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Romans 6:5

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

For {G1063} if {G1487} we have been {G1096} planted together {G4854} in the likeness {G3667} of his {G846} death {G2288}, we shall be {G2071} also {G235}{G2532} in the likeness of his resurrection {G386}:

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.

For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection;

Commentary

Romans 6:5 KJV is a pivotal verse explaining the profound connection between a believer's identification with Christ's death and their participation in His resurrection life. It builds upon the preceding verses that discuss baptism as a symbol of dying and being buried with Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's argument in Romans chapter 6, where he refutes the idea that believers should continue in sin so that grace may increase. Having established in chapter 5 the abundance of grace through Christ, Paul now addresses the practical implication: the believer's relationship to sin has fundamentally changed. Romans 6:1-4 introduces the concept of baptism as representing a death and burial with Christ, signifying the believer's break from the dominion of sin. Verse 5 then states the consequence of this union in death – a guaranteed sharing in His resurrection life.

Key Themes

  • Union with Christ: The verse emphasizes the deep, organic connection between the believer and Jesus Christ, likening it to being "planted together."
  • Identification with Christ's Death: Believers spiritually participate in Christ's death, resulting in death to the power and dominion of sin.
  • Participation in Christ's Resurrection: Because they have died with Him, believers will also share in the power and life of His resurrection, both now (living a new life) and in the future (bodily resurrection).
  • New Life in Christ: The resurrection aspect highlights the ability to live a new kind of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit and free from the bondage of sin.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "planted together" translates the Greek word sumphutoi (σύμφυτοι). This word literally means "grown together," "united with," or "jointly planted." It's a powerful botanical metaphor suggesting an organic, inseparable union, much like two plants whose roots have become intertwined or a graft that has taken hold. This isn't just a symbolic association but speaks to a real spiritual reality of being intimately joined with Christ.

Commentary & Application

Paul uses vivid imagery to explain the believer's transformation. Being "planted together in the likeness of his death" means that when Christ died, the believer, in God's view and by faith, died with Him to the old life dominated by sin. This co-crucifixion is the basis for freedom from sin's power (Romans 6:6). The glorious consequence is that if we share in His death, we "shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection."

This resurrection "likeness" means experiencing the power of Christ's resurrection now. It enables believers to walk "in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). It's not just a future hope but a present reality where the believer can overcome sin's influence and live a life characterized by righteousness and service to God. The verse calls us to live in light of this truth, understanding that our old self died with Christ, and we are now alive to God in Him (Romans 6:11).

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Philippians 3:10 (16 votes)

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

  • Philippians 3:11 (16 votes)

    If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:10 (12 votes)

    Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

  • Colossians 2:12 (12 votes)

    Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

  • Romans 6:8 (10 votes)

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

  • Romans 6:12 (10 votes)

    Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

  • Colossians 3:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.