Romans 6:5
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
σύμφυτοι
planted together
G4854
σύμφυτοι
planted together
Strong's:
G4854
Word #:
3 of 14
grown along with (connate), i.e., (figuratively) closely united to
γεγόναμεν
we have been
G1096
γεγόναμεν
we have been
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
8 of 14
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀλλὰ
also
G235
ἀλλὰ
also
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Isaiah 5:2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.Psalms 92:13Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.Jeremiah 2:21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?Matthew 15:13But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Historical Context
Agricultural imagery of grafting and planting was common in the Mediterranean world and in Jewish scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:8). Paul elsewhere uses grafting language for Gentile inclusion (Romans 11). The concept of organic union distinguished Christian thought from Greek philosophical individualism. Resurrection hope was distinctly Jewish (though denied by Sadducees), and Paul argues that Christ's resurrection inaugurates the age to come, which believers already experience proleptic ally.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'organically united' to Christ rather than merely following His example?
- How does certainty of future resurrection motivate present holy living?
- Where in your Christian walk do you most need to trust the 'continuing results' of your union with Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death—symphytoi (σύμφυτοι, "planted together, grown together") is used only here in the NT, meaning organically united, like a graft (cf. Romans 11:17-24). The perfect tense gegonamen (γεγόναμεν) indicates a past event with continuing results: "we have become and remain united." The likeness of his death (tō homoiōmati tou thanatou autou, τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θάνατου αὐτοῦ)—homoiōma (likeness) means genuine representation, not mere copy. Believers don't just imitate Christ's death; they share in its reality through mystical union.
We shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection—the future tense points both to present sanctification and future glorification. The logical necessity (alla kai, "but also") establishes that death and resurrection are inseparable: union with Christ's death guarantees participation in His resurrection life, both now (spiritual resurrection to new life) and eschatologically (bodily resurrection at the parousia). This refutes antinomianism: those truly united to Christ's death cannot remain unchanged.