What does Romans 6:16 mean?

Explanation

Romans 6:16 is a verse that communicates an essential principle about moral and spiritual servitude and consequence.

When the Apostle Paul says, "Know ye not," he is calling for the reader’s attention to consider a commonly understood concept.

He equates yielding oneself to someone as becoming a servant to the one whom they obey.

The idea of 'yielding' here implies a voluntary submission or surrendering of oneself.

The verse presents a stark binary choice, suggesting two opposing masters: sin and obedience. Serving sin leads to death, symbolizing spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

In contrast, obedience leads to righteousness, suggesting a right-standing and harmonious relationship with God. Paul is emphasizing that an individual's choice of whom to serve ultimately defines their destiny, both in this life and the life to come.

Historical Context

Romans 6:16 was written by Paul, likely around A.D. 57, when he was in Corinth.

The book of Romans is a letter directed to the Christian church in Rome, a city with a complex social structure and various religious beliefs.

Paul addresses Jewish and Gentile Christians, offering theological explanations and practical instructions for living a godly life.

His teachings often tackled issues relating to both Jews and Gentiles, including the law, sin, grace, and salvation.

Historically, the concept of servitude was common in the Roman Empire. Slavery was an integral part of society, and therefore the analogy of a servant (slave) and a master used by Paul would be very familiar to his readers.

Theological Insights

This verse resonates with key theological themes within Christian doctrine, such as:

• Sin and Death: This reflects the Pauline perspective that sin results in death, not just physical death but spiritual death, which can be seen as eternal separation from God.

• Obedience and Righteousness: Paul contrasts the outcome of sin with the outcome of obedience. Obedience to God is associated with righteousness, which is the condition of being in right relationship with God.

• Free Will and Servitude: The voluntary nature of 'yielding' suggests human free will, aligning with the Christian view that individuals have the freedom to choose whom they will serve.

• Sanctification: The verse can also be linked to the concept of sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ and being set apart from sin.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Romans 6:16 can be applied to daily life as a reminder to evaluate one's actions and allegiances.

It encourages individuals to be mindful of their choices and the consequences they bring.

For Christians, this could translate into making a conscious effort to resist sinful behaviors and to live in a way that reflects their commitment to righteousness.

Cross-References

• John 8:34: Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
• Romans 6:20: "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness."
• 2 Peter 2:19: "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage."
• Joshua 24:15: "...choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Language Study

• Servants (δοῦλοι - douloi): In Greek, the term refers to a slave or one who gives himself up to another’s will.

The term denotes a lack of freedom and personal autonomous decision-making.

• Yield (παριστάνετε - paristanete): The Greek term could be translated as 'present,' and here it suggests a conscious decision to offer oneself for service.
• Obey (ὑπακούετε - hypakouete): It refers to listening to or heeding a command or authority.

In this context, it emphasizes the act of following the will of the master one chooses.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, servitude and slavery were also common, and masters and slaves had well-defined social roles.

However, Paul reinterprets this common societal structure into a spiritual metaphor, contrasting the biblical view of servitude with the societal acceptance of slavery without questioning it.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might not directly apply to interpreting this particular verse.

However, in terms of understanding human behavior, modern psychology often discusses the concept of conditioning and the power of habit. This can be seen as a kind of 'servitude' to behaviors that can either be beneficial (leading to positive outcomes) or harmful (leading to negative consequences).

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry comments that being a servant signifies an ongoing state of willful commitment and that sin's service will end in the most dire of consequences.
• John Wesley emphasizes the binary choice and the results of service, noting that service to righteousness is compatible with true freedom.
• John Gill reflects on the legal implications of the language, suggesting that being made a servant is akin to being under the dominion or government of the one obeyed.

Expert commentary on Romans 6:16 generally underscores the deep consequences of moral and spiritual allegiance, and the profound transformation that occurs in a person when they choose to serve God in obedience.