King James Version

What Does Romans 6:3 Mean?

Romans 6:3 in the King James Version says “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? were: or, are were: or,...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? were: or, are were: or, are”

Romans 6:3 · KJV

Context

1

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2

God forbid . How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein ?

3

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? were: or, are were: or, are

4

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Know ye not (ē agnoite, ἢ ἀγνοεῖτε)—Paul assumes his readers understand baptism's significance, suggesting early Christian catechesis explained baptism theologically. The phrase baptized into Jesus Christ (eis Christon Iēsoun ebaptisthēmen, εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐβαπτίσθημεν) uses eis (into) indicating incorporation, union, identification—not merely "in the name of."

Baptized into his death (eis ton thanaton autou, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ)—baptism signifies participation in Christ's death, not just remembering it. This is mystical union theology: the believer is so identified with Christ that His death becomes theirs forensically (for justification) and practically (for sanctification). The aorist passive ebaptisthēmen (we were baptized) points to the historical moment of conversion when believers were incorporated into Christ's death. This isn't baptismal regeneration but recognition that baptism symbolizes and seals the reality of union with Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century baptism was immediate upon profession of faith (Acts 2:41, 8:36-38), by full immersion, signifying death and burial with Christ. Unlike Jewish proselyte baptism (self-administered washing), Christian baptism into Christ's death was a radically new concept. The Roman church would have practiced baptism as an initiatory rite marking entrance into the Christian community and identification with Christ's death.

Reflection Questions

  1. What did your baptism signify about your union with Christ's death, and how does that reality shape daily life?
  2. How does understanding baptism as 'into Christ's death' challenge superficial views of Christian commitment?
  3. In what ways do you need to reckon more fully with the implications of having been 'baptized into His death'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἢ1 of 13
G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀγνοεῖτε2 of 13

“Know ye not”

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

ὅτι3 of 13

“that so”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὅσοι4 of 13

“many of us”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐβαπτίσθημεν5 of 13

“as were baptized”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

εἰς6 of 13

“into”

G1519

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

Χριστὸν7 of 13

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦν8 of 13

“Jesus”

G2424

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

εἰς9 of 13

“into”

G1519

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

τὸν10 of 13
G3588

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

θάνατον11 of 13

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ12 of 13

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐβαπτίσθημεν13 of 13

“as were baptized”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:27Galatians 2:20-21Romans 6:81 Corinthians 12:13Romans 6:4-51 Peter 3:21

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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