Devine Scripture

Romans 6:17

What does Romans 6:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 6:17 means

Paul breaks into thanksgiving because a real change has occurred. The Roman believers, once slaves of sin, became obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching they received. The gospel is not only believed; it is obeyed, shaping life. “From the heart” signals sincerity and new affection, not mere external compliance. The “form of teaching” likely refers to the apostolic message that molds believers into Christ’s likeness. This verse credits God for the transformation—thanks be to God—while highlighting the believer’s response. Grace does not bypass the will; it renews it. The result is a transfer of ownership and a new direction of life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But praise be to God that though you were the servants of sin, you have now given yourselves freely to that form of teaching under which you were placed;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and thanks to God, that ye were servants of the sin, and--were obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which ye were delivered up;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But thanks be to God, that you were the servants of sin but have obeyed from the heart unto that form of doctrine into which you have been delivered.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thanks [be] toGod, that ye were bondmen of sin, but have obeyed from the heart the form of teaching into which ye were instructed.

Context

After setting out the two-master principle (verse 16), Paul points to the Romans’ own experience as proof that grace creates obedience. Verse 17 celebrates their heartfelt submission to the apostolic teaching. Verse 18 will state the consequence: freedom from sin and new servitude to righteousness. Verse 19 then urges them to press on in that path, aiming at sanctification. The flow shows that the gospel both changes status and produces a new way of living.

v.16Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

v.17This passage

v.18and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 5:9

    and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;

  • Acts 11:18

    And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

  • Romans 15:18

    For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

  • Romans 16:26

    but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9

    For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

  • 1 Chronicles 29:12

    Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou rulest over all; and in thy hand is power and might; and in thy hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

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