Romans 6 10

Romans 6:10 kjv

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Romans 6:10 nkjv

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Romans 6:10 niv

The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

Romans 6:10 esv

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.

Romans 6:10 nlt

When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.

Romans 6 verses

Romans 6 10 Meaning

Romans 6:10 explains the dual reality of Christ's experience that forms the basis for a believer's new life. It states that the death Christ died was a singular, definitive event specifically to break the power of sin, rendering its dominion over Him null and void. In stark contrast, the life He now lives post-resurrection is a perpetual state entirely devoted to and in union with God. This verse elucidates the finality and completeness of Christ's victory over sin and death, establishing a pattern and spiritual reality for all who are united with Him.

Romans 6 10 Context

Romans chapter 6 is a pivotal section in Paul's letter, directly addressing the misconception that believers might continue in sin to experience more grace (Rom 6:1). Paul vehemently refutes this antinomian idea by grounding Christian ethics in Christological truth. He explains that through baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom 6:3-5). This union signifies a radical break from sin's dominion—just as Christ died to sin, believers have also died to sin's power and are now to live a new life for God (Rom 6:6-8). Romans 6:10 serves as a crucial theological justification for these exhortations. It explicitly states why believers should consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God (Rom 6:11)—because Christ Himself perfectly exemplifies this very reality. Historically, this chapter addressed both those who might abuse grace for license to sin, and those who might resort to legalism, reminding them that the ground of Christian living is in Christ's accomplished work, not human effort.

Romans 6 10 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): This conjunction serves as an explanation or a logical connection. It introduces the reason or the factual basis for the statements made in the preceding verses, specifically regarding Christ's victory over death and sin in Romans 6:9.
• the death he died (ὃ γὰρ ἀπέθανεν - ho gar apethanen): "ho" refers to "that which" or "the thing which," pointing to Christ's historical and unique act of death. "Apethanen" is an aorist active indicative verb, indicating a singular, completed action in the past, emphasizing its definitive nature.
• he died (ἀπέθανεν - apethanen): Signifies a real, historical death. It's a past, decisive event with lasting consequences, not a recurring or symbolic death.
• to sin (τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ - tē hamartia): The dative case ("to sin") here denotes the sphere or realm in which Christ's death had its effect, or the entity from which He became separate. It implies a definitive break from the power, dominion, and consequence of sin. It does not imply that Christ Himself was sinful, but that He died in relation to sin's rule.
• once for all (ἐφάπαξ - ephapax): This crucial adverb means "once only," "once and for all," or "once for good." It highlights the singular, unrepeatable, and supremely effective nature of Christ's death. It negates any need for repeated sacrifices and emphasizes the completeness of His atonement, connecting directly to the themes in Hebrews (Heb 9:12, 9:26, 10:10). This contrasts sharply with the repeated, insufficient sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
• but (δὲ - de): This conjunction introduces a contrasting element, shifting from the past act of death to the present, continuous state of life.
• the life he lives (ὃ δὲ ζῇ - ho de zē): "Ho" again refers to "that which" or "the way in which," pointing to His present resurrected life. "Zē" is a present active indicative verb, indicating an ongoing, continuous state of living.
• he lives (ζῇ - zē): Signifies a vibrant, perpetual, resurrected life. This life is not subject to death's dominion (Rom 6:9).
• to God (τῷ Θεῷ - tō Theō): Similar to "to sin," the dative here indicates the sphere or purpose of His life. Christ's resurrected life is entirely devoted to God, lived in perfect fellowship with Him, and entirely for His glory. It implies active obedience, eternal service, and perpetual communion with the Father.
• The contrast (group: "the death he died... to sin once for all" vs. "the life he lives... to God"): This direct parallel and contrast underscore the dramatic transformation brought about by Christ's resurrection. His past action was decisive against sin; His present existence is entirely dedicated to God. This juxtaposition serves as the ultimate model for believers, who are called to experience a similar transfer of allegiance and life purpose.

Romans 6 10 Bonus section

The perfection of Christ's sacrifice, as highlighted by "once for all" (ephapax), stands in stark contrast to the repetitive, temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrificial system. This Greek term is a key theological word also found prominently in the book of Hebrews (e.g., Heb 7:27; 9:12, 9:26; 10:10) to emphasize the singularity and completeness of Christ's priestly work, which effectively and eternally dealt with the problem of sin. The ethical imperative for believers (e.g., Rom 6:11-13) directly flows from this Christological fact. It is because Christ truly achieved this death to sin and life to God that believers can—and must—embody a corresponding ethical transformation. The verse underscores that redemption involves both a negative cessation (death to sin) and a positive redirection (life to God), presenting a balanced and holistic view of Christian living rooted in objective spiritual reality.

Romans 6 10 Commentary

Romans 6:10 encapsulates the profound theological truth of Christ's dual victory: His definitive conquest over sin through His singular death, and His eternal, unblemished life dedicated fully to God through His resurrection. The phrase "once for all" is the theological cornerstone, signifying the unparalleled sufficiency and finality of Christ's atoning sacrifice, eliminating the need for any further expiation for sin. This truth establishes the new reality for humanity: sin's power, which held sway unto death, has been fundamentally broken by Christ's death. His resurrection then inaugurates a life wholly submitted to the Father, marked by eternal communion and divine purpose. For believers, this verse is not merely a historical account but a spiritual template. It affirms that through union with Christ, our identity has shifted from being "dead in sin" to "alive to God." This is the ultimate call for us: to practically demonstrate this spiritual reality by forsaking the old ways of sin and living in obedience, fellowship, and devotion to God. For example, understanding that Christ definitively broke sin's power encourages us not to yield to habitual sins but to actively choose righteousness; knowing He lives for God inspires us to align our daily decisions and priorities with God's will and purpose.