Romans 6:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 6:21
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Chapter Context
Romans 6 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, grace, righteousness. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 6:21
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Analysis
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?—tina oun karpon eichete tote eph' hois nyn epaischynesthe (τίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε ἐφ᾿ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε). Rhetorical question expecting the answer: none (or only bad fruit). Karpon (καρπόν, fruit) is agricultural metaphor for results, outcomes, consequences. The imperfect eichete (εἴχετε, had ye) suggests ongoing possession of worthless fruit. Nyn epaischynesthe (νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε, now ye are ashamed)—present tense indicates their current perspective: looking back with shame on former life.
For the end of those things is death—to gar telos ekeinōn thanatos (τὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος). Telos (τέλος, end) means both terminus (final outcome) and telos (goal, purpose)—sin's destination and natural consequence is death (spiritual separation now, eternal destruction ultimately). Paul's logic: evaluate slavery by its fruit and destination. Sin's slavery produced shameful actions and leads to death—hardly desirable. In contrast, righteousness's slavery (v. 22) produces holiness and eternal life. The verse uses past experience to motivate present obedience: remember where sin leads, embrace righteousness's better fruit.
Historical Context
In Roman agriculture, trees/vines evaluated by their fruit—worthless fruit meant worthless tree. Jesus used similar metaphor (Matthew 7:16-20). Paul appeals to the Romans' experiential knowledge: their pre-conversion life produced shame, not satisfaction. Greco-Roman moralists also taught that vice leads to unhappiness, but Paul adds theological weight: sin's end is not merely unhappiness but death—eternal separation from God. The concept of moral cause-and-effect (sowing and reaping) was common in both Jewish wisdom literature and Greek philosophy, but Paul emphasizes the eschatological stakes.
Reflection
- What specific 'fruit' from your pre-Christian life now produces shame, confirming sin's worthlessness?
- How does remembering sin's shameful fruit and deadly end motivate present holiness?
- Where might you still be pursuing 'fruit' that will ultimately produce shame and death rather than holiness and life?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Romans 1:32, 6:23, 7:5, Proverbs 14:12, Jeremiah 17:10, Daniel 12:2