Romans 6:20
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δοῦλοι
the servants
G1401
δοῦλοι
the servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
3 of 10
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεύθεροι
free
G1658
ἐλεύθεροι
free
Strong's:
G1658
Word #:
7 of 10
unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
Historical Context
The concept of 'freedom' was prized in Greco-Roman culture—Roman citizenship, Greek democracy, philosophical virtue all promised freedom. Stoic philosophers taught freedom through mastery of passions; Epicureans through moderation of pleasure. Paul radically redefines freedom: not autonomy but slavery to the right master. In Roman law, a freed slave (libertus) gained certain freedoms but owed loyalty to former master as patron. Paul's paradox—freed from sin to become slave of righteousness—would be understood in this patronage context.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'freedom' from righteousness did you experience before Christ, and how was it actually slavery?
- How does understanding that you're now 'free from sin' (just as you were once 'free from righteousness') affect your battle with temptation?
- What areas of your life still operate as though 'free from righteousness' rather than serving your new master?
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Analysis & Commentary
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness—hote gar douloi ēte tēs hamartias, eleutheroi ēte tē dikaiosynē (ὅτε γὰρ δοῦλοι ἦτε τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ). The imperfect ēte (ἦτε, ye were) indicates past continuous state, now ended. Eleutheroi tē dikaiosynē (ἐλεύθεροι τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ, free from righteousness) is ironic: their 'freedom' from righteousness was actually slavery to sin. Dative tē dikaiosynē (τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ, with respect to righteousness) indicates righteousness had no claim on them—they owed it no allegiance.
Paul's point: total slavery to sin meant total freedom from righteousness's demands. But that 'freedom' was destructive (see v. 21). The implication: now, as slaves of righteousness, believers are 'free from sin'—sin no longer has legitimate claim. The language exposes the folly of sin's promised 'freedom': autonomy from God is slavery to death. True freedom comes through submission to righteousness. The verse sets up vv. 21-23: examining the 'fruit' of each slavery to prove which is genuinely beneficial. Past slavery to sin produced shame and death; present slavery to righteousness produces holiness and life.