Romans Chapter 6 · Verse 22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλευθερωθέντες
being made free
G1659
ἐλευθερωθέντες
being made free
Strong's:
G1659
Word #:
3 of 21
to liberate, i.e., (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἁγιασμόν
holiness
G38
ἁγιασμόν
holiness
Strong's:
G38
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.Romans 6:18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.John 8:32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.1 Corinthians 7:22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.1 Peter 1:9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.Isaiah 54:17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Historical Context
The concept of 'slaves of God' was radical in Greco-Roman context where gods were capricious, demanding, distant. Paul presents God as a Master who frees His slaves from sin's tyranny and empowers holy living. Jewish self-designation as 'servants of YHWH' was honorific (Moses, David called 'servants of the Lord'); Paul applies this to all believers. The fruit of holiness contrasts with pagan life's moral chaos. Eternal life was promised in Judaism but fulfilled in Christ—believers already possess this life (present tense 'have') while awaiting its consummation.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fruit unto holiness' is currently evident in your life as a result of being God's slave?
- How does the assurance of 'everlasting life' as the end motivate present pursuit of holiness?
- Where do you need to more fully embrace your status as 'servant to God' rather than serving sin or self?
Analysis & Commentary
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God—nyni de eleutherōthentes apo tēs hamartias doulōthentes de tō theō (νυνὶ δὲ ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ θεῷ). The aorist passives eleutherōthentes (ἐλευθερωθέντες, having been freed) and doulōthentes (δουλωθέντες, having been enslaved) mark conversion's definite historical moment. Note the progression: freed from sin, enslaved to God (not merely to 'righteousness' as v. 18, but now explicitly to God Himself). This intensifies the relationship: not abstract ethical principle but personal Master who loves, cares, and empowers.
Ye have your fruit unto holiness—echete ton karpon hymōn eis hagiasmon (ἔχετε τὸν καρπὸν ὑμῶν εἰς ἁγιασμόν). Present tense echete (ἔχετε, ye have) indicates ongoing possession of good fruit. Eis hagiasmon (εἰς ἁγιασμόν, unto sanctification/holiness) shows fruit's direction—progressive growth in holiness. And the end everlasting life—to de telos zōēn aiōnion (τὸ δὲ τέλος ζωὴν αἰώνιον). Contrast with v. 21: sin's end is death; righteousness's end is eternal life. Zōēn aiōnion (ζωὴν αἰώνιον, eternal life) is both qualitative (knowing God, John 17:3) and quantitative (unending existence). The entire contrast: past slavery (sin) produced shame + death; present slavery (God) produces holiness + eternal life. Choice is clear.