Romans Chapter 6 · Verse 15
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Original Language Analysis
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἁμαρτήσομεν,
shall we sin
G264
ἁμαρτήσομεν,
shall we sin
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 13
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
8 of 13
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 13
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
χάριν
grace
G5485
χάριν
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
11 of 13
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Paul likely faced this accusation regularly (Romans 3:8 confirms critics misrepresented his teaching). The charge that grace promotes licentiousness has persisted throughout church history, often arising when the gospel is preached clearly. Jewish critics saw Paul's law-free gospel as undermining moral foundations. The tension between law and grace was central to first-century Jewish-Christian debate. Paul navigates carefully: affirming law's goodness while declaring its inability to produce righteousness, and proclaiming grace's power not only to forgive but to transform.
Questions for Reflection
- How would you explain to someone who claims 'freedom from law leads to lawlessness' that grace actually produces holiness?
- In what areas might you be tempted to presume on grace—treating it as license rather than transforming power?
- What evidence in your life demonstrates that you're 'under grace' and not under sin's dominion?
Analysis & Commentary
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid—ti oun? hamartēsōmen hoti ouk esmen hypo nomon alla hypo charin? mē genoito (τί οὖν; ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν; μὴ γένοιτο). Paul anticipates a second antinomian objection, similar to v. 1 but focused specifically on freedom from law. The aorist subjunctive hamartēsōmen (ἁμαρτήσωμεν, shall we sin?) might suggest isolated acts rather than habitual lifestyle (v. 1's present tense implied continuous sinning). Either way, Paul's answer is the same emphatic negation: mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο, "God forbid, may it never be!").
The objection reveals misunderstanding: if law-restraint is removed, won't sin increase? Paul's answer (vv. 16-23) shows that freedom from law doesn't mean moral autonomy but slavery transfer: from serving sin to serving righteousness. The question itself is absurd for those who understand grace: grace isn't merely forgiveness but transforming power. Those truly under grace cannot blithely continue in sin because grace changes the heart, producing love for God and hatred of sin. Freedom from law's condemnation brings Spirit-empowered freedom from sin's domination.