Romans 6:7

KJV

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

For someone who has died has been cleared from sin.

Berean Standard Bible

For anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

American Standard Version

for he that hath died is justified from sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:7 encapsulates a profound spiritual truth: the believer's identification with Christ's death fundamentally liberates them from the oppressive dominion of sin. This verse serves as a crucial theological conclusion, asserting that just as physical death severs all earthly bonds and obligations, spiritual death with Christ decisively frees the individual from sin's mastery, establishing a new reality where sin no longer holds a rightful claim or power over their life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:7 serves as the logical culmination of Paul's argument initiated in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall we continue in sin?"). Having rhetorically asked if believers should "continue in sin that grace may abound," Paul emphatically denies this, stating, "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 employs the powerful imagery of baptism, explaining that believers are "baptized into his death" ([Romans 6:3](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3 - Baptized into Christ's death")) and "buried with him by baptism into death" so 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 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, raised to new life")). The identification with Christ's death and resurrection is further emphasized in [Romans 6:5-6](/romans/6-5-6 "Romans 6:5-6 - United in death and resurrection"), which speaks of being "planted together in the likeness of his death" and having "our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Verse 7 then provides the definitive judicial and practical consequence of this spiritual crucifixion: freedom from sin's power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience, particularly in Rome, would have been intimately familiar with the concept of slavery. In the Roman world, a slave who died was, by definition, freed from their master's authority and obligations. This legal and social reality provides a potent backdrop for Paul's spiritual analogy. Furthermore, the concept of being "freed" or "justified" (derived from the Greek `dikaióō`) would resonate with Roman legal principles, where a verdict of acquittal or discharge released one from legal charges or obligations. While the primary context for `dikaióō` in Romans is forensic justification before God, here it is applied to the practical freedom from the dominion of sin, drawing on the common understanding that death severs all previous bonds. The Jewish background also contributes, as death was understood to release individuals from the Law's demands (cf. [Romans 7:1-3](/romans/7-1-3 "Romans 7:1-3 - Law and death metaphor")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. First and foremost is the theme of **Freedom from Sin's Dominion**. Paul is not suggesting freedom from the *presence* of sin (which remains a struggle for believers, as seen in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin")), but freedom from its *mastery* and *obligation*. Believers are no longer slaves to sin, but have been transferred to a new master, righteousness ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Made free from sin, servants of righteousness")). Secondly, the theme of **Identification with Christ** is central. The "he that is dead" refers to the believer who has been spiritually united with Christ in His death, forming the basis for this profound liberation. This union is the foundation of the believer's new status. Lastly, the concept of **New Life in Christ** is implicitly underscored. Being freed from sin's tyranny means the believer is now free to live for God, to walk in "newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in newness of life")) and to present themselves as "instruments of righteousness unto God" ([Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Presenting yourselves to God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dead (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** This verb signifies "to die off," literally or figuratively. In the context of Romans 6, it refers to the believer's spiritual death *with* Christ, implying a decisive break from their former life and the dominion of sin. It's not merely a cessation of life, but a separation from a previous state or master.
* **freed (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** Derived from `dikaios` (just, righteous), this verb means "to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent." While often translated as "justify" in the forensic sense of being declared righteous before God, here, in the context of death to sin, it carries the nuanced meaning of being acquitted, discharged, or released from the power, claim, and service of sin. It implies a legal or judicial freedom from the obligation and penalty associated with being bound to sin.
* **sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** This noun, properly abstract, refers to "a sin" or "sinfulness." In Romans 6, Paul often personifies "sin" as a reigning power or master (e.g., [Romans 6:12](/romans/6-12 "Romans 6:12 - Let not sin therefore reign")). Here, being freed from `hamartía` means being liberated from its authoritative control and enslaving power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that is dead":** This clause refers to the believer who has, through faith and union with Christ, spiritually died. This is not a physical death, but a radical, definitive break from the "old man" and the former life lived under the dominion of sin, as depicted through the imagery of baptism in [Romans 6:3-6](/romans/6-3-6 "Romans 6:3-6 - Union with Christ in death and resurrection"). It signifies a change in spiritual status and allegiance.
* **"is freed from sin":** This is the profound consequence of that spiritual death. The Greek word `dedikaiotai`, translated "is freed," is a perfect passive indicative of `dikaióō`. The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results: the freeing is a definitive, accomplished fact. The passive voice emphasizes that this freedom is something *done to* the believer by God, not something they achieve. "From sin" (Greek: `apo hamartías`) signifies a separation *from* the power, authority, and enslaving nature of sin. It means sin no longer holds a legal or practical claim over the believer as a master.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey this powerful truth. The most prominent is **Analogy** or **Metaphor**, where the common understanding of physical death freeing a person from all earthly obligations (like a slave from a master, or a spouse from marital law, as seen in [Romans 7:1-3](/romans/7-1-3 "Romans 7:1-3 - The Law and the married woman")) is applied to the spiritual realm. This helps the reader grasp the absolute and definitive nature of the believer's liberation from sin's dominion. Furthermore, **Personification** is evident in Paul's portrayal of "sin" as a master or reigning power throughout Romans 6, from which the believer is now "freed." The conjunction "For" (Greek: `gar`) at the beginning of the verse signifies **Logical Argumentation**, indicating that this verse presents the reason or explanation for the preceding statements about the believer's death to sin and union with Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:7 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the radical transformation that occurs in a believer's life through union with Christ. It underscores that the death of Christ was not merely a historical event but a redemptive act in which believers participate, leading to a definitive break from the tyranny of sin. This freedom is the foundation for sanctification, enabling believers to live a life of righteousness and obedience to God, not out of obligation to a condemning law, but out of the power of a new life in Christ. It shifts the believer's identity from one enslaved to sin to one liberated for God's purposes, setting the stage for the ongoing process of living out this new reality.

* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")
* [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Died with Christ, hidden in God")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Died to sins, live to righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:7 offers a profound truth that should deeply impact the believer's self-understanding and daily walk. To be "freed from sin" means that sin no longer has a rightful claim or controlling power over your life. This is not a mere suggestion or an ideal to strive for, but a declared reality based on your union with Christ's death. Understanding this truth empowers you to resist temptation, knowing that you are no longer obligated to obey sinful desires. It transforms the fight against sin from a hopeless struggle against an invincible foe into a confident assertion of a victory already won. This freedom, however, is not a license to sin, but rather the very basis for pursuing holiness and living a life pleasing to God. It calls us to "reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Reckon yourselves dead to sin")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your spiritual death with Christ change your perspective on the power and influence of sin in your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to practically apply the truth that you are "freed from sin," actively choosing to live in this new reality?**
* **How does this verse empower your pursuit of holiness, knowing that you are no longer enslaved but liberated for righteousness?**

### FAQ

**Does "freed from sin" mean I will never sin again?**

Answer: No, "freed from sin" in Romans 6:7 refers to freedom from sin's *dominion* or *mastery*, not from its *presence* or *temptation*. While the believer's status has changed from being a slave to sin to being freed from its power, the struggle with indwelling sin continues (as described in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The internal struggle")). The verse asserts that sin no longer has a legitimate claim or right to rule over the believer. This freedom is the *basis* for living a holy life, not an automatic eradication of all sinful desires or actions.

**How does this "death to sin" happen for a believer?**

Answer: This "death to sin" is a spiritual reality that occurs through the believer's union with Christ, often symbolized and publicly declared through baptism. As Paul explains in [Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Baptism into Christ's death and resurrection"), when a person trusts in Christ, they are spiritually identified with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. This means that when Christ died to sin, the believer, in Him, also died to sin's power and reign. It's a definitive, once-for-all act of God, establishing a new spiritual status for the believer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, by His perfect life and atoning death, decisively broke the power of sin and death. His crucifixion was not merely a historical event, but a cosmic victory over the spiritual forces that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing over principalities and powers")). When we are united with Christ by faith, His death becomes our death to sin, and His resurrection becomes the source of our new life. 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")). Because He "died unto sin once" ([Romans 6:10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ died to sin once")), those who are "in Christ" are also definitively freed from sin's dominion. He accomplished what no human could: He paid the penalty for sin and broke its enslaving power, making it possible for us to be "made free from sin" and become "servants to God" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Made free from sin, servants of righteousness")). Our freedom is entirely dependent on His finished work, for "if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son makes you free")).

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

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?