King James Version

What Does Romans 6:11 Mean?

Romans 6:11 in the King James Version says “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:11 · KJV

Context

9

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

10

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. instruments: Gr. arms, or, weapons

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord—logizesthe (λογίζεσθε, "reckon, count, consider") is present imperative, indicating continuous command. This is accounting terminology (used of Abraham's faith being 'reckoned' as righteousness, Romans 4:3). Believers must actively calculate themselves as what they already are positionally: dead indeed unto sin (nekrous men tē hamartia, νεκροὺς μὲν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ) and alive unto God (zōntas de tō theō, ζῶντας δὲ τῷ θεῷ).

This is the pivotal verse of Romans 6, moving from indicative (what is true: vv. 1-10) to imperative (what to do: vv. 11-23). Sanctification involves bringing experience into line with reality through faith's reckoning. Believers don't make themselves dead to sin by reckoning—they recognize and act on the death that already occurred in Christ. Through Jesus Christ our Lord emphasizes that this new identity exists only in union with Christ—apart from Him, no one is dead to sin or alive to God. The full title (en Christō Iēsou tō kyriō hēmōn) stresses His mediatorial work, His saving mission (Jesus), and His sovereign lordship (Lord).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Roman financial and legal contexts, logizomai (reckon) meant to officially register or legally credit something to an account. Paul uses this language for both justification (righteousness credited, Romans 4:3-11) and sanctification (reckoning the reality of death to sin). This wasn't mental fiction but acknowledging legal fact. The early church taught new converts to understand their baptismal identification with Christ's death-resurrection as the basis for new life—catechetical instruction emphasized these realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'reckon' yourself dead to sin in specific temptations you face?
  2. How is 'reckoning' different from mere positive thinking or denying the reality of temptation?
  3. In what areas do you need to more actively count yourself 'alive unto God' rather than living in death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
οὕτως1 of 20

“Likewise”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 20

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς3 of 20

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

λογίζεσθε4 of 20

“reckon”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτοὺς5 of 20

“yourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

νεκροὺς6 of 20

“dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

μὲν7 of 20

“indeed”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

εἶναι8 of 20

“to be”

G1511

to exist

τῇ9 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁμαρτίᾳ10 of 20

“unto sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ζῶντας11 of 20

“alive”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

δὲ12 of 20

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ13 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ14 of 20

“unto God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν15 of 20

“through”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ16 of 20

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ17 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τῷ18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κυρίῳ19 of 20

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν20 of 20

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 6:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:3-51 Corinthians 6:20Romans 6:2Romans 6:13Colossians 3:17Galatians 2:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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