Romans 6:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowing {G1492} that {G3754} Christ {G5547} being raised {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498} dieth {G599} no more {G3765}; death {G2288} hath {G2961} no more {G3765} dominion over {G2961} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, never to die again; death has no authority over him.

Berean Standard Bible

For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:9 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's theological exposition, asserting the absolute and irreversible victory of Jesus Christ over death through His resurrection. This verse articulates a foundational truth: Christ's resurrection was not a temporary revival but a permanent translation into a deathless state, thereby securing His eternal triumph. This profound reality underpins the believer's new identity and freedom from sin's dominion, establishing the unshakeable basis for the Christian hope of eternal life and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:9 is nestled within Paul's comprehensive argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"), where he addresses the profound implications of salvation for a believer's relationship with sin. Having established in [Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1-2 "Romans 6:1-2 - Shall We Continue in Sin?") that grace does not lead to continued sin but rather to being "dead to sin," Paul proceeds to explain the believer's union with Christ. Through the analogy of baptism, he illustrates how believers are spiritually united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - United with Christ in Death and Resurrection")). This union means that just as Christ died to sin once for all, believers are to consider themselves "dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Alive to God in Christ Jesus")). Verse 9 provides the theological bedrock for this spiritual reality: Christ's permanent victory over death ensures that those united with Him share in a new, death-conquering life, where the ultimate dominion of sin is eternally broken.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century Roman world, death was an ever-present reality, often viewed with fear and finality. While various mystery religions offered concepts of rebirth or cyclical existence, none presented a historical, singular, and permanent triumph over death by a divine-human figure. Jewish thought, while anticipating a future, general resurrection (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life or Contempt")), did not foresee a single individual's resurrection as the definitive, once-for-all defeat of death itself. Paul's declaration in Romans 6:9 thus stands in stark contrast to prevailing worldviews, asserting a unique, historical event with cosmic and eternal implications. The concept of "dominion" (κυριεύω, *kyrieúō*) would resonate deeply in a society structured by lordship and slavery, emphasizing that death, once a tyrannical master, has been utterly subjugated by Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Finality and Uniqueness of Christ's Resurrection**, emphasizing that His victory over death is absolute, irreversible, and distinct from any previous "raising" (e.g., Lazarus, who died again). This leads directly to the theme of **Christ's Absolute Victory Over Death and Sin**, where death is stripped of its power and authority over the resurrected Christ, signifying His sovereignty over all things, including the grave. Consequently, this truth forms the **Basis for the Believer's New Life and Freedom from Sin's Dominion**. Because Christ is eternally alive and free from death's grip, those united with Him are empowered to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")), no longer enslaved to sin but living in righteousness. It also underscores the **Certainty of Future Resurrection and Eternal Life** for believers, as Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" and guarantee of their own.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This term (G1492) signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it implies a deep, experiential, and certain knowledge. It's about a settled conviction or understanding that comes from having perceived or grasped a truth. Paul uses it here to convey that the permanence of Christ's resurrection is not a speculative idea but a known, established reality upon which Christian faith and life are built.
* **raised (Greek, _egeírō'_):** The Greek word (G1453) means "to waken, rouse, lift up, or raise up." In the context of resurrection, it emphasizes a divine act—God's power actively raising Christ from the state of death. It highlights the dynamic, life-giving power that overcame the inertness of death, signifying a transition from non-existence or inactivity to vibrant, eternal life.
* **dominion over (Greek, _kyrieúō'_):** This verb (G2961) means "to rule, to be lord over, to have power or authority." When Paul declares that death "hath no more dominion over him," he uses a powerful image of a defeated ruler. Death, which once held humanity captive and claimed Christ in the tomb, is now utterly stripped of its authority and power over Him. Christ is the ultimate Lord, even over death itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead":** This clause establishes the foundational premise of the verse: the resurrection of Christ is a known, undeniable fact. The passive voice ("being raised") subtly points to God the Father's active role in raising Jesus from the grave, emphasizing the divine power and authority behind this singular event. It highlights the transition from the state of death (being "from the dead") to a new, living reality.
* **"dieth no more":** This powerful negative assertion emphasizes the absolute finality and permanence of Christ's resurrection. Unlike others who were raised from the dead (e.g., Lazarus), Christ's resurrection was unique in that it ushered Him into an eternal, deathless state. There is no possibility of a return to death for Him; His victory is complete and irreversible.
* **"death hath no more dominion over him":** This phrase personifies death as a defeated tyrant. The Greek verb *kyrieúō* (to have dominion, to be lord over) highlights the authority and power that death once wielded over humanity and briefly over Christ on the cross. However, through His resurrection, Christ has decisively broken death's reign. Death no longer has any claim, authority, or power over Him; He is eternally sovereign, having conquered His last enemy.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 6:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Personification** is clearly evident as "death" is depicted as an entity capable of having "dominion" or authority over Christ, implying a former reign that has now been decisively broken. This rhetorical strategy vividly portrays death not merely as an abstract concept but as a defeated foe. The verse also functions as a powerful **Declaration** or **Assertion**, stating a definitive theological fact with absolute certainty, leaving no room for doubt about Christ's permanent victory. Implicitly, there is a strong **Contrast** between Christ's pre-resurrection state, where He submitted to death's power, and His post-resurrection state, where He is eternally beyond its reach. This contrast underscores the magnitude of His triumph and the transformative nature of His resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:9 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming the unique and permanent nature of Christ's resurrection. Unlike any other who has been raised from the dead, Jesus' resurrection was a definitive transition into an eternal, deathless existence, securing His ongoing reign as Lord. This truth is not merely a historical fact but the very basis for the believer's hope and new life. Because Christ "dieth no more," His work of atonement and intercession is eternally effective, guaranteeing His people's salvation and future resurrection. His victory over death means that the ultimate power of sin, which leads to death, has been broken, allowing believers to live in freedom and righteousness.

* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")
* [Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Romans 6:9 offers immense assurance and practical implications for every believer. Knowing that Christ's resurrection was permanent and that death has no further dominion over Him liberates us from the ultimate fear of death. It transforms our perspective from one of dread to one of hope, understanding that for the believer, physical death is not an end but a passage into eternal life with our victorious Lord. This truth also provides the spiritual power for living a life "dead to sin and alive to God" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Alive to God in Christ Jesus")). If death, the ultimate consequence of sin, has been conquered by Christ, then sin itself has lost its ultimate power over us. We are no longer slaves to its dominion but are empowered by the resurrected life of Christ within us to choose righteousness and walk in newness of life. This calls us to live with bold confidence, knowing that our future is secure in the hands of the One who holds the keys of death and Hades.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Christ's permanent victory over death, as declared in Romans 6:9, impact your personal fear of death or uncertainty about the future?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you still feel "dominion" by sin or old habits, and how can the truth of Christ's permanent victory empower you to live more fully "alive to God" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Alive to God"))?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's resurrection strengthen your faith in His power to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges or bring new life to "dead" situations in your own experience?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that Christ "dieth no more" rather than just being resurrected?**

Answer: The phrase "dieth no more" is crucial because it highlights the unique and permanent nature of Christ's resurrection. While others in the Bible were raised from the dead (e.g., Lazarus in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus") or Jairus's daughter in [Mark 5](/mark/5 "Mark 5 - Jairus's Daughter and the Woman with an Issue of Blood")), they were restored to mortal life and eventually died again. Christ's resurrection, however, was a translation into an eternal, deathless state. This permanence signifies that His victory over sin and death is absolute and final, guaranteeing His ongoing reign and the eternal efficacy of His redemptive work. It means He is forever alive to intercede for us and to be the living Head of His Church.

**What does "death hath no more dominion over him" mean for believers?**

Answer: For believers, the declaration that "death hath no more dominion over him" is profoundly significant because of our spiritual union with Christ. As Paul explains throughout [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"), believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Therefore, just as death has no more power over Christ, its ultimate dominion over those who are "in Christ" is broken. While physical death remains a reality for now, it is no longer a final separation from God or a victory for sin, but rather a passage into eternal life with Him. Furthermore, it means the spiritual power of death—the separation from God caused by sin—has been overcome, empowering believers to live free from sin's enslaving power and to walk in newness of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of this truth. His resurrection, being permanent and definitive, establishes Him as the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who are united with Him. Christ's triumph means that the "sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" ([1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - The Sting of Death")), but through His death and resurrection, He has disarmed these enemies. He is the New Adam, through whom eternal life is now available, reversing the curse of death brought by the first Adam ([1 Corinthians 15:21-22](/1_corinthians/15-21-22 "1 Corinthians 15:21-22 - Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ")). By His own death, Jesus "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, Romans 6:9 declares the eternal reign of the One who holds "the keys of Hades and of Death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), making Him the very "resurrection and the life" for all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection 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

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 2:28

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:13

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Romans 5:14

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.