The Meaning of Romans 6:2 Explained

Romans 6:2

KJV: God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

YLT: let it not be! we who died to the sin -- how shall we still live in it?

Darby: Far be the thought. We who have died to sin, how shall we still live in it?

ASV: God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

God forbid.  How  shall we, that  are dead  to sin,  live  any longer  therein? 

What does Romans 6:2 Mean?

Study Notes

sin
Sin.
sinned
Sin, Summary: The literal meanings of the Heb. and (Greek - ἀλεκτοροφωνία sin," "sinner," etc)., disclose the true nature of sin in its manifold manifestations. Sin is transgression, an overstepping of the law, the divine boundary between good and evil Psalms 51:1 ; Luke 15:29 , iniquity, an act inherently wrong, whether expressly forbidden or not; error, a departure from right; Psalms 51:9 ; Romans 3:23 , missing the mark, a failure to meet the divine standard; trespass, the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority Ephesians 2:1 , lawlessness, or spiritual anarchy 1 Timothy 1:9 , unbelief, or an insult to the divine veracity John 16:9 .
Sin originated with Satan Isaiah 14:12-14 , entered the world through Adam Romans 5:12 , was, and is, universal, Christ alone excepted; Romans 3:23 ; 1 Peter 2:22 , incurs the penalties of spiritual and physical death; Genesis 2:17 ; Genesis 3:19 ; Ezekiel 18:4 ; Ezekiel 18:20 ; Romans 6:23 and has no remedy but in the sacrificial death of Christ; Hebrews 9:26 ; Acts 4:12 availed of by faith Acts 13:38 ; Acts 13:39 . Sin may be summarized as threefold: An act, the violation of, or want of obedience to the revealed will of God; a state, absence of righteousness; a nature, enmity toward God.

Verse Meaning

This is definitely not a proper conclusion (cf. Romans 3:8). It is illogical that those who have died in relation to sin should continue to live in sin. Paul personified sin and described it as have a ruling power or realm. We died to sin when we experienced conversion.
"How despicable it would be for a son or a daughter to consider himself or herself free to sin, because he or she knew that a father or a mother would forgive." [1]
Note that Paul did not say that it is impossible to live in sin or that sin is dead to the Christian (i.e, that it no longer appeals to us). He meant it is unnecessary and undesirable to live in sin, to habitually practice it.
For example, if a man"s wife died it would be unrealistic for him to continue living as though she were alive. Her death changed his relationship to her. He could, of course, continue to live as though she were alive, but such a man no longer must do so and should not.
It is incredible that one advocate of lordship salvation wrote the following.
"What is no-lordship theology but the teaching that those who have died to sin can indeed live in it?" [2]
This expositor caricatured those of us who believe in salvation by faith alone as "no-lordship" advocates, implying that we do not believe in the lordship of Christ. We do believe in it, but we do not believe that submitting to Jesus Christ"s mastery over every area of our lives, or even being willing to do Song of Solomon , is a biblical condition for obtaining justification (cf. Romans 6:23; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; et al.). Romans 6:13; Romans 12:1-2 are three of the clearest verses in the Bible that submission to the lordship of Christ is the duty of every Christian. It is not optional or unimportant, but it is a command addressed to Christians, not unbelievers.

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 6:2

Died to sin [απετανομεν τηι αμαρτιαι]
Second aorist active of αποτνησκω — apothnēskō and the dative case. When we surrendered to Christ and took him as Lord and Saviour. Qualitative relative (οιτινες — hoitines we the very ones who). [source]
How [πως]
Rhetorical question. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 6:2

Luke 3:14 Wages [ὀψωνίοις]
From ὄψον ,cooked meat, and later, generallyprovisions. At Athens, especially, fish. Compare ὀψάριον ,fish, John 21:9, John 21:10, John 21:13. Hence ὀψώνιον is primarily provision-money, and so used of supplies and pay for an army. With this understanding the use of the word at Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin,” becomes highly suggestive. [source]
Luke 3:14 Be content with your wages [αρκειστε τοις οπσωνιοις υμων]
Discontent with wages was a complaint of mercenary soldiers. This word for wages was originally anything cooked Hence, “rations,” “pay,” wages. Οπσαριον — Opsarion diminutive of οπσον — opson was anything eaten with bread like broiled fish. So οπσωνιον — opsōnion comes to mean whatever is bought to be eaten with bread and then a soldier‘s pay or allowance (Polybius, and other late Greek writers) as in 1 Corinthians 9:7. Paul uses the singular of a preacher‘s pay (2 Corinthians 11:8) and the plural of the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) = death (death is the diet of sin). [source]
Luke 3:14 Do violence to no man [μηδενα διασεισητε]
Here only in the N.T., but in the lxx and common in ancient Greek. It means to shake (seismic disturbance, earthquake) thoroughly The Latin employs concutere, so. It was a process of blackmail to which Socrates refers (Xenophon, Memorabilia, ii. 9, 1). This was a constant temptation to soldiers. Might does not make right with Jesus.Neither exact anything wrongfully (μηδε συκοπαντησητε — mēde sukophantēsēte). In Athens those whose business it was to inform against any one whom they might find exporting figs out of Attica were called fig-showers or sycophants (συκοπανται — sukophantai). From συκον — sukon fig, and παινω — phainō show. Some modern scholars reject this explanation since no actual examples of the word meaning merely a fig-shower have been found. But without this view it is all conjectural. From the time of Aristophanes on it was used for any malignant informer or calumniator. These soldiers were tempted to obtain money by informing against the rich, blackmail again. So the word comes to mean to accuse falsely. The sycophants came to be a regular class of informers or slanderers in Athens. Socrates is quoted by Xenophon as actually advising Crito to employ one in self-defence, like the modern way of using one gunman against another. Demosthenes pictures a sycophant as one who “glides about the market like a scorpion, with his venomous sting all ready, spying out whom he may surprise with misfortune and ruin and from whom he can most easily extort money, by threatening him with an action dangerous in its consequences” (quoted by Vincent). The word occurs only in Luke in the N.T., here and in Luke 19:8 in the confession of Zaccheus. It occurs in the lxx and often in the old Greek.Be content with your wages Discontent with wages was a complaint of mercenary soldiers. This word for wages was originally anything cooked Hence, “rations,” “pay,” wages. Οπσαριον — Opsarion diminutive of οπσον — opson was anything eaten with bread like broiled fish. So οπσωνιον — opsōnion comes to mean whatever is bought to be eaten with bread and then a soldier‘s pay or allowance (Polybius, and other late Greek writers) as in 1 Corinthians 9:7. Paul uses the singular of a preacher‘s pay (2 Corinthians 11:8) and the plural of the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) = death (death is the diet of sin). [source]
John 8:34 Of sin []
A few authorities omit, and read whosoever committeth sin is a bond-servant. Compare Romans 6:17, Romans 6:20. [source]
John 8:34 Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin [πας ο ποιων την αμαρτιαν δουλος εστιν της αμαρτιασ]
The Western class omits της αμαρτιας — tēs hamartias (sin), but that is the idea anyhow. Note the use of ποιων — poiōn (present active participle, continuous habit or practice), not ποιησας — poiēsas (aorist active participle for single act), precisely as in 1 John 3:4-8. Note also John 3:21 for ο ποιων την αλητειαν — ho poiōn tēn alētheian (the one who practises the truth). Sin, like the worst narcotic, is habit forming. Hence the problem today for criminologists for paroled or pardoned criminals nearly always go back to crime, sink again into sin, the slaves of sin. Xenophon has this notion of the slavery of sin (Memor. IV. 5. 3). So Paul clearly in Romans 6:17, Romans 6:20 “slaves of sin” (δουλοι της αμαρτιας — douloi tēs hamartias). [source]
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 6:3 So many as [ὅσοι]
Rev., all we who. Put differently from we that ( οἵτινες , Romans 6:2) as not characterizing but designating all collectively. [source]
Romans 6:19 Holiness [ἁγιασμόν]
Rev., sanctification. For the kindred adjective ἅγιος holysee on saints, Acts 26:10. Ἁγιασμός is used in the New Testament both of a process - the inauguration and maintenance of the life of fellowship with God, and of the resultant state of sanctification. See 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 12:14. It is difficult to determine which is meant here. The passages in Thessalonians, Timothy, and Hebrews, are cited by interpreters on both sides. As in Romans 6:22it appears that sanctification contemplates a further result (everlasting life), it is perhaps better to understand it as the process. Yield your members to righteousness in order to carry on the progressive work of sanctification, perfecting holiness (1 Corinthians 7:1). [source]
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed [δικαιοσύνη γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀυτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται]
Rev., more correctly, therein is revealed a righteousness of God. The absence of the article denotes that a peculiar kind of righteousness is meant. This statement contains the subject of the epistle: Righteousness is by faith. The subject is not stated formally nor independently, but as a proof that the Gospel is a power, etc. This word δικαιοσύνη righteousnessand its kindred words δίκαιος righteousand δικαιόω tomake righteous, play so important a part in this epistle that it is desirable to fix their meaning as accurately as possible. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Classical Usage. In the Greek classics there appears an eternal, divine, unwritten principle of right, dwelling in the human consciousness, shaping both the physical and the moral ordering of the world, and personified as Themis ( Θέμις ). This word is used as a common noun in the phrase θέμις ἐστὶ itis right (fundamentally and eternally), like the Latin fas est. Thus Homer, of Penelope mourning for Ulysses, θέμις ἐστὶ γυναικός itis the sacred obligation of the wife (founded in her natural relation to her husband, ordained of heaven) to mourn (“Odyssey,” 14,130). So Antigone appeals to the unwritten law against the barbarity of refusing burial to her brother.“Nor did I deem thy edicts strong enough,That thou, a mortal man, shouldst overpass The unwritten laws of God that know not change.”Sophocles, “Antigone,” 453-455.See, also, “Odyssey,” 14,91; Aristophanes, “Clouds,” 140; “Antigone,” 880. This divine ordering requires that men should be shown or pointed to that which is according to it - a definite circle of duties and obligations which constitute right ( δίκη ). Thus what is δίκαιος righteousis properly the expression of the eternal Themis. While δίκη and θέμις are not to be distinguished as human and divine, δίκη has a more distinctively human, personal character, and comes into sharper definition. It introduces the distinction between absolute right and power. It imposes the recognition of a moral principle over against an absolutely constraining natural force. The conception of δίκη is strongly moral. Δίκαιος is right; δικαιοσύνη is rightness as characterizing the entire being of man. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
There is a religious background to the pagan conception. In the Homeric poems morality stands in a relation, loose and undeveloped indeed, but none the less real, to religion. This appears in the use of the oath in compacts; in the fear of the wrath of heaven for omission of sacrifices; in regarding refusal of hospitality as an offense against Zeus, the patron of strangers and suppliants. Certain tribes which are fierce and uncivilized are nevertheless described as δίκαιοι righteous“The characteristic stand-point of the Homeric ethics is that the spheres of law, of morals, and of religion are by no means separate, but lie side by side in undeveloped unity.” (Nagelsbach). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In later Greek literature this conception advances, in some instances, far toward the christian ideal; as in the fourth book of Plato's “Laws,” where he asserts that God holds in His hand the beginning, middle, and end of all things; that justice always follows Him, and punishes those who fall short of His laws. Those who would be dear to God must be like Him. Without holiness no man is accepted of God. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Nevertheless, however clearly the religious background and sanction of morality may be recognized, it is apparent that the basis of right is found, very largely, in established social usage. The word ethics points first to what is established by custom. While with Mr. Grote we must admit the peculiar emphasis on the individual in the Homeric poems, we cannot help observing a certain influence of social sentiment on morals. While there are cases like the suitors, Paris and Helen, where public opinion imposes no moral check, there are others where the force of public opinion is clearly visible, such as Penelope and Nausicaa. The Homeric view of homicide reveals no relation between moral sentiment and divine enactment. Murder is a breach of social law, a private and civil wrong, entailing no loss of character. Its penalty is a satisfaction to the feelings of friends, or a compensation for lost services. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Later, we find this social aspect of morality even more strongly emphasized. “The city becomes the central and paramount source of obligation. The great, impersonal authority called 'the Laws' stands out separately, both as guide and sanction, distinct from religious duty or private sympathy” (Grote). Socrates is charged with impiety because he does not believe in the gods of the state, and Socrates himself agrees that that man does right who obeys what the citizens have agreed should be done, and who refrains from what they forbid. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The social basis of righteousness also appears in the frequent contrast between δίκη and βία , right and force. A violation of right is that which forces its way over the social sanction. The social conception of δίκαιος is not lost, even when the idea is so apprehended as to border on the christian love of one's neighbor. There is a wrong toward the gods, but every wrong is not in itself such. The inner, personal relation to deity, the absolute and constraining appeal of divine character and law to conscience, the view of duty as one's right, and of personal right as something to be surrendered to the paramount claim of love - all these elements which distinguish the christian conception of righteousness - are thus in sharp contrast with a righteousness dictated by social claims which limit the individual desire or preference, but which leave untouched the tenacity of personal right, and place obligation behind legitimacy. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It is desirable that the classical usage of these terms should be understood, in order to throw into sharper relief the Biblical usage, according to which God is the absolute and final standard of right, and every wrong is a sin against God (Psalm 51:4). Each man stands in direct and primary relation to the holy God as He is by the law of His own nature. Righteousness is union with God in character. To the Greek mind of the legendary age such a conception is both strange and essentially impossible, since the Greek divinity is only the Greek man exaggerated in his virtues and vices alike. According to the christian ideal, righteousness is character, and the norm of character is likeness to God. This idea includes all the social aspects of right. Love and duty toward God involve love and duty to the neighbor. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Here must be noted a peculiar usage of δίκαιος righteousand δικαιοσύνη righteousnessin the Septuagint. They are at times interchanged with ἐλεημοσύνη mercyand ἔλεος kindnessThe Hebrew chesed kindness, though usually rendered by ἔλεος , is nine times translated by δικαιοσύνη righteousnessand once by δίκαιος righteousThe Hebrew tsedakah usually rendered by δικαιοσύνη , is nine times translated by ἐλεημοσύνη mercyand three times by ἔλεος kindnessCompare the Heb. and Sept. at Deuteronomy 6:25; Deuteronomy 24:13(15); Genesis 19:19; Genesis 24:27. This usage throws light on the reading δικαιοσύνην , Rev., righteousness (kindness? ), instead of ἐλεημοσύνην mercyA.V., alms, Matthew 6:1. Mr. Hatch (“Essays in Biblical Greek”) says that the meaning kindness is so clear in this passage that scribes, who were unaware of its existence, altered the text. He also thinks that this meaning gives a better sense than any other to Matthew 1:19“Joseph, being a kindly ( δίκαιος , A.V., just ) man.”-DIVIDER-
1. In the New Testament δίκαιος is used both of God and of Christ. Of God, 1 John 1:9; John 17:25; Revelation 16:5; Romans 3:26. Of Christ, 1 John 2:1; 1 John 3:7; Acts 3:14; Acts 7:52; Acts 22:14. In these passages the word characterizes God and Christ either in their essential quality or in their action; either as righteous according to the eternal norm of divine holiness (John 17:25; 1 John 3:7; Romans 3:26), or as holiness passes into righteous dealing with men (1 John 1:9). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Δίκαιος is used of men, denoting their normal relation to the will and judgment of God. Hence it means virtuous, upright, pure in life, correct in thinking and feeling. It stands opposed to ἀνομία lawlessness ἁμαρτία sin ἀκαθαρσία impuritya contrast wanting in classical usage, where the conception of sin is vague. See Romans 6:13, Romans 6:16, Romans 6:18, Romans 6:20; Romans 8:10; 2 Corinthians 6:7, 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:9; Ephesians 6:14; Philemon 1:11; James 3:18. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Where δικαιοσύνη righteousnessis joined with ὁσιότης holiness(Luke 1:75; Ephesians 4:24), it denotes right conduct toward men, as holiness denotes piety toward God. It appears in the wider sense of answering to the demands of God in general, Matthew 13:17; Matthew 10:41; Matthew 23:29; Acts 10:22, Acts 10:35; and in the narrower sense of perfectly answering the divine demands, guiltless. So of Christ, Acts 3:14; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:1. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
3. It is found in the classical sense of it is right, Philemon 1:7, or that which is right, Colossians 4:1. This, however, is included within the Christian conception. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Δικαιοσύνη righteousnessis therefore that which fulfills the claims of δίκη right“It is the state commanded by God and standing the test of His judgment; the character and acts of a man approved of Him, in virtue of which the man corresponds with Him and His will as His ideal and standard” (Cremer). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The medium of this righteousness is faith. Faith is said to be counted or reckoned for righteousness; i.e., righteousness is ascribed to it or recognized in it. Romans 4:3, Romans 4:6, Romans 4:9, Romans 4:22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In this verse the righteousness revealed in the Gospel is described as a righteousness of God. This does not mean righteousness as an attribute of God, as in Romans 3:5; but righteousness as bestowed on man by God. The state of the justified man is due to God. The righteousness which becomes his is that which God declares to be righteousness and ascribes to him. Righteousness thus expresses the relation of being right into which God puts the man who believes. See further, on justified, Romans 2:13.Is revealed ( ἀποκαλύπτεται )Emphasizing the peculiar sense in which “righteousness” is used here. Righteousness as an attribute of God was revealed before the Gospel. Righteousness in this sense is a matter of special revelation through the Gospel. The present tense describes the Gospel in its continuous proclamation: is being revealed.From faith to faith ( ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν )Rev., by faith unto faith. According to the A.V. the idea is that of progress in faith itself; either from Old to New Testament faith, or, in the individual, from a lower to a higher degree of faith; and this idea, I think, must be held here, although it is true that it is introduced secondarily, since Paul is dealing principally with the truth that righteousness is by faith. We may rightly say that the revealed righteousness of God is unto faith, in the sense of with a view to produce faith; but we may also say that faith is a progressive principle; that the aim of God's justifying righteousness is life, and that the just lives by his faith (Galatians 2:20), and enters into “more abundant” life with the development of his faith. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 6:19; and the phrase, justification of life, Romans 5:18.sa40 [source]

Romans 1:13 Have some fruit [τινὰ καρπὸν σχῶ]
For the phrase, compare Romans 6:22. A metaphorical statement of what is stated literally in Romans 1:11. Not equivalent to bear fruit, but to gather as a harvest. Compare John 4:36; Philemon 1:22; Colossians 1:6. Fruit is a favorite metaphor with Paul. He uses it in both a good and a bad sense. See Romans 7:4, Romans 7:5; Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22. [source]
Romans 1:11 Some spiritual gift [τι χάρισμα]
Note the modesty in some. Χάρισμα is a gift of grace ( χάρις ) a favor received without merit on the recipient's part. Paul uses it both in this ordinary sense (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 6:23), and in a special, technical sense, denoting extraordinary powers bestowed upon individuals by the Holy Spirit, such as gifts of healing, speaking with tongues, prophecy, etc. See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Peter 4:10. In 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, it is used of the sum of the powers requisite for the discharge of the office of an evangelist. [source]
Romans 6:6 Was crucified with him [συνεσταυρωτη]
See note on Galatians 2:20 for this boldly picturesque word. This took place not at baptism, but only pictured there. It took place when “we died to sin” (Romans 6:1). The body of sin (to sōma tēs hamartias). “The body of which sin has taken possession” (Sanday and Headlam), the body marked by sin. That so we should no longer be in bondage to sin Purpose clause with το σωμα της αμαρτιας — tou and the present active infinitive of του μηκετι δουλευειν ημας τηι αμαρτιαι — douleuō continue serving sin (as slaves). Adds “slavery” to living in sin (Romans 6:2). [source]
Romans 6:6 That so we should no longer be in bondage to sin [tou mēketi douleuein hēmas tēi hamartiāi)]
Purpose clause with το σωμα της αμαρτιας — tou and the present active infinitive of του μηκετι δουλευειν ημας τηι αμαρτιαι — douleuō continue serving sin (as slaves). Adds “slavery” to living in sin (Romans 6:2). [source]
Romans 6:7 Is justified [δεδικαιωται]
Perfect passive indicative of δικαιοω — dikaioō stands justified, set free from, adding this great word to death and life of Romans 6:1, Romans 6:2. [source]
Romans 7:4 That we should be joined to another [εις το γενεσται ετερωι]
Purpose clause with εις το — eis to and the infinitive. First mention of the saints as wedded to Christ as their Husband occurs in 1 Corinthians 6:13; Galatians 4:26. See further Ephesians 5:22-33. That we might bring forth fruit unto God (ινα καρποπορησωμεν τωι τεωι — hina karpophorēsōmen tōi theōi). He changes the metaphor to that of the tree used in Romans 6:22. [source]
Romans 7:4 That we might bring forth fruit unto God [ινα καρποπορησωμεν τωι τεωι]
He changes the metaphor to that of the tree used in Romans 6:22. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:7 Charges [ὀψωνίοις]
See on Luke 3:14, and compare Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 11:8. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:16 Besides [λοιπον]
Accusative of general reference, “as for anything else.” Added to make clear that he is not meaning to omit any one who deserves mention. See also 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 2 Timothy 4:8. Ellicott insists on a sharp distinction from το λοιπον — to loipon “as for the rest” (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Philemon 3:1; Philemon 4:8; Ephesians 6:10). Paul casts no reflection on baptism, for he could not with his conception of it as the picture of the new life in Christ (Romans 6:2-6), but he clearly denies here that he considers baptism essential to the remission of sin or the means of obtaining forgiveness. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:13 Were we all baptized into one body [ημεις παντες εις εν σωμα εβαπτιστημεν]
First aorist passive indicative of βαπτιζω — baptizō and so a reference to a definite past event with each of them of different races, nations, classes, when each of them put on the outward badge of service to Christ, the symbol of the inward changes already wrought in them by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:2.). [source]
1 Corinthians 7:22 The Lord‘s freedman [απελευτερος Κυριου]
Απελευτερος — Apeleutheros is an old word for a manumitted slave, ελευτερος — eleutheros from ερχομαι — erchomai to go and so go free, απ — aṗ from bondage. Christ is now the owner of the Christian and Paul rejoices to call himself Christ‘s slave But Christ set us free from sin by paying the ransom Christ is thus the patronus of the libertus who owes everything to his patronus. He is no longer the slave of sin (Romans 6:6, Romans 6:18), but a slave to God (Romans 6:22). [source]
1 Corinthians 9:7 At his own charges [ιδιοις οπσωνιοις]
This late word οπσωνιον — opsōnion (from οπσον — opson cooked meat or relish with bread, and ωνεομαι — ōneomai to buy) found in Menander, Polybius, and very common in papyri and inscriptions in the sense of rations or food, then for the soldiers‘ wages (often provisions) or the pay of any workman. So of the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). Paul uses λαβων οπσωνιον — labōn opsōnion (receiving wages, the regular idiom) in 2 Corinthians 11:8. See Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary; Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 148, 266; Light from the Ancient East, p. 168. To give proof of his right to receive pay for preaching Paul uses the illustrations of the soldier (1 Corinthians 9:7), the husbandman (1 Corinthians 9:7), the shepherd (1 Corinthians 9:7), the ox treading out the grain (1 Corinthians 9:8), the ploughman (1 Corinthians 9:10), the priests in the temple (1 Corinthians 9:13), proof enough in all conscience, and yet not enough for some churches who even today starve their pastors in the name of piety. Who planteth a vineyard? (τις πυτευει αμπελωνα — tis phuteuei ampelōna̱). Αμπελων — Ampelōn no earlier than Diodorus, but in lxx and in papyri. Place of vines (αμπελος — ampelos), meaning of ending ων — ̇ōn Who feedeth a flock? Cognate accusative, both old words. Paul likens the pastor to a soldier, vinedresser, shepherd. He contends with the world, he plants churches, he exercises a shepherd‘s care over them (Vincent). [source]
2 Corinthians 11:8 Wages [ὀψώνιον]
See on Romans 6:23. [source]
2 Corinthians 11:8 Taking wages [λαβων οπσωνιον]
For οπσωνιον — opsōnion see note on 1 Corinthians 9:7; note on Romans 6:23. He got his “rations” from other churches, not from Corinth while there. [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 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit [ὁ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματος]
The phrase N.T.oFruit, metaphorical, frequent in N.T., as Matthew 3:8; Matthew 7:16; John 4:36; John 15:8; Romans 1:13; Romans 6:21, etc. We find fruit of light (Ephesians 5:9); of righteousness (Philemon 1:11); of labor (Philemon 1:22); of the lips (Hebrews 13:15). Almost always of a good result. [source]
Ephesians 5:11 Unfruitful works [ἔργοις τοῖς ἀκάρποις]
Compare fruit, Ephesians 5:9, and Galatians 5:19, Galatians 5:22, works of the flesh, fruit of the Spirit. Works which bring no blessing with them. Compare Romans 6:21; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:21; Galatians 6:8. [source]
Colossians 3:1 Be risen [συνηγέρθητε]
Rev., correctly, were raised. See Colossians 2:12. In their baptism in which they died (Colossians 2:20). Compare Romans 6:2sqq. [source]
Colossians 2:12 Through the faith of the operation of God []
Not the faith which God works, but your faith in God's working: faith in God's energy as displayed in Christ's resurrection. Hence the emphasis which is laid on faith in the resurrection. See 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4(note); Romans 10:9; Ephesians 1:19. Colossians 2:11, Colossians 2:12should be compared with Romans 6:2-6. [source]
Colossians 3:3 For ye died [απετανετε γαρ]
Definite event, aorist active indicative, died to sin (Romans 6:2). [source]
1 Timothy 1:5 The end [το τελος]
See Romans 6:21; Romans 10:4 for τελος — telos (the good aimed at, reached, result, end). [source]
2 Timothy 1:1 Of life which is in Christ Jesus []
The phrase promise of life only here and 1 Timothy 4:8. oP. Life in Christ is a Pauline thought. See Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Romans 6:2-14; Galatians 2:19, Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4; Philemon 1:21. It is also a Johannine thought; see John 1:4; John 3:15; John 6:25; John 14:6; 1 John 5:11. [source]
2 Timothy 1:6 The gift of God [το χαρισμα του τεου]
See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God. [source]
2 Timothy 1:8 Be not ashamed of [μη επαισχυντηις]
First aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive (in prohibition) of επαισχυνομαι — epaischunomai old word, to be ashamed. Again in 2 Timothy 1:16 without augment See Romans 1:16; Romans 6:21. “Do not become ashamed” (as he had not). [source]
2 Timothy 1:6 I put thee in remembrance [αναμιμνησκω]
Old compound to remind (1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 7:15). That thou stir up (σε αναζωπυρειν — se anazōpurein). Present active infinitive of αναζωπυρεω — anazōpureō old double compound (ανα — ana and ζωπυρον — zōpuron live coal, ζωος — zōos and πυρ — pur then the bellows for kindling), to rekindle, to stir into flame, to keep blazing (continuous action, present time), only here in N.T. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:19 for the figure of fire concerning the Holy Spirit. See αναπτω — anaptō in Luke 12:49. The gift of God See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God. [source]
Hebrews 3:14 Unto the end [μέχρι τέλους]
Better, the consummation. It is more than mere termination. It is the point into which the whole life of faith finally gathers itself up. See Romans 6:21; 2 Corinthians 11:15; Philemon 3:19; Hebrews 6:8; 1 Peter 1:9. [source]
James 1:15 Bringeth forth death [αποκυει τανατον]
Late compound A medical word (Ropes) rather than a literary one like τικτω — tiktō The child of lust is sin, of sin is death, powerful figure of abortion. The child is dead at birth. For death as the fruit of sin see Romans 6:21-23; Romans 8:6. “The birth of death follows of necessity when one sin is fully formed” (Hort). [source]
James 1:15 The lust [η επιτυμια]
Note article, the lust (James 1:14) which one has.When it hath conceived (συλλαβουσα — sullabousa). Second aorist active participle of συλλαμβανω — sullambanō old word to grasp together, in hostile sense (Acts 26:21), in friendly sense of help (Philemon 4:3), in technical sense of a woman taking a man‘s seed in conception (Luke 1:24), here also of lust (as a woman), “having conceived.” The will yields to lust and conception takes place.Beareth sin Present active indicative of τικτω — tiktō to bring forth as a mother or fruit from seed, old verb, often in N.T., here only in James. Sin is the union of the will with lust. See Psalm 7:14 for this same metaphor.The sin (η αμαρτια — hē hamartia). The article refers to αμαρτια — hamartia just mentioned.When it is full-grown First aorist passive participle of αποτελεω — apoteleō old compound verb with perfective use of απο — apo in N.T. only here and Luke 13:32. It does not mean “full-grown” like τελειοω — teleioō but rather completeness of parts or functions as opposed to rudimentary state (Hort) like the winged insect in contrast with the chrysalis or grub (Plato). The sin at birth is fully equipped for its career (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:5).Bringeth forth death (αποκυει τανατον — apokuei thanaton). Late compound (κυεω — kueō to be pregnant, perfective use of απο — apo) to give birth to, of animals and women, for normal birth (papyrus example) and abnormal birth (Hort). A medical word (Ropes) rather than a literary one like τικτω — tiktō The child of lust is sin, of sin is death, powerful figure of abortion. The child is dead at birth. For death as the fruit of sin see Romans 6:21-23; Romans 8:6. “The birth of death follows of necessity when one sin is fully formed” (Hort). [source]
James 1:15 Beareth sin [τικτει αμαρτιαν]
Present active indicative of τικτω — tiktō to bring forth as a mother or fruit from seed, old verb, often in N.T., here only in James. Sin is the union of the will with lust. See Psalm 7:14 for this same metaphor.The sin (η αμαρτια — hē hamartia). The article refers to αμαρτια — hamartia just mentioned.When it is full-grown First aorist passive participle of αποτελεω — apoteleō old compound verb with perfective use of απο — apo in N.T. only here and Luke 13:32. It does not mean “full-grown” like τελειοω — teleioō but rather completeness of parts or functions as opposed to rudimentary state (Hort) like the winged insect in contrast with the chrysalis or grub (Plato). The sin at birth is fully equipped for its career (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:5).Bringeth forth death (αποκυει τανατον — apokuei thanaton). Late compound (κυεω — kueō to be pregnant, perfective use of απο — apo) to give birth to, of animals and women, for normal birth (papyrus example) and abnormal birth (Hort). A medical word (Ropes) rather than a literary one like τικτω — tiktō The child of lust is sin, of sin is death, powerful figure of abortion. The child is dead at birth. For death as the fruit of sin see Romans 6:21-23; Romans 8:6. “The birth of death follows of necessity when one sin is fully formed” (Hort). [source]
James 1:15 When it is full-grown [αποτελεστεισα]
First aorist passive participle of αποτελεω — apoteleō old compound verb with perfective use of απο — apo in N.T. only here and Luke 13:32. It does not mean “full-grown” like τελειοω — teleioō but rather completeness of parts or functions as opposed to rudimentary state (Hort) like the winged insect in contrast with the chrysalis or grub (Plato). The sin at birth is fully equipped for its career (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:5).Bringeth forth death (αποκυει τανατον — apokuei thanaton). Late compound (κυεω — kueō to be pregnant, perfective use of απο — apo) to give birth to, of animals and women, for normal birth (papyrus example) and abnormal birth (Hort). A medical word (Ropes) rather than a literary one like τικτω — tiktō The child of lust is sin, of sin is death, powerful figure of abortion. The child is dead at birth. For death as the fruit of sin see Romans 6:21-23; Romans 8:6. “The birth of death follows of necessity when one sin is fully formed” (Hort). [source]
1 Peter 2:16 And not using your freedom [και μη εχοντες την ελευτεριαν]
“And not holding your liberty” (present active participle of εχω — echō with usual negative μη — mē with participle.For a cloke of wickedness (ως επικαλυμμα της κακιας — hōs epikalumma tēs kakias). Επικαλυμμα — Epikalumma (from επικαλυπτω — epikaluptō Romans 4:7) is a rare word (Aristotle, lxx) for veil, here only in N.T. and in figurative sense for pretext to do wickedness under, a thing, alas, that sometimes happens.But as bondservants of God Paul‘s proud title. There is no such thing as absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy. Cf. Romans 6:22 “enslaved to God.” [source]
1 Peter 2:16 But as bondservants of God [αλλ ως τεου δουλοι]
Paul‘s proud title. There is no such thing as absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy. Cf. Romans 6:22 “enslaved to God.” [source]
1 Peter 2:24 Bare our sins [ανηνεγκεν τας αμαρτιας ημων]
Second aorist active indicative of αναπερω — anapherō common verb of bringing sacrifice to the altar. Combination here of Isaiah 53:12; Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus is the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28). For Christ‘s body Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23).Having died unto sins Second aorist middle participle of απογινομαι — apoginomai old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T.That we might live unto righteousness (ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν — hina tēi dikaiosunēi zēsōmen). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω — zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.).By whose stripes ye were healed From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of ιαομαι — iaomai common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of μωλωπς — mōlōps rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter‘s word is effective. [source]
1 Peter 2:24 Having died unto sins [ταις αμαρτιαις απογενομενοι]
Second aorist middle participle of απογινομαι — apoginomai old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T.That we might live unto righteousness (ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν — hina tēi dikaiosunēi zēsōmen). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω — zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.).By whose stripes ye were healed From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of ιαομαι — iaomai common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of μωλωπς — mōlōps rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter‘s word is effective. [source]
1 Peter 2:24 That we might live unto righteousness [ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω — zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.). [source]
1 Peter 3:21 Doth now save you [υμας νυν σωζει]
Simplex verb The saving by baptism which Peter here mentions is only symbolic (a metaphor or picture as in Romans 6:2-6), not actual as Peter hastens to explain. [source]
1 Peter 3:21 After a true likeness [αντιτυπον]
Water in baptism now as an anti-type of Noah‘s deliverance by water. For βαπτισμα — baptisma see note on Matthew 3:7. For αντιτυπον — antitupon see note on Hebrews 9:24 (only other N.T. example) where the word is used of the earthly tabernacle corresponding Simplex verb (σωζω — sōzō not the compound διασωζω — diasōzō). The saving by baptism which Peter here mentions is only symbolic (a metaphor or picture as in Romans 6:2-6), not actual as Peter hastens to explain.Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh Αποτεσις — Apothesis is old word from αποτιτημι — apotithēmi (1 Peter 2:1), in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 1:14. υπου — Rupou (genitive of ρυπος — rupos) is old word (cf. ρυπαρος — ruparos filthy, in James 2:2; Revelation 22:11), here only in N.T. (cf. Isaiah 3:3; Isaiah 4:4). Baptism, Peter explains, does not wash away the filth of the flesh either in a literal sense, as a bath for the body, or in a metaphorical sense of the filth of the soul. No ceremonies really affect the conscience (Hebrews 9:13.). Peter here expressly denies baptismal remission of sin.But the interrogation of a good conscience toward God (αλλα συνειδησεως αγατης επερωτημα εις τεον — alla suneidēseōs agathēs eperōtēma eis theon). Old word from επερωταω — eperōtaō (to question as in Mark 9:32; Matthew 16:1), here only in N.T. In ancient Greek it never means answer, but only inquiry. The inscriptions of the age of the Antonines use it of the Senate‘s approval after inquiry. That may be the sense here, that is, avowal of consecration to God after inquiry, having repented and turned to God and now making this public proclamation of that fact by means of baptism (the symbol of the previous inward change of heart). Thus taken, it matters little whether εις τεον — eis theon (toward God) be taken with επερωτημα — eperōtēma or συνειδησεως — suneidēseōs the resurrection of Jesus Christ (δι αναστασεως Ιησου Χριστου — di' anastaseōs Iēsou Christou). For baptism is a symbolic picture of the resurrection of Christ as well as of our own spiritual renewal (Romans 6:2-6). See 1 Peter 1:3 for regeneration made possible by the resurrection of Jesus. [source]
1 Peter 3:21 Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh [ου σαρκος αποτεσις ρυπου]
Αποτεσις — Apothesis is old word from αποτιτημι — apotithēmi (1 Peter 2:1), in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 1:14. υπου — Rupou (genitive of ρυπος — rupos) is old word (cf. ρυπαρος — ruparos filthy, in James 2:2; Revelation 22:11), here only in N.T. (cf. Isaiah 3:3; Isaiah 4:4). Baptism, Peter explains, does not wash away the filth of the flesh either in a literal sense, as a bath for the body, or in a metaphorical sense of the filth of the soul. No ceremonies really affect the conscience (Hebrews 9:13.). Peter here expressly denies baptismal remission of sin.But the interrogation of a good conscience toward God (αλλα συνειδησεως αγατης επερωτημα εις τεον — alla suneidēseōs agathēs eperōtēma eis theon). Old word from επερωταω — eperōtaō (to question as in Mark 9:32; Matthew 16:1), here only in N.T. In ancient Greek it never means answer, but only inquiry. The inscriptions of the age of the Antonines use it of the Senate‘s approval after inquiry. That may be the sense here, that is, avowal of consecration to God after inquiry, having repented and turned to God and now making this public proclamation of that fact by means of baptism (the symbol of the previous inward change of heart). Thus taken, it matters little whether εις τεον — eis theon (toward God) be taken with επερωτημα — eperōtēma or συνειδησεως — suneidēseōs the resurrection of Jesus Christ (δι αναστασεως Ιησου Χριστου — di' anastaseōs Iēsou Christou). For baptism is a symbolic picture of the resurrection of Christ as well as of our own spiritual renewal (Romans 6:2-6). See 1 Peter 1:3 for regeneration made possible by the resurrection of Jesus. [source]
1 Peter 3:21 But the interrogation of a good conscience toward God [αλλα συνειδησεως αγατης επερωτημα εις τεον]
Old word from επερωταω — eperōtaō (to question as in Mark 9:32; Matthew 16:1), here only in N.T. In ancient Greek it never means answer, but only inquiry. The inscriptions of the age of the Antonines use it of the Senate‘s approval after inquiry. That may be the sense here, that is, avowal of consecration to God after inquiry, having repented and turned to God and now making this public proclamation of that fact by means of baptism (the symbol of the previous inward change of heart). Thus taken, it matters little whether εις τεον — eis theon (toward God) be taken with επερωτημα — eperōtēma or συνειδησεως — suneidēseōs the resurrection of Jesus Christ For baptism is a symbolic picture of the resurrection of Christ as well as of our own spiritual renewal (Romans 6:2-6). See 1 Peter 1:3 for regeneration made possible by the resurrection of Jesus. [source]
2 Peter 2:19 Themselves bondservants [αυτοι δουλοι]
“Themselves slaves” of corruption and sin as Paul has it in Romans 6:20.Of whom (ωι — hōi). Instrumental case, but it may mean “of what.”Is overcome Perfect passive indicative of ητταω — hēttaō (from ηττων — hēttōn less) old verb, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:20; 2 Corinthians 12:13.Of the same (τουτωι — toutōi). “By this one (or thing).”Is brought into bondage Perfect passive indicative of δουλοω — douloō Like Paul again (Romans 6:16, Romans 6:18; Romans 8:21). [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 6:2 mean?

Never may it be Who we died - to sin how still shall we live in it
μὴ γένοιτο οἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ πῶς ἔτι ζήσομεν ἐν αὐτῇ

μὴ  Never 
Parse: Adverb
Root: μή 
Sense: no, not lest.
γένοιτο  may  it  be 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Optative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
ἀπεθάνομεν  we  died 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: ἀποθνῄσκω  
Sense: to die.
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.
πῶς  how 
Parse: Adverb
Root: πῶς  
Sense: how, in what way.
ἔτι  still 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἔτι  
Sense: yet, still.
ζήσομεν  shall  we  live 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: ζάω  
Sense: to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead).