Romans Chapter 6 · Verse 21
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Original Language Analysis
τίνα
What
G5101
τίνα
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οὖν
G3767
εἴχετε
had ye
G2192
εἴχετε
had ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
5 of 14
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐφ'
in
G1909
ἐφ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
οἷς
those things whereof
G3739
οἷς
those things whereof
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
8 of 14
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τέλος
the end
G5056
τέλος
the end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
Cross References
Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.Romans 7:5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Proverbs 14:12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.Hebrews 6:8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Daniel 12:2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Historical Context
In Roman agriculture, trees/vines evaluated by their fruit—worthless fruit meant worthless tree. Jesus used similar metaphor (Matthew 7:16-20). Paul appeals to the Romans' experiential knowledge: their pre-conversion life produced shame, not satisfaction. Greco-Roman moralists also taught that vice leads to unhappiness, but Paul adds theological weight: sin's end is not merely unhappiness but death—eternal separation from God. The concept of moral cause-and-effect (sowing and reaping) was common in both Jewish wisdom literature and Greek philosophy, but Paul emphasizes the eschatological stakes.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'fruit' from your pre-Christian life now produces shame, confirming sin's worthlessness?
- How does remembering sin's shameful fruit and deadly end motivate present holiness?
- Where might you still be pursuing 'fruit' that will ultimately produce shame and death rather than holiness and life?
Analysis & Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?—tina oun karpon eichete tote eph' hois nyn epaischynesthe (τίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε ἐφ᾿ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε). Rhetorical question expecting the answer: none (or only bad fruit). Karpon (καρπόν, fruit) is agricultural metaphor for results, outcomes, consequences. The imperfect eichete (εἴχετε, had ye) suggests ongoing possession of worthless fruit. Nyn epaischynesthe (νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε, now ye are ashamed)—present tense indicates their current perspective: looking back with shame on former life.
For the end of those things is death—to gar telos ekeinōn thanatos (τὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος). Telos (τέλος, end) means both terminus (final outcome) and telos (goal, purpose)—sin's destination and natural consequence is death (spiritual separation now, eternal destruction ultimately). Paul's logic: evaluate slavery by its fruit and destination. Sin's slavery produced shameful actions and leads to death—hardly desirable. In contrast, righteousness's slavery (v. 22) produces holiness and eternal life. The verse uses past experience to motivate present obedience: remember where sin leads, embrace righteousness's better fruit.