Romans 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Original Language Analysis
ἀγνοεῖτε
Know ye not
G50
ἀγνοεῖτε
Know ye not
Strong's:
G50
Word #:
2 of 13
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
ὅτι
that so
G3754
ὅτι
that so
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐβαπτίσθημεν
as were baptized
G907
ἐβαπτίσθημεν
as were baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
5 of 13
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θάνατον
death
G2288
θάνατον
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
11 of 13
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.Romans 6:8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:1 Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Acts 19:5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.Romans 6:16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?Romans 7:1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?1 Corinthians 9:13Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
Historical Context
First-century baptism was immediate upon profession of faith (Acts 2:41, 8:36-38), by full immersion, signifying death and burial with Christ. Unlike Jewish proselyte baptism (self-administered washing), Christian baptism into Christ's death was a radically new concept. The Roman church would have practiced baptism as an initiatory rite marking entrance into the Christian community and identification with Christ's death.
Questions for Reflection
- What did your baptism signify about your union with Christ's death, and how does that reality shape daily life?
- How does understanding baptism as 'into Christ's death' challenge superficial views of Christian commitment?
- In what ways do you need to reckon more fully with the implications of having been 'baptized into His death'?
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Analysis & Commentary
Know ye not (ē agnoite, ἢ ἀγνοεῖτε)—Paul assumes his readers understand baptism's significance, suggesting early Christian catechesis explained baptism theologically. The phrase baptized into Jesus Christ (eis Christon Iēsoun ebaptisthēmen, εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐβαπτίσθημεν) uses eis (into) indicating incorporation, union, identification—not merely "in the name of."
Baptized into his death (eis ton thanaton autou, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ)—baptism signifies participation in Christ's death, not just remembering it. This is mystical union theology: the believer is so identified with Christ that His death becomes theirs forensically (for justification) and practically (for sanctification). The aorist passive ebaptisthēmen (we were baptized) points to the historical moment of conversion when believers were incorporated into Christ's death. This isn't baptismal regeneration but recognition that baptism symbolizes and seals the reality of union with Christ.