father" empower your own walk in "newness of life"?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "walk in newness of life," reflecting your new identity in Christ?**
* **How does your understanding of Romans 6:4 shape your view of Christian baptism and its significance?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 6:4 mean water baptism is necessary for salvation?**

Answer: Romans 6:4 speaks to the spiritual reality of identification with Christ's death and resurrection, which Christian baptism outwardly symbolizes. While water baptism is an important act of obedience and a public declaration of faith, this verse primarily emphasizes the *spiritual* union with Christ's death and resurrection as the basis for new life. Paul is not arguing for the necessity of the ritual for salvation, but rather explaining the profound theological truth that the ritual points to. The "baptism" here refers to the believer's spiritual incorporation into Christ, which is then publicly attested to by water baptism. Other passages, such as [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith"), clarify that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or rituals.

**What does "newness of life" practically entail for a believer?**

Answer: "Newness of life" (Greek: *kainotēs zōēs*) signifies a qualitative transformation of one's entire existence, not merely a moral improvement. Practically, it means living a life that is fundamentally different from the one lived before knowing Christ. This includes a changed mindset ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")), a new set of desires (desiring righteousness over sin), and a new ability to obey God's commands, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). It's a continuous process of sanctification, where the believer increasingly lives in accordance with their new identity in Christ, putting off the old self and putting on the new ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one with whom believers are "buried" and "raised," making this transformation possible. Christ's death was not merely a historical event but a substitutionary and atoning sacrifice, definitively breaking the power of sin and death for all who believe ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Destroying the Power of Death")). His burial signifies the finality of His victory over sin, ensuring that its dominion is utterly put away. Most profoundly, Christ's resurrection "by the glory of the Father" is the wellspring of the believer's "newness of life." It is His triumph over the grave that guarantees our spiritual resurrection and empowers our daily walk. The same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work within believers, enabling them to live a life free from sin's tyranny and in conformity to His resurrected image ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power")). Thus, our ability to walk in newness of life is not a human achievement but a divine impartation, flowing directly from our union with the crucified and resurrected Christ, who is Himself "the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 7:6

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter.

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Romans 6:9

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.