Romans 6 16

Romans 6:16 kjv

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Romans 6:16 nkjv

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Romans 6:16 niv

Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey?whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 6:16 esv

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 6:16 nlt

Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

Romans 6 verses

Romans 6 16 Meaning

Romans 6:16 declares a fundamental spiritual truth: every individual, by their consistent actions of obedience, irrevocably surrenders to a master. This verse posits an exclusive spiritual dichotomy, offering only two paths and two resulting destinies: either one submits to sin, which leads to spiritual death and separation from God, or one submits to God through obedience, which leads to righteousness, life, and a right standing with Him. There is no neutral ground; one's daily choices confirm who holds dominion over their life.

Romans 6 16 Context

Romans chapter 6 is a pivotal discussion in Paul's theological framework, addressing the implications of being "under grace" rather than "under law." The chapter opens by refuting the false assumption that being under grace allows believers to "continue in sin so that grace may increase" (Rom 6:1). Paul vehemently denies this notion, establishing that believers have undergone a fundamental spiritual transformation through their identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Rom 6:3-11). This new reality means they are "dead to sin" and "alive to God." Romans 6:12-14 then urges believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, presenting their members instead as instruments of righteousness. Verse 15 reiterates a related question: "What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace?" Romans 6:16 serves as Paul's direct, conclusive answer to this, emphatically stating the unavoidable nature of spiritual mastership. It establishes that the concept of spiritual freedom does not permit a license to sin but necessitates a change of allegiance, revealing that one's active submission to a master inescapably determines their spiritual destiny. This verse sets up the concluding sections of the chapter which detail the fruits of these two distinct forms of slavery: sin leads to death, while slavery to God leads to holiness and eternal life.

Romans 6 16 Word analysis

• Do you not know (Οὐκ οἴδατε): This is a rhetorical question in Greek, implying that the readers already possess this knowledge or should clearly understand this basic truth. It functions as a reminder rather than an introduction to a new concept. The term oidate implies an intuitive or experiential knowledge, making the ignorance it questions even more striking.
• that to whom (ὅτι ᾧ): Introduces the object of one's service. The choice of "to whom" immediately frames the discussion around a relationship of allegiance.
• you present yourselves (παριστάνετε ἑαυτοὺς): The verb paristanete means to "place beside" or "offer for service." It signifies an active, deliberate, and voluntary decision to yield or surrender oneself. This is not passive yielding but an intentional act of offering. Heautous ("yourselves") emphasizes that this presentation is self-initiated.
• slaves (δούλους): Doulos signifies a bondservant, someone owned entirely by a master, lacking personal rights or autonomy. Paul employs this strong term to highlight the absolute and complete nature of submission, a common understanding in the Greco-Roman world where slavery was pervasive.
• to obey (εἰς ὑπακοήν): Eis hypakoēn, meaning "unto obedience." The purpose and outcome of presenting oneself as a slave is full, unreserved submission to the master's will. Hypakoē itself denotes "hearing under," signifying compliance after listening to authority.
• you are that one's slaves (δούλοι ἐστὲ ᾧ): This phrase unequivocally states the consequence of the "presentation." The act of submitting oneself to obey automatically establishes the master-slave relationship. It is an immediate and unchangeable spiritual reality.
• whom you obey (ὑπακούετε): The present tense hypakouete ("you obey") indicates an ongoing, habitual practice. This repeated action serves as empirical evidence and a continuing affirmation of who one's master truly is.
• whether of sin (ἤτοι ἁμαρτίας): Hamartias, referring to "sin" not merely as individual acts but as a powerful, personified entity or system. It acts as a dominating force, demanding allegiance.
• leading to death (εἰς θάνατον): Eis thanaton, signifying spiritual death – separation from God, alienation from His life, and eternal condemnation, not just physical demise. This is the inescapable consequence of slavery to sin.
• or of obedience (ἢ ὑπακοῆς): Presented as the antithetical master to sin, representing submission to God's will. Here, "obedience" implies a living relationship of faithful response to God's calling and commands.
• leading to righteousness (εἰς δικαιοσύνην): Eis dikaiosynēn, leading "unto righteousness." This refers to a state of right relationship with God, characterized by conformity to His moral and ethical standards, and ultimately eternal life with Him.

Words-group analysis

• "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey": This challenging opening emphasizes a self-imposed act of allegiance. It means the choice of master is voluntary and initiated by the individual. It's a foundational spiritual law that implies a full, conscious commitment, like offering a military recruit for service.
• "you are that one's slaves whom you obey": This establishes an inescapable, immediate outcome. The consistent practice of obedience fundamentally defines and confirms the master to whom one belongs. There is no grey area; one's actions provide undeniable proof of their allegiance.
• "whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness": This part presents a stark and exhaustive dichotomy. These are the only two available masters and paths, each with their own definitive, inevitable end. It clarifies that choosing one inherently rejects the other, and the consequences (spiritual death or life/righteousness) are absolute.

Romans 6 16 Bonus section

• The rhetorical question "Do you not know...?" serves not only to remind but also to underscore that this spiritual principle should be intuitively understood by those with a regenerate spirit, or at least familiar to anyone acquainted with basic moral causality.
• Paul deliberately uses the strong metaphor of "slaves" (doulos) to dismantle any concept of spiritual partiality or conditional service. In Roman society, a slave's entire identity and will were consumed by the master, reflecting the total commitment God requires.
• This verse provides an important lens through which to interpret all subsequent Christian ethical behavior. The question ceases to be 'Am I free to do this?' and becomes 'Which master am I obeying by doing this, and where does that obedience ultimately lead?'
• The opposition between "sin" (ἁμαρτίας) and "obedience" (ὑπακοῆς) being personified as masters is key. Sin is portrayed as an active, dominant force, not merely a collection of wrong acts, reflecting the powerful grip it seeks to exert over individuals.

Romans 6 16 Commentary

Romans 6:16 is a foundational statement on spiritual allegiance, unequivocally asserting that every person lives under the mastership of either sin or God. Paul challenges any notion of a neutral ground or a half-hearted commitment; the very act of continually obeying a specific will (whether one's sinful desires or God's commands) confirms one's master and defines one's ultimate spiritual destination. This principle powerfully illustrates that true Christian freedom is not the absence of authority, but a glorious exchange of masters – freedom from sin's dominion and to God's righteous service. This yields either death (separation from God) or righteousness (right standing with God leading to life). For example, consistently prioritizing personal desires that contradict God's Word signifies allegiance to sin; consistently seeking and doing God's will signifies allegiance to Him.