Romans 6:7

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

For {G1063} he that is dead {G599} is freed {G1344} from {G575} sin {G266}.

For someone who has died has been cleared from sin.

For anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

for he that hath died is justified from sin.

Commentary

Romans 6:7 (KJV): "For he that is dead is freed from sin."

This verse concludes a thought begun in Romans 6:6, explaining the profound consequence of a believer's identification with Christ's death.

Context

The Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 6 is countering the idea that since God's grace abounds where sin increased (Romans 5:20), believers might as well continue in sin so that grace may abound further. Paul vehemently rejects this notion, stating that believers have died to sin. He uses the imagery of baptism as a representation of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). Verse 7 provides the logical conclusion: just as physical death frees a person from earthly obligations and masters, spiritual death with Christ frees the believer from the dominion and power of sin.

Key Themes

  • Freedom from Sin's Dominion: The primary message is that union with Christ's death breaks the power sin held over an individual. Sin no longer has a rightful claim or mastery over the one who has died with Christ.
  • Identification with Christ: The "he that is dead" refers to the believer who has spiritually died with Christ. This shared death is the basis for shared freedom.
  • New Status in Christ: This verse underscores the radical change in status experienced by believers. They are no longer slaves to sin but are now under a new master, righteousness (Romans 6:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "freed" is dedikaiotai (δεδικαίωται). This is the perfect passive indicative form of the verb dikaioō, which means "to justify," "to declare righteous," or "to acquit." While often used in the context of justification before God regarding guilt, here in the context of dying to sin, it carries the sense of being released, discharged, or acquitted from sin's power and service. It implies a legal or judicial freedom from the obligation and penalty associated with being bound to sin.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of their spiritual reality. Because they are united with Christ and have died to sin's reign, they are no longer obligated to obey sinful desires or patterns. This freedom is not an excuse for sin but the foundation for living a life of holiness and obedience to God (Romans 6:11-13). Understanding this truth empowers believers to resist temptation, knowing that sin's mastery has been broken.

Reflection

Romans 6:7 highlights the transformative power of being united with Christ. Our spiritual death with Him grants us a decisive freedom from the oppressive rule of sin, paving the way for a life lived in righteousness and service to God.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    ¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

  • Colossians 3:1

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

  • Colossians 3:3

    For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

  • Romans 8:1

    ¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • Romans 7:4

    Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

  • Romans 7:2

    For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

  • Romans 6:2

    God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
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