Romans 6:7
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δεδικαίωται
is freed
G1344
δεδικαίωται
is freed
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
4 of 7
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 7
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Romans 7:2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.Romans 6:8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:Romans 7:4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.Romans 6:2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Historical Context
In Roman law, death ended all legal obligations—debts were cancelled, marriage dissolved, slavery terminated. Jewish thought also recognized death's finality regarding legal and religious obligations (though debating whether death atoned for sin). Paul uses this universal legal principle to establish the believer's freedom: co-death with Christ provides legal acquittal (justification) and practical liberation (sanctification) from sin's dominion. Rabbinic tradition taught 'when a man is dead he is free from the Torah and the commandments'—Paul radically reapplies this.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing your death with Christ as legal acquittal from sin's claims bring assurance?
- What 'charges' does sin still seem to bring against you, and how does your death in Christ answer them?
- How should your legal freedom from sin's dominion affect your daily choices and battles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he that is dead is freed from sin—ho gar apothanōn dedikaiōtai apo tēs hamartias (ὁ γὰρ ἀποθανὼν δεδικαίωται ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας). The perfect passive dedikaiōtai (has been justified/freed) is forensic language: death cancels all legal claims. This may reference Jewish teaching that death atones, but Paul transforms it: the believer's death in Christ brings complete justification from sin's demands.
The aorist participle apothanōn (having died) precedes the main verb, indicating death is the precondition for freedom. Sin cannot prosecute a dead person—all charges are dropped. While primarily referring to legal freedom from sin's penalty (justification), the principle extends to practical freedom from sin's power (sanctification). This is a general principle: death severs all relationships and obligations. Believers, having died with Christ, have been legally acquitted from sin's claims and freed from its enslaving power.