King James Version

What Does Romans 6:22 Mean?

Romans 6:22 in the King James Version says “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”

Romans 6:22 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

20

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. from: Gr. to righteousness

21

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God—nyni de eleutherōthentes apo tēs hamartias doulōthentes de tō theō (νυνὶ δὲ ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ θεῷ). The aorist passives eleutherōthentes (ἐλευθερωθέντες, having been freed) and doulōthentes (δουλωθέντες, having been enslaved) mark conversion's definite historical moment. Note the progression: freed from sin, enslaved to God (not merely to 'righteousness' as v. 18, but now explicitly to God Himself). This intensifies the relationship: not abstract ethical principle but personal Master who loves, cares, and empowers.

Ye have your fruit unto holiness—echete ton karpon hymōn eis hagiasmon (ἔχετε τὸν καρπὸν ὑμῶν εἰς ἁγιασμόν). Present tense echete (ἔχετε, ye have) indicates ongoing possession of good fruit. Eis hagiasmon (εἰς ἁγιασμόν, unto sanctification/holiness) shows fruit's direction—progressive growth in holiness. And the end everlasting life—to de telos zōēn aiōnion (τὸ δὲ τέλος ζωὴν αἰώνιον). Contrast with v. 21: sin's end is death; righteousness's end is eternal life. Zōēn aiōnion (ζωὴν αἰώνιον, eternal life) is both qualitative (knowing God, John 17:3) and quantitative (unending existence). The entire contrast: past slavery (sin) produced shame + death; present slavery (God) produces holiness + eternal life. Choice is clear.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of 'slaves of God' was radical in Greco-Roman context where gods were capricious, demanding, distant. Paul presents God as a Master who frees His slaves from sin's tyranny and empowers holy living. Jewish self-designation as 'servants of YHWH' was honorific (Moses, David called 'servants of the Lord'); Paul applies this to all believers. The fruit of holiness contrasts with pagan life's moral chaos. Eternal life was promised in Judaism but fulfilled in Christ—believers already possess this life (present tense 'have') while awaiting its consummation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fruit unto holiness' is currently evident in your life as a result of being God's slave?
  2. How does the assurance of 'everlasting life' as the end motivate present pursuit of holiness?
  3. Where do you need to more fully embrace your status as 'servant to God' rather than serving sin or self?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
νυνὶ1 of 21

“now”

G3570

just now

δὲ2 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐλευθερωθέντες3 of 21

“being made free”

G1659

to liberate, i.e., (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability)

ἀπὸ4 of 21

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς5 of 21
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίας6 of 21

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

δουλωθέντες7 of 21

“become servants”

G1402

to enslave (literally or figuratively)

δὲ8 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ9 of 21
G3588

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

θεῷ10 of 21

“to God”

G2316

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

ἔχετε11 of 21

“ye have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν12 of 21
G3588

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

καρπὸν13 of 21

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ὑμῶν14 of 21

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς15 of 21

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἁγιασμόν16 of 21

“holiness”

G38

properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier

τὸ17 of 21
G3588

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

δὲ18 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τέλος19 of 21

“the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ζωὴν20 of 21

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον21 of 21

“everlasting”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:16Romans 6:18Romans 8:2Galatians 5:13John 8:321 Corinthians 7:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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