Romans 6:6

KJV

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowing {G1097} this {G5124}, that {G3754} our {G2257} old {G3820} man {G444} is crucified with {G4957} him, that {G2443} the body {G4983} of sin {G266} might be destroyed {G2673}, that henceforth {G3371} we {G2248} should {G1398} not {G3371} serve {G1398} sin {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that our old self was put to death on the execution-stake with him, so that the entire body of our sinful propensities might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.

Berean Standard Bible

We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

American Standard Version

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:6 profoundly articulates the believer's radical transformation through spiritual union with Christ. It reveals that our former, unregenerate self—the "old man" enslaved to sin—has been decisively put to death with Christ on the cross. The purpose of this spiritual crucifixion is to dismantle the ruling power of sin, often referred to as the "body of sin," thereby liberating believers from their former servitude to sin and enabling them to live in newness of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:6 is a pivotal verse within Paul's extended argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God"). This chapter directly addresses a potential antinomian misunderstanding arising from the glorious declaration of grace in [Romans 5](/romans/5 "Romans 5 - Justification by Faith"). If grace abounds where sin increased ([Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds")), might believers then continue in sin to experience more grace? Paul emphatically rejects this notion with the rhetorical question, "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" ([Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin")). He then proceeds to explain the theological basis for the believer's break from sin's dominion, primarily through their identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which is symbolized and sealed in baptism ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")). Verse 6 builds directly on this foundational truth, elaborating on the decisive effect of this union on the "old man" and the "body of sin."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote his epistle to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers. The Roman world was steeped in various philosophical and religious systems, some of which promoted moral laxity or, conversely, a legalistic asceticism. Paul's teaching here counters both extremes. The concept of "slavery" was deeply ingrained in Roman society, making Paul's analogy of being "slaves to sin" versus "slaves to righteousness" highly resonant. He uses this familiar societal structure to illustrate the radical shift in allegiance and dominion experienced by those united with Christ. The crucifixion, a brutal form of Roman execution, was a common and terrifying spectacle, lending immense gravity and finality to Paul's declaration that the "old man" has been "crucified with him." This imagery would have conveyed a definitive and irreversible end to a former way of life.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 6:6 contributes significantly to several major theological themes in Romans. It underscores the theme of **Union with Christ**, emphasizing that the believer's spiritual identity is inextricably linked to Christ's redemptive work, particularly His death and resurrection. It is central to the doctrine of **Sanctification**, explaining the divine provision for a life free from sin's dominion, moving beyond mere justification to practical holiness. The verse highlights the **Decisive Break with Sin's Dominion**, asserting that sin is no longer the believer's master, a truth further expounded in [Romans 6:12-14](/romans/6-12-14 "Romans 6:12-14 - Do Not Let Sin Reign"). It also touches upon the **Nature of the Believer's Identity**, contrasting the "old man" with the new creation in Christ, a theme developed throughout Paul's epistles, such as in [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting on the New").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Old man (Greek, _palaiós ánthrōpos'_):** This compound phrase refers to the unregenerate self, the former identity of a person before conversion to Christ. `palaiós` denotes something "old" in the sense of being worn out, antiquated, or belonging to a former time, contrasting with "new" (e.g., `kainos` for new quality). `ánthrōpos` simply means "human being." Together, they describe the person as they were under the dominion of sin, prior to their identification with Christ's death and resurrection, characterized by rebellion against God.
* **Crucified with (Greek, _systauróō'_):** This verb literally means "to impale in company with." In a theological context, it signifies a profound spiritual identification with Christ's death on the cross. It's not merely an intellectual assent but a radical, decisive break with the power and reign of sin, indicating that the believer's former self, enslaved to sin, has undergone a definitive execution alongside Christ. This is a completed past action with ongoing, permanent effects for the believer.
* **Destroyed (Greek, _katargéō'_):** This powerful verb means "to be (render) entirely idle (useless)," "abolish," "bring to nothing," or "make of no effect." In the context of the "body of sin," it does not imply annihilation of the physical body or the eradication of the capacity to sin, but rather the nullification of sin's ruling power and dominion over the believer. The authority and enslaving grip of sin have been rendered inoperative, though its presence and temptation remain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing this":** This introductory phrase serves as an imperative to the intellect and will. Paul calls believers to a conscious awareness and understanding of a profound spiritual reality that undergirds their new life. This "knowing" is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, convicting comprehension that is meant to inform and transform their daily walk. It implies that the truth about their union with Christ is a foundational premise for their sanctification.
* **"that our old man is crucified with [him]":** This is the central theological declaration. "Our old man" represents the totality of the unregenerate self—the former identity, character, and disposition that was enslaved to sin and alienated from God. The verb "is crucified with" (a perfect passive participle in Greek, referring to Christ, though "him" is supplied in KJV) signifies a completed, decisive, and irreversible act. Through spiritual identification with Christ's death on the cross, the believer's former, sin-dominated self has been definitively put to death. This is a past historical event (Christ's crucifixion) that has become a present spiritual reality for every believer.
* **"that the body of sin might be destroyed":** This clause explains the immediate purpose and effect of the "old man" being crucified. The "body of sin" does not refer to the physical body as inherently evil, but rather to the human person in its entirety as an instrument or sphere through which sin previously exercised its tyrannical power and dominion. The Greek word `katargéō` ("destroyed") here means "rendered ineffective," "nullified," or "brought to nothing" in terms of its ruling power. Thus, the purpose is that sin's tyrannical reign over the believer's life, exercised through their human faculties, might be rendered inoperative, no longer holding them captive.
* **"that henceforth we should not serve sin":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, practical outcome and ethical goal of the crucifixion of the "old man" and the nullification of the "body of sin." Because the former self has been put to death and sin's dominion broken, believers are no longer under compulsion, obligation, or the inherent nature to "serve" (Greek: `douleúō`, to be a slave to) sin. This signifies liberation from sin's tyrannical mastery, enabling a life of active righteousness. It is a call to live out the reality of this spiritual emancipation, no longer yielding to sin's demands but rather presenting oneself to God as an instrument of righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in Romans 6:6 to convey his profound theological message. **Personification** is evident in the phrases "our old man" and "body of sin," where sin is depicted as an active, enslaving master or a powerful entity that previously held dominion over the believer. The "old man" is treated as a distinct, living entity that undergoes "crucifixion." The central **Metaphor** of "crucified with him" vividly portrays the believer's spiritual identification with Christ's death, signifying a definitive and violent break from their former life of sin. This is not a literal physical crucifixion for the believer but a spiritual reality. The "body of sin" also functions metaphorically, representing the human person as a vehicle or instrument through which sin exercised its power, rather than implying the physical body itself is inherently sinful. Finally, the repeated use of "that" (Greek: `hina`) introduces **Purpose Clauses**, clearly articulating the divine intention and the progressive outcomes of the believer's union with Christ: the crucifixion of the old self, the nullification of sin's power, and ultimately, freedom from sin's servitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:6 stands as a foundational truth for understanding Christian sanctification and the practical outworking of salvation. It moves beyond the forensic declaration of justification (being declared righteous) to the transformative reality of being made righteous. The verse underscores that liberation from sin's power is not achieved through human effort or willpower alone, but through a radical, divinely wrought identification with Christ's death. This union provides the objective basis for the subjective experience of freedom from sin's dominion. It is a declaration of what God has already accomplished for the believer, providing the power and impetus for a life of holiness. The theological implication is that the believer's relationship with sin has fundamentally changed: sin is no longer their master, and they are no longer obligated to obey its impulses.

* [Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin and Alive to God")
* [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Made Free from Sin, Servants of Righteousness")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - I Am Crucified with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:6 calls believers to live in light of a profound spiritual reality: our former self, enslaved to sin, has been decisively put to death with Christ. This truth is not merely an abstract theological concept but a powerful foundation for daily living. It means that when temptation arises, we are not fighting a battle from a position of weakness, but from victory. Our old master, sin, has been dethroned. We are no longer obligated to obey its commands. Application of this verse involves actively "reckoning" ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon Yourselves Dead to Sin and Alive to God")). This is a conscious, faith-filled choice to align our thoughts, desires, and actions with the new identity God has given us. It empowers us to resist sin, not through sheer willpower, but by drawing upon the resurrection power of Christ that now indwells us. We are to present our bodies, not as instruments for unrighteousness, but as instruments for righteousness to God ([Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Present Your Members to God")). This truth liberates us from the cycle of guilt and defeat, inviting us into a life of genuine freedom and joyful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I still allow the "old man" to influence my thoughts or actions, despite knowing its crucifixion with Christ?**
* **How does the truth that the "body of sin" has been "destroyed" (rendered ineffective) empower me in my daily struggles against temptation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "reckon" myself dead to sin and alive to God in specific areas of my life?**
* **How does understanding my liberation from sin's servitude change my motivation for pursuing holiness?**

### FAQ

**What does "our old man" mean in Romans 6:6?**

Answer: "Our old man" (Greek: `ho palaios anthropos`) refers to the unregenerate self, the person we were before salvation. It signifies our former identity, character, and disposition that was enslaved to sin and alienated from God. It's not just a collection of bad habits, but the entire being as it existed under the dominion of sin. Paul uses this term to emphasize that this former self has been decisively dealt with through our union with Christ.

**Does "destroyed" in Romans 6:6 mean that believers can no longer sin?**

Answer: No, the Greek word `katargéō` (translated "destroyed") does not mean annihilation or the complete eradication of the capacity to sin. Rather, it means "rendered ineffective," "nullified," or "brought to nothing" in terms of its ruling power or dominion. While the presence of sin (the inclination to sin) remains in the believer's life, its power to enslave and reign over them has been broken. Believers are no longer obligated to obey sin; they are now free to choose righteousness, though they still face temptation and can choose to yield to sin. This is why Paul follows this verse with exhortations to "let not sin therefore reign" ([Romans 6:12](/romans/6-12 "Romans 6:12 - Do Not Let Sin Reign")).

**How does Romans 6:6 relate to Christian baptism?**

Answer: Romans 6:6 is deeply connected to the themes of Christian baptism presented earlier in the chapter. In [Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Buried with Christ in Baptism"), Paul explains that baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Christ died to sin once for all, believers, through baptism, are symbolically united with His death, signifying a death to their old life of sin. Verse 6 then elaborates on the *effect* of this identification: the "old man" (that former self) is crucified with Christ, and the "body of sin" (sin's ruling power) is rendered ineffective. Baptism is the outward sign and seal of this inward spiritual reality—a definitive break from sin's dominion and a commitment to walk in newness of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "crucifixion" of our "old man" is not an abstract concept but a direct consequence of Christ's literal crucifixion on the cross. It was His death, a once-for-all sacrifice, that definitively broke the power of sin and death over humanity. Our union with Christ, established by faith, means that His death becomes our death to sin, and His resurrection becomes our new life in righteousness. He is the one who, through His shed blood, paid the penalty for sin and, by His resurrection, conquered its dominion. Therefore, the "body of sin" is "destroyed" (rendered ineffective) because Christ disarmed the principalities and powers on the cross ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our freedom from serving sin is not a result of our own spiritual prowess but is entirely predicated on Christ's finished work. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, we are made a "new creature" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), no longer slaves to sin but servants of God ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Servants of God")). The entire reality of Romans 6:6 flows from the profound truth that "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")).

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 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.

Ephesians 4:22

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

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

John 8:34

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Colossians 3:5

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