Romans 6:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 6:19
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Chapter Context
Romans 6 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 6:19
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Analysis
I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh—anthrōpinon legō dia tēn astheneian tēs sarkos hymōn (ἀνθρώπινον λέγω διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν). Paul acknowledges his slavery metaphor is anthrōpinon (ἀνθρώπινον, human, in human terms)—imperfect but pedagogically helpful. Astheneia tēs sarkos (ἀσθένεια τῆς σαρκός, weakness of the flesh) refers to intellectual/spiritual dullness, not physical frailty—they need concrete metaphors to grasp spiritual realities. Sarx (σάρξ, flesh) here means fallen human nature with its limited understanding.
For as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity—hōsper gar parestēsate ta melē hymōn doula tē akatharsia kai tē anomia eis tēn anomian (ὥσπερ γὰρ παρεστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν). The comparison hōsper... houtōs (just as... so now) establishes parallel: formerly presented members to sin with zeal, now present them to righteousness with equal zeal. Akatharsia (ἀκαθαρσία, uncleanness) and anomia (ἀνομία, lawlessness) describe pagan life—ritual impurity and moral chaos. Eis tēn anomian (εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν, unto lawlessness) indicates progressive corruption: sin begets more sin. Even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness—houtōs nyn parastēsate ta melē hymōn doula tē dikaiosynē eis hagiasmon. Present imperative: continuously offer. Eis hagiasmon (εἰς ἁγιασμόν, unto holiness/sanctification) indicates progressive sanctification: righteousness begets holiness.
Historical Context
Paul's acknowledgment of using human analogy reflects rabbinic teaching methods (mashal, parable) and Greek pedagogical practice of using concrete examples for abstract truth. 'Uncleanness' (akatharsia) would resonate with Jewish purity laws but here means moral impurity. Greco-Roman paganism's sexual license, idolatry, and ethical relativism exemplified 'lawlessness' (anomia). Paul calls for equal (or greater) zeal in serving righteousness as they formerly gave to sin—a total life reorientation.
Reflection
- How zealously are you serving righteousness compared to the zeal you once gave to sin?
- What 'infirmity of flesh' (spiritual dullness) keeps you from fully grasping your new identity in Christ?
- What practical steps toward 'holiness' result from progressively yielding your members to righteousness?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1343 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Romans 3:5, 6:13, 1 Corinthians 6:11
- Parallel theme: Galatians 3:15, Hebrews 12:15