King James Version

What Does Romans 6:4 Mean?

Romans 6:4 in the King James Version says “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of ... — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 6:4 · KJV


Context

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:

6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death—the aorist passive synetaphēmen (συνετάφημεν, "we were buried with") indicates completed action. The compound verb with syn (with) emphasizes union: not buried like Him but with Him. Immersion baptism dramatizes burial—the baptismal waters as a symbolic grave. Burial confirms death's reality; Christ was truly dead (contra-docetic heresies), and believers truly participate in that death.

That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father (hōsper ēgerthē Christos ek nekrōn dia tēs doxēs tou patros)—the parallel structure hōsper... houtōs (just as... so also) establishes correspondence: Christ's resurrection ↔ believer's new life. The glory of the Father refers to God's divine power manifested in resurrection. Walk in newness of life (en kainotēti zōēs peripatēsōmen)—kainotēs (newness) is qualitatively new, not chronologically new; peripatēsōmen (walk) is aorist subjunctive, indicating purpose: "that we might walk." Resurrection life isn't automatic but volitional—believers must walk in the new life made available through union with Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman burial practices included elaborate funeral processions and entombment, making burial imagery powerful. The glory (doxa) of God was a familiar Jewish concept (shekinah glory, Exodus 40:34), now revealed in resurrection power. Early Christians understood baptism as a reenactment of death-burial-resurrection, often conducted at Easter to emphasize resurrection symbolism. The ethical imperative to "walk in newness of life" reflects Jewish halakhic tradition—"walk" as metaphor for moral conduct.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific areas of your life still reflect the 'old walk' rather than newness of life in Christ?
  2. How does Christ's resurrection 'by the glory of the Father' assure you of power for daily sanctification?
  3. In what practical ways can you 'walk in newness of life' this week in relationships, work, or habits?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
συνετάφημεν1 of 27

we are buried with

G4916

to inter in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to assimilate spiritually (to christ by a sepulcher as to sin)

οὖν2 of 27

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτῷ3 of 27

him

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

διὰ4 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ5 of 27
G3588

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

βαπτίσματος6 of 27

baptism

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

εἰς7 of 27

into

G1519

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

τὸν8 of 27
G3588

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

θάνατον9 of 27

death

G2288

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

ἵνα10 of 27

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὥσπερ11 of 27

like as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

ἠγέρθη12 of 27

was raised up

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

Χριστὸς13 of 27

Christ

G5547

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

ἐκ14 of 27

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν15 of 27

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

διὰ16 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς17 of 27
G3588

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

δόξης18 of 27

the glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τοῦ19 of 27
G3588

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

πατρός20 of 27

of the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

οὕτως21 of 27

even so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ22 of 27

also

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς23 of 27

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐν24 of 27

in

G1722

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

καινότητι25 of 27

newness

G2538

renewal (figuratively)

ζωῆς26 of 27

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

περιπατήσωμεν27 of 27

should walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)


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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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