Romans 6:18
What does Romans 6:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 6:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 6:18 means
Here is the result of God’s work and their heartfelt obedience: having been set free from sin, they became slaves of righteousness. Freedom from one master always involves service to another. Christian freedom is not license; it is liberation to serve what is right. “Slaves of righteousness” emphasizes total belonging—our whole selves are now claimed by what pleases God. This new servitude is life-giving, unlike the old. It reshapes desires, habits, and goals. Paul’s language is strong to stress that grace effects a decisive transfer. Believers are no longer at sin’s disposal; they are at righteousness’ disposal, walking in a new obedience empowered by union with Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And being made free from sin you have been made the servants of righteousness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having been freed from the sin, ye became servants to the righteousness.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Being then freed from sin, we have been made servants of justice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now, having got your freedom from sin, ye have become bondmen to righteousness.
Context
Verse 18 states succinctly the great exchange anticipated in verse 16 and celebrated in verse 17. It affirms both release from sin’s power and the positive yoke of righteousness. Verse 19 will acknowledge Paul’s use of human terms and apply the metaphor pastorally, urging believers to offer their members for righteousness leading to sanctification. Verses 20–23 will contrast the fruit and end of the two slaveries—shame and death versus holiness and eternal life.
v.17But 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;
v.18This passage
v.19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 8:36
If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
- Isaiah 26:13
O Jehovah our God, other lords besides thee have had dominion over us; but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
- Luke 1:74
To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear,
- John 8:32
and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
- Psalms 116:16
O Jehovah, truly I am thy servant: I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid; Thou hast loosed my bonds.
- Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life.
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