King James Version

What Does Romans 6:14 Mean?

Romans 6:14 in the King James Version says “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

Romans 6:14 · KJV

Grace

Context

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

14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid .

16

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For sin shall not have dominion over you—hamartia gar hymōn ou kyrieusei (ἁμαρτία γὰρ ὑμῶν οὐ κυριεύσει). The future kyrieusei (κυριεύσει, shall lord over, exercise mastery) contains assurance: sin's tyranny is broken and will not reassert itself because of believers' new position. This isn't prediction but promise based on the reality Paul has expounded. The verb kyrieuō (κυριεύω) indicates total mastery, lordship—sin no longer has legal authority over those justified in Christ.

For ye are not under the law, but under grace—ou gar este hypo nomon alla hypo charin (οὐ γὰρ ἐστε ὑπὸ νόμον ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν). The prepositional phrase hypo (ὑπό, under) indicates dominion, jurisdiction. Believers have changed jurisdictions: from under law (which condemns but cannot empower) to under grace (which justifies and empowers). This doesn't mean lawlessness but new covenant empowerment. The law's jurisdiction ended at death (Romans 7:1-6); believers died in Christ, escaping law's condemnation and entering grace's realm where the Spirit enables obedience. Paul's logic: law-keeping for righteousness produces sin's dominion (because law reveals but doesn't remedy sin); grace-reliance breaks sin's dominion by providing both forgiveness and the Spirit's power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Christians struggled with the law's role post-Messiah. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) debated Gentile circumcision; Paul consistently taught that covenant identity comes through faith in Christ, not law-keeping. 'Under law' meant under the Mosaic covenant's jurisdiction—both its promises and curses. Roman legal system also operated jurisdictionally; Paul's metaphor of changing jurisdictions (from law to grace) would resonate. Grace (charis) in Greco-Roman culture meant patron-client favor; Paul transforms this: God's grace isn't quid pro quo but freely given, enabling transformed life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that you're 'not under law but under grace' affect your battle with habitual sin?
  2. Where might you be living as though still 'under law,' trying to earn righteousness rather than living from grace?
  3. What does 'sin shall not have dominion over you' mean practically when you still experience temptation and failure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἁμαρτία1 of 13

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

γάρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῶν3 of 13

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οὐ4 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κυριεύσει·5 of 13

“have dominion over”

G2961

to rule

οὐ6 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ7 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστε8 of 13

“ye are”

G2075

ye are

ὑπὸ9 of 13

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

νόμον10 of 13

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἀλλ'11 of 13

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑπὸ12 of 13

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

χάριν13 of 13

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 5:18Romans 8:2Romans 7:4-11Hebrews 8:10Romans 6:12Romans 3:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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