The Meaning of Romans 6:11 Explained

Romans 6:11

KJV: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

YLT: so also ye, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to the sin, and living to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Darby: So also ye, reckon yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

ASV: Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Likewise  reckon  ye  also  yourselves  to be  dead  indeed  unto sin,  but  alive  unto God  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

What does Romans 6:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Since God has united us with Christ we should "consider," "count," or "reckon" ourselves as those who are not under the dominating influence of sin any longer. The verb is a present imperative in the Greek text indicating that we should definitely and constantly view ourselves this way. We must realize that we are free to enjoy our new relationship with God forever. One writer explained well how Christians should view themselves. [1]
Paul previously stressed the importance of knowing certain facts ( Romans 6:3; Romans 6:6; Romans 6:9). Now he said that we should count on their being true. We must not just understand them but believe them. He used the same Greek word (logisthesetai) here as he did in his explanation of justification ( Romans 2:26; Romans 4:3-6; Romans 4:8-11; Romans 4:22-24). God puts righteousness down on the believer"s account. Similarly we should put it down as true that our relationship to sin and death has changed. Only as we do so will we relate to temptation, sin, and death realistically. If we fail to believe that sin no longer dominates us, we will be much more vulnerable to yield to temptation, to practice sin, and to fear death. However if we believe sin does not have that power, we will be more apt to resist temptation, to stay clear of sin, and to anticipate death less fearfully. "Consider" is in the present tense in the Greek text indicating that we need to maintain a realistic view of our relationship to sin (i.e, to "keep on considering").
"The word reckon is a word for faith-in the face of appearances." [2]
In some parts of the United States, "I reckon" means "I guess." For example, "I reckon it"s going to rain this afternoon." That is not its meaning here. It means to count on something being true, to believe it.
"This is no game of "let"s pretend"; believers should consider themselves to be what God in fact has made them." [3]

Context Summary

Romans 6:1-11 - "dead Unto Sin, But Alive Unto God"
It is not sufficient merely to apprehend, however clearly, our standing in Christ; we must see to it that the doctrine issues in a holy life. Nothing is more hurtful than to hold a truth intellectually, without giving it expression in character. Many who fight for the minute points of doctrinal accuracy are careless of the great demands of Christ for a life of godlike love. Therefore, after the Apostle's massive statements of doctrine, he now turns to discuss the way of a holy life. The work of Christ for us must lead to His work in us and deliverance from the power of sin.
All who believe in Christ are reckoned as having been included in His death. They did not make atonement for sin; but they died to the life of self-will, of self-pleasing, of subjection to the world-spirit, of citizenship in the earth-sphere, and passed with Him into the life of resurrection glory. This is the significance of the rite of baptism. "Mark that seal!" cries the Apostle. "You belong to the resurrection side of death. Live in union with the risen Redeemer." [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 6

1  We may not live in sin;
2  for we are dead unto it;
3  as appears by our baptism
12  Let not sin reign anymore;
18  because we have yielded ourselves to the service of righteousness;
23  and because death is the wages of sin

Greek Commentary for Romans 6:11

Reckon ye also yourselves [και υμεις λογιζεστε]
Direct middle imperative of λογιζομαι — logizomai and complete proof that Paul does not mean that baptism makes one dead to sin and alive to God. That is a spiritual operation “in Christ Jesus” and only pictured by baptism. This is a plea to live up to the ideal of the baptized life. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 6:11

Romans 7:4 Who was raised []
An important addition, because it refers to the newness of life which issues from the rising with Christ. See Romans 6:3, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:13, Romans 6:22. [source]
Romans 6:8 Shall live with [συνζήσομεν]
Participation of the believer's sanctified life with the life of Christ rather than participation in future glory, which is not the point emphasized. Compare Romans 6:11. [source]
Romans 12:1 A living sacrifice [θυσίαν ζῶσαν]
Living, in contrast with the slain Levitical offerings. Compare Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11. “How can the body become a sacrifice? Let the eye look on no evil, and it is a sacrifice. Let the tongue utter nothing base, and it is an offering. Let the hand work no sin, and it is a holocaust. But more, this suffices not, but besides we must actively exert ourselves for good; the hand giving alms, the mouth blessing them that curse us, the ear ever at leisure for listening to God” (Chrysostom). [source]
Romans 12:1 A living sacrifice [τυσιαν ζωσαν]
In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise. [source]
Romans 12:1 By the mercies [δια των οικτιρμων]
“By means of the mercies of God” as shown in his argument and in our lives. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:3 for “the Father of mercies.” To present (παραστησαι — parastēsai). First aorist active infinitive of παριστημι — paristēmi for which verb see note on Romans 6:13, a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant. IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22), of the Christian presenting himself (Romans 6:13), of God presenting the saved (Ephesians 5:27), of Christ presenting the church (Colossians 1:28). Bodies So literally as in Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and in contrast with νους — nous (mind) in Romans 12:2. A living sacrifice (τυσιαν ζωσαν — thusian zōsan). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise. Acceptable “Well-pleasing.” See note on 2 Corinthians 5:9. Which is your reasonable service (tēn logikēn humōn latreian). “Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).” For latreia see note on Romans 9:4. την λογικην υμων λατρειαν — Logikos is from λατρεια — logos reason. The phrase means here “worship rendered by the reason (or soul).” Old word, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:2 Λογικος — to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul). [source]
Romans 12:1 Bodies [σωματα]
So literally as in Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and in contrast with νους — nous (mind) in Romans 12:2. A living sacrifice (τυσιαν ζωσαν — thusian zōsan). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise. Acceptable “Well-pleasing.” See note on 2 Corinthians 5:9. Which is your reasonable service (tēn logikēn humōn latreian). “Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).” For latreia see note on Romans 9:4. την λογικην υμων λατρειαν — Logikos is from λατρεια — logos reason. The phrase means here “worship rendered by the reason (or soul).” Old word, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:2 Λογικος — to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul). [source]
Galatians 5:24 Have crucified the flesh [τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν]
The phrase only here. Comp. Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14; Romans 6:6. The line of thought as regards death to sin is the same as in Romans 6:2-7, Romans 6:11; as regards death to the law, the same as in Romans 7:1-6. [source]
Galatians 5:18  []
d The question is, which of these two powers shall prevail. If the Spirit, then you are free men, no longer under the law. Comp. Romans 6:11, Romans 6:14. [source]
Galatians 2:19 Might live unto God [θεῷ ζήσω]
With death to the law a new principle of life entered. For the phrase, see Romans 6:10, Romans 6:11. [source]
Ephesians 2:4 Quickened us together []
Spiritually. Compare Colossians 2:13; Romans 6:11-14; Romans 8:10, Romans 8:11“What God wrought in Christ He wrought, ipso facto, in all who are united with Him” (Ellicott). [source]
Colossians 2:13 Dead [νεκροὺς]
Morally, as Ephesians href="/desk/?q=eph+1:5&sr=1">Ephesians 1:5; Romans 6:11. In your sins ( ἐν τοῖς παραπτῶμασιν ) The best texts omit ἐν inand the dative is instrumental, through or by. Rev., through your trespasses. See on Matthew 6:14. [source]
Colossians 2:13 Being dead through your trespasses [νεκρους οντας τοις παραπτωμασιν]
Moral death, of course, as in Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5. Correct text does not have εν — en but even so παραπτωμασιν — paraptōmasin (from παραπιπτω — parapiptō to fall beside or to lapse, Hebrews 6:6), a lapse or misstep as in Matthew 6:14; Romans 5:15-18; Galatians 6:1, can be still in the locative, though the instrumental makes good sense also. And the uncircumcision of your flesh (και τηι ακροβουστιαι της σαρκος υμων — kai tēi akroboustiāi tēs sarkos humōn). “Dead in your trespasses and your alienation from God, of which the uncircumcision of your flesh was a symbol” (Abbott). Clearly so, “the uncircumcision” used merely in a metaphorical sense. Did he quicken together with him First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb συνζωοποιεω — sunzōopoieō to make alive First aorist middle participle of χαρις — charizomai common verb from charis (favour, grace). Dative of the person common as in Colossians 3:13. The act of forgiving is simultaneous with the quickening, though logically antecedent. [source]
Hebrews 12:9 And live [καὶ ζήσομεν]
Have true life; not limited to the future life. Comp. John 5:26; John 6:57; 1 John 5:11; Revelation 11:11; Acts 16:28; Romans 6:11; Romans 14:8; 1 John 4:9, and see on living God, Hebrews 3:12. [source]
Hebrews 6:1 Wherefore [διο]
Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers. Let us cease to speak Second aorist active participle of απιημι — aphiēmi to leave off or behind. Of the first principles of Christ Objective genitive Χριστου — Christou (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again τα στοιχεια της αρχης των λογιων του τεου — ta stoicheia tēs archēs tōn logiōn tou theou of Hebrews 5:12. And press on Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use περωμετα — pherōmetha in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of απεντες περωμετα — aphentes pherōmetha (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance). Unto perfection Old word from τελειος — teleios mature, adults as in Hebrews 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic. Not laying again the foundation The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην — didachēn in apposition with τεμελιον — themelion may mean that there are only four included in the τεμελιον — themelion Two are qualitative genitives after τεμελιον — themelion What is meant by “dead works” There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17, James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1, Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 6:11 mean?

So also you consider yourselves to be dead indeed - to sin living however - to God in Christ Jesus
οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς λογίζεσθε ἑαυτοὺς εἶναι νεκροὺς μὲν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ζῶντας δὲ τῷ Θεῷ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

οὕτως  So 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
λογίζεσθε  consider 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: λογίζομαι  
Sense: to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over.
ἑαυτοὺς  yourselves 
Parse: Reflexive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἑαυτοῦ  
Sense: himself, herself, itself, themselves.
εἶναι  to  be 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
νεκροὺς  dead 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: νεκρός  
Sense: properly.
μὲν  indeed 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: μέν  
Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἁμαρτίᾳ  to  sin 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἁμαρτία  
Sense: equivalent to 264.
ζῶντας  living 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ζάω  
Sense: to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead).
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεῷ  to  God 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
Χριστῷ  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
Ἰησοῦ  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.