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Romans 6:6

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Romans 6:6 (KJV)

Context

Romans chapter 6 follows the profound declaration in chapter 5 regarding God's grace abounding over sin and death. Paul anticipates a potential misunderstanding: if grace increases where sin increased, should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Paul emphatically rejects this idea in Romans 6:2. He then explains the believer's union with Christ, particularly through baptism, as a death to the old way of life and a resurrection to a new life. Verse 6 builds on this, explaining the effect of this union on the believer's relationship with sin.

Key Themes

  • Identification with Christ's Death: The verse states that "our old man is crucified with him." This signifies a decisive break with our former identity and nature which was characterized by sin.
  • The Defeat of the Body of Sin: The purpose of this crucifixion is "that the body of sin might be destroyed." This doesn't mean the physical body is inherently evil, but rather that the power or dominion of sin operating through our human nature is rendered ineffective or nullified.
  • Freedom from Sin's Slavery: The ultimate goal is "that henceforth we should not serve sin." Because our old self has died with Christ and the power of sin is broken, believers are no longer obligated or compelled to be slaves to sin.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "our old man" (Greek: ho palaios anthropos) refers to our unregenerate self, the person we were before salvation, dominated by sin. This is distinct from merely old habits; it's the whole former identity rooted in rebellion against God. The term "destroyed" (Greek: katargethē) is significant. It doesn't mean annihilated, but rather "rendered ineffective," "nullified," or "brought to nothing" in terms of its power to rule. The "body of sin" (Greek: to soma tēs hamartias) refers to the human person as a vehicle or instrument through which sin exercises its power. The goal is for this instrument to no longer be under sin's control, so that we "should not serve sin" (Greek: mē eti douleuein tē hamartia), meaning no longer be enslaved to it.

Practical Application

Romans 6:6 calls believers to live in light of their new reality in Christ. We are not merely trying to stop sinning through willpower; we have fundamentally died to sin's reign through our union with Christ's crucifixion. This truth empowers us. When tempted, we can remember that our old master (sin) has been dethroned. We are now free to serve righteousness (as Romans 6:18 explains). Living out this verse involves actively choosing to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (see Romans 6:11) and presenting our bodies not as instruments of sin, but as instruments of righteousness to God.

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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

  • Galatians 2:20 (37 votes)

    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 (26 votes)

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

  • Galatians 6:14 (25 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

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

  • John 8:34 (20 votes)

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

  • John 8:36 (20 votes)

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

  • Colossians 3:5 (18 votes)

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