King James Version

What Does Romans 6:15 Mean?

Romans 6:15 in the King James Version says “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid .” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 6:15 · KJV

Grace

Context

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?

17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. which: Gr. whereto ye were delivered

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid—ti oun? hamartēsōmen hoti ouk esmen hypo nomon alla hypo charin? mē genoito (τί οὖν; ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν; μὴ γένοιτο). Paul anticipates a second antinomian objection, similar to v. 1 but focused specifically on freedom from law. The aorist subjunctive hamartēsōmen (ἁμαρτήσωμεν, shall we sin?) might suggest isolated acts rather than habitual lifestyle (v. 1's present tense implied continuous sinning). Either way, Paul's answer is the same emphatic negation: mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο, "God forbid, may it never be!").

The objection reveals misunderstanding: if law-restraint is removed, won't sin increase? Paul's answer (vv. 16-23) shows that freedom from law doesn't mean moral autonomy but slavery transfer: from serving sin to serving righteousness. The question itself is absurd for those who understand grace: grace isn't merely forgiveness but transforming power. Those truly under grace cannot blithely continue in sin because grace changes the heart, producing love for God and hatred of sin. Freedom from law's condemnation brings Spirit-empowered freedom from sin's domination.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul likely faced this accusation regularly (Romans 3:8 confirms critics misrepresented his teaching). The charge that grace promotes licentiousness has persisted throughout church history, often arising when the gospel is preached clearly. Jewish critics saw Paul's law-free gospel as undermining moral foundations. The tension between law and grace was central to first-century Jewish-Christian debate. Paul navigates carefully: affirming law's goodness while declaring its inability to produce righteousness, and proclaiming grace's power not only to forgive but to transform.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you explain to someone who claims 'freedom from law leads to lawlessness' that grace actually produces holiness?
  2. In what areas might you be tempted to presume on grace—treating it as license rather than transforming power?
  3. What evidence in your life demonstrates that you're 'under grace' and not under sin's dominion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Τί1 of 13

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 13

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἁμαρτήσομεν,3 of 13

“shall we sin”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

ὅτι4 of 13

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ5 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

ἐσμὲν6 of 13

“we are”

G2070

we are

ὑπὸ7 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 (

νόμον8 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'9 of 13

“but”

G235

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

ὑπὸ10 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 (

χάριν11 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

μὴ12 of 13

“God forbid”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γένοιτο13 of 13
G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 2:11-14Ephesians 2:8-10Romans 6:1-22 Corinthians 7:1Jude 1:4Galatians 2:17-18

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 6 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes