King James Version

What Does Romans 6:5 Mean?

Romans 6:5 in the King James Version says “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 6:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

For he that is dead is freed from sin. freed: Gr. justified

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death—symphytoi (σύμφυτοι, "planted together, grown together") is used only here in the NT, meaning organically united, like a graft (cf. Romans 11:17-24). The perfect tense gegonamen (γεγόναμεν) indicates a past event with continuing results: "we have become and remain united." The likeness of his death (tō homoiōmati tou thanatou autou, τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θάνατου αὐτοῦ)—homoiōma (likeness) means genuine representation, not mere copy. Believers don't just imitate Christ's death; they share in its reality through mystical union.

We shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection—the future tense points both to present sanctification and future glorification. The logical necessity (alla kai, "but also") establishes that death and resurrection are inseparable: union with Christ's death guarantees participation in His resurrection life, both now (spiritual resurrection to new life) and eschatologically (bodily resurrection at the parousia). This refutes antinomianism: those truly united to Christ's death cannot remain unchanged.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural imagery of grafting and planting was common in the Mediterranean world and in Jewish scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:8). Paul elsewhere uses grafting language for Gentile inclusion (Romans 11). The concept of organic union distinguished Christian thought from Greek philosophical individualism. Resurrection hope was distinctly Jewish (though denied by Sadducees), and Paul argues that Christ's resurrection inaugurates the age to come, which believers already experience proleptic ally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'organically united' to Christ rather than merely following His example?
  2. How does certainty of future resurrection motivate present holy living?
  3. Where in your Christian walk do you most need to trust the 'continuing results' of your union with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἰ1 of 14

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

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

σύμφυτοι3 of 14

“planted together”

G4854

grown along with (connate), i.e., (figuratively) closely united to

γεγόναμεν4 of 14

“we have been”

G1096

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

τῷ5 of 14
G3588

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

ὁμοιώματι6 of 14

“in the likeness”

G3667

a form; abstractly, resemblance

τοῦ7 of 14
G3588

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

θανάτου8 of 14

“death”

G2288

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

αὐτοῦ9 of 14

“of 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

ἀλλὰ10 of 14

“also”

G235

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

καὶ11 of 14
G2532

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

τῆς12 of 14
G3588

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

ἀναστάσεως13 of 14

“in the likeness of his resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

ἐσόμεθα·14 of 14

“we shall be”

G2071

will be

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:10-112 Corinthians 4:10Colossians 2:12Romans 6:8-12Colossians 3:1Ephesians 2:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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