Romans 6:19

Authorized King James Version

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀνθρώπινον

G442

after the manner of men

human

λέγω

G3004

I speak

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

διὰ

G1223

because

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθένειαν

G769

of the infirmity

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκὸς

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

ὥσπερ

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

#10

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#11

παραστήσατε

G3936

ye have yielded

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

#12

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

μέλη

G3196

members

a limb or part of the body

#14

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

#15

δοῦλα

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#16

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἀκαθαρσίᾳ

G167

to uncleanness

impurity (the quality), physically or morally

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ἀνομίαν

G458

iniquity

illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness

#21

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

ἀνομίαν

G458

iniquity

illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness

#24

οὕτως

G3779

even so

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#25

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#26

παραστήσατε

G3936

ye have yielded

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

#27

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

μέλη

G3196

members

a limb or part of the body

#29

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

#30

δοῦλα

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#31

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

δικαιοσύνῃ

G1343

to righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

#33

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#34

ἁγιασμόν

G38

holiness

properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier

Analysis

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights judgment and justice through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of judgment and justice within the theological tradition of Romans Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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Romans 6:19

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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