Romans 6

Romans 6

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What then are we to say?I Should we continueII in sinIII

Notes on verse 1a

I “say” = ereo. Perhaps from rheo (to say, speak of, command). This is to say, tell, speak, mean, command.
II “continue” = epimeno. 17x in NT. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + meno (to stay, remain, wait, await, continue, abide, endure; to literally stay in a place or to remain in a condition; to continue with hope and expectation). This is to remain, terry, continue, or persevere. It denotes persistence in pursing a goal or task.
III “sin” = hamartia. From hamartano (to miss the mark, do wrong, make a mistake, sin); {from a (not) + meros (a part or share)}. Literally, this means not having one’s share or portion – like not receiving inheritance or what was allotted to you. This word means missing the mark so it is used for guilt, fault, and acts of sin.

in order that graceIV may increase?V By no means!VI

Notes on verses 1b-2a

IV “grace” = charis. From chairo (to rejoice, be glad; used to say hello; properly, delighting in the grace of God or experiencing God’s favor); from char– (to extend favor, lean towards, be inclined to be favorable towards). This is grace, kindness, favor, gratitude, thanks. It is the sense of being inclined to or favorable towards – leaning towards someone to share some good or benefit. This can be literal, figurative, or spiritual. It is grace as abstract concept, manner, or action.
V “may increase” = pleonazo. 9x in NT. From pleion (many, more, great, having a greater value, more excellent); from polus (much, many, abundant). This is to abound, increase, to superabound. It shares a root with “pleonasm.”
VI “by no means” = me + ginomai. Ginomai is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.

How can we who diedVII to sin go onVIII livingIX in it? Do you not knowX that all of us who were baptizedXI

Notes on verses 2b-3a

VII “died” = apothnesko. From apo (from, away from) + thnesko (to die, be dead). This is to die off. It is death with an emphasis on the way that death separates. It can also mean to wither or decay.
VIII “go on” = eti. Perhaps related to etos (year, age). This is still, even, continue.
IX “living” = zao. This is to live literally or figuratively. It is used for life including the vitality of humans, plants, and animals – it is life physical and spiritual and life everlasting.
X “not know” = agnoeo. From a (not) + noieo (to perceive, think, understand); {from nous (mind, understanding, reasoning faculty, intellect, capacity to reflect); from noos (mind); probably from the base as ginosko (to know, recognize, realize, perceive, learn; gaining knowledge through personal experience)}. This is unaware not to know. Sometimes it is willful ignorance, but other times it is simply not knowing.
XI “baptized” = baptizo. From bapto (to dip or dye; to entirely cover with liquid, to stain). This is to submerge, wash, or immerse. Used specially for baptism.

into ChristXII JesusXIII were baptized into his death?XIV 

Notes on verse 3b

XII “Christ” = Christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.
XIII “Jesus” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
XIV “death” = thanatos. Related to “died” in v2. From thnesko (see note VII above). This is death, whether literal or spiritual. It can also refer to something that is fatal.

Therefore we were buriedXV with him by baptismXVI into death, so that, just as Christ was raisedXVII from the deadXVIII by the gloryXIX

Notes on verse 4a

XV “buried” = sunthapto. 2x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + thapto (to bury, hold a funeral). This is to bury with.
XVI “baptism” = baptisma. Related to “baptized” in v3. From baptizo (see note XI above). This is dipping or sinking. Also, the rite of baptism.
XVII “raised” = egeiro. This is to awake, raise up or lift up. It can be to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death. Figuratively, it can be rising from inactivity or from ruins.
XVIII “dead” = nekros. Perhaps from nekus (corpse). This is dead or lifeless, mortal, corpse. It can also be used figuratively for powerless or ineffective. It is where the word “necrotic” comes from.
XIX “glory” = doxa. From dokeo (to have an opinion, seem, appear, suppose; a personal judgment; to think); from dokos (opinion). This is literally something that evokes a good opinion – something that connects to our understanding of intrinsic worth. The ultimate expression of this is, of course, God and God’s manifestation. So, this is opinion, honor, and dignity, but also praise, glory, renown, and worship.

of the Father,XX so we also might walkXXI in newnessXXII of life.XXIII

Notes on verse 4b

XX “Father” = pater. This is father in a literal or figurative sense. Could be elder, senior, ancestor, originator, or patriarch.
XXI “walk” = peripateo. From peri (about, concerning, around, encompassing) + pateo (to read, trample on; to trample literally or figuratively); {from patos (trodden) OR from paio (to strike, smite, sting; a hit like a single blow)}. This is to walk. Going from Hebrew figurative language, to walk referred to how you conducted your life, how you chose to live. This word is most literally walking around. Figuratively, it is living, behaving, following, how you occupy yourself. This is where “peripatetic” comes from.
XXII “newness” = kainotes. 2x in NT. From kainos (not new as in new versus old; new in the sense of novel, innovative, or fresh). This is newness, novelty, or renewal.
XXIII “life” = zoe.  Related to “living” in v2. From zao (see note IX above). This is life including the vitality of humans, plants, and animals – it is life physical and spiritual and life everlasting.

For if we have beenXXIV unitedXXV with him in a death likeXXVI his,

Notes on verse 5a

XXIV “been” = ginomai. Same as “by no means” in v2. See note VI above.
XXV “united” = sumphutos. 1x in NT. From sumphuo (to grow together); {from sun (with, together with) + phuo (to produce, spring up, grow, germinate; perhaps originally meaning puff or blow)}. This is united or planted together (growing alongside).
XXVI “like” = homoioma. 6x in NT. From homoioo (to compare, liken, resemble, become similar); from homoios (similar to, resembling, like); from the same as homou (together); from homos (the same). This is resembling, likeness, form, or appearance.

we will certainlyXXVII beXXVIII united with him in a resurrectionXXIX like his. We knowXXX that our oldXXXI selfXXXII

Notes on verses 5b-6a

XXVII “certainly” = alla. From allos (other; another of the same kind). This is but, otherwise, however, nevertheless.
XXVIII “be” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
XXIX “resurrection” = anastasis. From anistemi (to raise up, rise, appear; to stand up literally or figuratively. Can also mean to resurrect); from ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + histemi (to make to stand, place, set up, establish, appoint, stand by, stand still, stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast). This is literally standing up or standing again. It is used figuratively for recovering a spiritual truth. It can be raising up, rising, or resurrection.
XXX “know” = ginosko. Related to “not know” in v3. See note X above.
XXXI “old” = palaios. 19x in NT. From palai (former, of old); probably from palin (back, again, further). This is old, ancient, or worn out.
XXXII “self” = anthropos. Probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (become, seem, appear)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.

was crucified withXXXIII him so that the bodyXXXIV of sin might be destroyed,XXXV so we might no longer be enslavedXXXVI to sin. 

Notes on verse 6b

XXXIII “crucified with” = sustauroo. Related to “resurrection” in v5. 5x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + stauroo (to attach someone to a cross or fencing with stakes; figuratively, to destroy, mortify, or subdue passions/selfishness); from stauros (upright stake, cross; literally the horizontal beam of a Roman cross, generally carried by the one convicted to die); from the same as histemi (see note XXIX above). This is to crucify together.
XXXIV “body” = soma. Perhaps from sozo (to save, heal, rescue); from sos (safe, well, rescued). This is body or flesh. It can be body in a literal or figurative sense (as the body of Christ). This is where the word “somatic” comes from.
XXXV “destroyed” = katargeo. From kata (down, against, according to, among) + argeo (to delay, linger, be at rest, be idle, do nothing); {from argos (inactive, idle, lazy, thoughtless, useless, unemployed, unprofitable) {from a (not) + ergon (word, task, action, employment)}}. This is making something inactive or bringing it to nothing. So, it could mean making something inoperative or powerless, annulling, or severing. It can also mean to make something ineffective or invalid.
XXXVI “enslaved” = douleuo. From doulos (a servant or for a slave, enslaved; someone who belongs to someone else, but could be voluntary to pay off debt or involuntary – captured in war and enslaved; a metaphor for serving Christ); perhaps from deo (to tie, bind, fasten, impel, compel; to declare something against the law or prohibited). This is to be a slave, serve, do service, obey, be devoted.

For whoever has died is freedXXXVII from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believeXXXVIII that we will also live withXXXIX him. 

Notes on verses 7-8

XXXVII “freed” = dikaioo. From dikaios (correct, righteous – implies innocent; this is that which conforms to God’s notion of justice, uprightness); From dike (the principle of justice; that which is right in a way that is very clear; a decision or the execution of that decision; originally, this word was for custom or usage; evolved to include the process of law, judicial hearing, execution of sentence, penalty, and even vengeance; more commonly, it refers to what is right); may be from deiknumi (to show, point out, exhibit; figurative for teach, demonstrate, make known). This is to be righteous, plead the cause of, justify, acquit. Properly, it is being approved, particularly carrying the weight of a legal judgment. It is upright, render just, or innocent.
XXXVIII “believe” = pisteuo. From pistis (faith, faithfulness, belief, trust, confidence; to be persuaded or come to trust); from peitho (to have confidence, urge, be persuaded, agree, assure, believe, have confidence, trust). This is to believe, entrust, have faith it, affirm, have confidence in. This is less to do with a series of beliefs or doctrines that one believes and more to do with faithfulness, loyalty, and fidelity. It is trusting and then acting based on that trust.
XXXIX “live with” = suzao. Related to “living” in v2 & “life” in v4. 3x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + zao (see note IX above). This is to live together in a literal or figurative sense.

We knowXL that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion overXLI him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all,XLII but the life he lives, he lives to God.XLIII 

Notes on verses 9-10

XL “know” = eido. This is to know, consider perceive, appreciate, behold, or remember. It means seeing with one’s eyes, but also figuratively, it means perceiving – seeing that becomes understanding. So, by implication, this means knowing or being aware.
XLI “has dominion over” = kurieuo. 7x in NT. From kurios (a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord); from kuros (authority, supremacy). This is to be lord of, rule, lord over.
XLII “once for all” = ephapax. 5x in NT. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + hapax (once, once for all); {from a (with – signifying fellowship) + pag-} or {from hapas (all; every part working together as a unit); from hama (at once, together with) + pas (all, every, every kind of) or from a (with) + pas (all, every)}. This is once for all, at once, one time.
XLIII “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

11 So you also must considerXLIV yourselvesXLV deadXLVI to sin and aliveXLVII to God in Christ Jesus.

Notes on verse 11

XLIV “consider” = logizomai. From logos (word, statement, speech, analogy; here, word as an account or accounting; can also be a word that carries an idea or expresses a thought, a saying; a person with a message or reasoning laid out in words; by implication, a topic, line of reasoning, or a motive; can be used for a divine utterance or as Word – Christ); from lego (to speak, tell, mention). This is this is to compute or reckon up, to count; figuratively, it is coming to a conclusion or decision using logic; taking an inventory in a literal or figurative sense.
XLV {untranslated} = eimi. Same as “be” in v5. See note XXVIII above.
XLVI {untranslated} = men. This is truly, indeed, even, in fact. Often, it is not translated, but used to emphasize affirmation.
XLVII “alive” = zao. Same as “living” in v2. See note IX above.

12 Therefore do not let sin reignXLVIII in your mortalXLIX bodies, so that you obeyL their desires.LI 

Notes on verse 12

XLVIII “reign” = basileuo. From basileus (king, emperor, sovereign); probably from basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (to walk, to go). This is to reign as king, to rule in a literal or figurative sense.
XLIX “mortal” = thnetos. Related to “died” in v2 & “death” in v3. 6x in NT– all in Romans and 1 + 2 Corinthians. From thnesko (see note VII above). This is moral – able to die.
L “obey” = hupakouo. From hupo (by, under, about, subordinate to) + akouo (listen, hear, understand through hearing). This is to listen, to attend to, or obey. It is acting subordinate to one who speaks – heeding a command or authority.
LI “desires” = epithumia. From epithmueo (long for, set one’s heart on, yearn, desire); {from epi (on, upon, at, what is fitting) + thumos (passion, wrath; actions emerging from passion or impulse) {from thuo (to rush along, breathe violently, offer sacrifice)}}. This is desire, a longing built on passionate emotion or urges. This can be a positive or a negative passion (lust or eagerness).

13 No longer presentLII your membersLIII to sin as instrumentsLIV of unrighteousness,LV but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness.LVI 

Notes on verse 13

LII “present” = paristemi. Related to “resurrection” in v5 & “crucified with” in v6. From para (from beside, by) + histemi (see note XXIX above). This is literally to place by stand. It can mean to present, exhibit, appear, bring, stand by, or prove. It can also mean to be ready, to assist, to yield, or to commend.
LIII “members” = melos. This is a limb or an organ of the body. So, it is a member of a greater whole. It is used figuratively for the body of Christ.
LIV “instruments” = hoplon. 6x in NT. This is a tool or implement. It can also be armor or weapons in a literal or figurative sense.
LV “unrighteousness” = adikia. Related to “freed” in v7. From adikos (unjust, unrighteous, wicked, treacherous); {from a (not, without) + dike (see note XXXVII above)}. This is injustice, unrighteousness, of some other kind of harm or wrong. It is justice in a legal setting or a morally wrong action or character.
LVI “righteousness” = dikaiosune. Related to “freed” in v7 & “wickedness” in v13. From dikaios (see note XXXVII above). This is judicial or divine approval of character or action. This is righteousness, justice, justness, divine righteousness.

14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under lawLVII but under grace.

15 What then? Should we sinLVIII because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not knowLIX that, if you present yourselves to anyone as obedientLX slaves,LXI

Notes on verses 14-16a

LVII “law” = nomos. From nemo (to parcel out). Literally, this is that which is assigned. It can be usage, custom, or law. This word can be used for human or divine law. It can be used specifically for the law of Moses or as a name for the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Sometimes it is used for scripture as a whole, used of the Gospel, or of any theology. It is also used for the “tradition of the elders,” which would be the oral Torah – the tradition of the laws plus their interpretations as they were passed down over time. We must carefully consider which meaning of “law” is meant when we interpret passages the word is found in.
LVIII “sin” = hamartano. Related to “sin” in v1. See note III above.
LIX “know” = eido. Same as “know” in v9. See note XL above.
LX “obedient” = hupakoe. Related to “obey” in v12. 15x in NT. From hupoakouo (see note L above). This is obedience, submissiveness – listening attentively and acting in response.
LXI “slaves” = doulos. Related to “enslaved” in v6. See note XXXVI above.

you are slaves of the one whom you obey,LXII either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience,LXIII which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanksLXIV be to God that you who were slaves of sin have become obedientLXV from the heartLXVI

Notes on verses 16b-17a

LXII “obey” = hupakouo. Same as “obey” in v12. See note L above.
LXIII “obedience” = hupakoe. Same as “obedient” in v16. See note LX above.
LXIV “thanks” = charis. Same as “grace” in v1. See note IV above.
LXV “become obedient” = hupakouo. Same as “obey” in v12. See note L above.
LXVI “heart” = kardia. Literally the heart, but figuratively mind, character, inner self, will, intention, thoughts, feelings. Also, the center of something. The word heart is only used figuratively in the Old and New Testaments. This is where “cardiac” comes from.

to the formLXVII of teachingLXVIII to which you were entrustedLXIX 

Notes on verse 17b

LXVII “form” = tupos. 16x in NT. From tupto (to strike repeatedly, wound, punish; figuratively to offend). This is a figure, model, image, impression, pattern, copy. Properly, this is a model created through much repetition so figuratively it is the proper model. It can be the impression of a stamped image, the mark of a scar, the shape of a statue. Figuratively, it can refer to a style or resemblance. Used specially, it is a model as something to imitate or as a cautionary tale. This is where the word “type” comes from.
LXVIII “teaching” = didache. From didasko (to teach, direct, instruct, or impart knowledge; in the New Testament, almost always used for teaching scripture); from dao (to learn). This is teaching or doctrine.
LXIX “entrusted” = paradidomi. From para (from beside, by) + didomi (give, offer, place, bestow, deliver; give in a literal or figurative sense). This is literally to hand over – hence to deliver, abandon, or betray. It implies a personal involvement.

18 and that you, having been set freeLXX from sin, have become enslavedLXXI to righteousness. 19 I am speakingLXXII

Notes on verses 18-19a

LXX “set free” = eleutheroo. 7x in NT. From eleutheros (a free person, at liberty, not a slave; properly, unshackled – figuratively, it is one who has the freedom to choose their destiny. Also, it is one who does not have obligation or liability); probably from erchomai (to come or go). This is to liberate, set free, release from bondage. It can mean to clear someone from liability. Figuratively, it is freeing someone from bondage to sin.
LXXI “become enslaved” = douloo. Related to “enslaved” in v6 & “slaves” in v16. 8x in NT. From doulos (see note XXXVI above). This is to enslave, cause something to be subject or bound. It focuses on the impact or result of being enslaved. It can be literal or figurative.
LXXII “speaking” = lego. Related to “consider” in v11. See note XLIV above.

in human termsLXXIII because of your limitations.LXXIV, LXXV 

Notes on verse 19b

LXXIII “in human terms” = anthropinos. Related to “self” in v6. 7x in NT. From anthropos (see note XXXII above). This is human, in human terms, belonging to humans. It is used to contrast human and vine things.
LXXIV “limitations” = astheneia. From asthenes (without strength, sick, deprivation; weak in a moral or physical sense); {From a (not) + sthenes (strong, vigor); {from the base of sthenoo (to strengthen so that one can be mobile); from sthenos (strength)}}. This is weakness, frailty, illness, suffering, or calamity. It is any kind of sickness or injury that includes weakness or diminishes your ability to enjoy or accomplish what you would choose.
LXXV {untranslated} = sarx. May be from saroo (to sweep, cleanse by sweeping); from sairo (to brush off). This is flesh, the body, human nature, materiality, kindred. Flesh is not always evil in scripture (as when it refers to Jesus taking on a human body). However, it is generally used in a negative way for actions made selfishly and not through faith. This can mean animal flesh, i.e. meat, or refer to body in contrast to soul/spirit. Flesh can be a way of talking about how things or people are related or talking about human frailty (physical or moral).

For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurityLXXVI and lawlessness,LXXVII leading to even more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification.LXXVIII

Notes on verse 19c

LXXVI “impurity” = akatharsia. 10x in NT. From akathartos (unclean or impure, whether a thing or a person; something that is not mixed with something that would taint; unclean in a ritual or moral sense; also demonic or foul); {from a (not, without) + kathairo (to cleanse or purify by purging out unwanted elements); {from katharos (clean, clear, pure, unstained; clean in a literal, ritual, or spiritual sense; so, also guiltless, innocent or upright; something that is pure because it has been separated from the negative substance or aspect; spiritually clean because of God’s act of purifying)}. This is uncleanness or impurity. It can be physical, ritual, or moral.
LXXVII “lawlessness” = anomia. Related to “law” in v14. 15x in NT. From anomos (literally without law; could refer to someone who disregards authority or one who is not under the law (i.e. a Gentile); lawless, wicked, or a transgressor); {from a (not, without) + nomos (see note LVII above)}. This is lawlessness, disobedience, without law, violation. It is disregarding the law whether human or God’s law, including the harmful impact.
LXXVIII “sanctification” = hagiasmos. 10x in NT. From hagiazo (to make holy, consecrate, sanctify, set apart as holy, purify, venerate); from hagios (sacred, holy, set apart, different other; physically pure, morally blameless, or ceremonially set apart); from hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). This is consecration, sanctification, holiness. It is making something holy or holier, set apart, being purified.

20 When you were slaves of sin, you were freeLXXIX in regard to righteousness. 21 So what fruitLXXX did you then gainLXXXI from the things of which you now are ashamed?LXXXII

Notes on verses 20-21a

LXXIX “free” = eleutheros. Related to “set free” in v18. See note LXX above.
LXXX “fruit” = karpos. Perhaps from harpazo (to seize by force, snatch away); from haireo (to choose, take). This is a fruit or vegetable, through sometimes it refers to an animal. Figuratively, it is deeds, results, profits, or gain.
LXXXI “gain” = echo. This is to have, hold, possess.
LXXXII “are ashamed” = epaischunomai. 11x in NT. From epi (on, upon, against, what is fitting) + aischuno to dishonor, put to shame, shrink, disfigure); {from aischos (shame, disgrace, disfigurement)}. This is to be ashamed or disgraced. It is a personal humiliation or dishonor – a shame that matches an error.

The endLXXXIII of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been freedLXXXIV from sin and enslaved to God, the fruit you have leads to sanctification, and the end is eternalLXXXV life. 

Notes on verses 21b-22

LXXXIII “end” = telos. From tel– (to reach a goal or aim); This is an end, aim, purpose, completion, goal, consummation, or tax. It is completing a stage of something and everything that results from that completion. It can be literal or figurative.
LXXXIV “freed” = eleutheroo. Same as “set free” in v18. See note LXX above.
LXXXV “eternal” = aionios. From aion (an age, length of time); from the same as aei (ever, always, unceasingly, perpetually; on every occasion). This is age-long, forever, everlasting. Properly, that which lasts for an age. This is where eon comes from.

23 For the wagesLXXXVI of sin is death, but the free giftLXXXVII of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.LXXXVIII

Notes on verse 23

LXXXVI “wages” = opsonion. 4x in NT. From the same as opsarion (fish or little fish. It can also refer to a cooked sauce or salted fish served as a condiment); from opson (cooked food) OR from optos (roasted, cooked); {related to hepso (to steep)} + oneomai (to buy); {from onos (a price or sum)}. This is wages, salary, expenses, or provisions. It is purchasing food – used later of stipend for soldiers to get rations. It came to mean wages or other pay and figuratively eternal reward.
LXXXVII “free gift” = charisma. Related to “grace” in v1. 17x in NT. From charizomai (to show favor, kindness, or grace, to pardon, forgive); from charis (see note IV above). This is grace, undeserved favor, a free gift, or a spiritual gift. It is the working of grace, some spiritual gift or religious qualification. It could be some kind of miraculous endowment.
LXXXVIII “Lord” = Kurios. Related to “has dominion over” in v9. See note XLI above.


Image credit: “The Preaching of John the Baptist” by Bible Society Australia – The Wild Bible.

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