King James Version

What Does Romans 6:8 Mean?

Romans 6:8 in the King James Version says “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:”

Romans 6:8 · KJV

Faith

Context

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

8

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

9

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

10

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now if we be dead with Christ—the first-class conditional (ei de apethanomen syn Christō, εἰ δὲ ἀπεθάνομεν σὺν Χριστῷ) assumes the condition is true: "since we died with Christ" (not "if" in the sense of doubt). The aorist tense points to the definite historical reality of co-death at conversion. We believe that we shall also live with him (pisteuomen hoti kai syzēsomen autō, πιστεύομεν ὅτι καὶ συζήσομεν αὐτῷ)—the future syzēsomen (shall live together with) encompasses both present resurrection life and future glorified existence.

Paul establishes logical necessity: death with Christ → life with Christ. This isn't mere hope but confident expectation based on God's resurrection power demonstrated in Christ. The compound verb syzēsomen (live together with) again emphasizes union—believers don't just live like Christ but with Christ, sharing His resurrection life. The present tense pisteuomen (we believe) indicates ongoing faith conviction, not one-time assent. This verse bridges justification (positional life in Christ) and glorification (future bodily resurrection), with sanctification as the present outworking.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman mystery religions promised initiates would share the fate of their deity (often involving ritual death and rebirth), but these were symbolic. Paul proclaims historical reality: Christ actually died and rose, and believers actually share that death-resurrection through union with Him. The early church's resurrection faith distinguished Christianity from Greek philosophy (which generally rejected bodily resurrection) and even from some Jewish sects (Sadducees denied resurrection; Pharisees affirmed it only eschatologically, not as present reality in Christ).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your 'belief' that you shall live with Christ affect your present experience of resurrection life?
  2. What areas of your life need to be brought more fully into the reality of living 'together with' Christ now?
  3. How does assurance of future glorification motivate present sanctification in your hardest struggles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
εἰ1 of 10

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 10

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπεθάνομεν3 of 10

“we be dead”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

σὺν4 of 10

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

Χριστῷ5 of 10

“Christ”

G5547

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

πιστεύομεν6 of 10

“we believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ὅτι7 of 10

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ8 of 10

“also”

G2532

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

συζήσομεν9 of 10

“live”

G4800

to continue to live in common with, i.e., co-survive (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ10 of 10

“with 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

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 2:11-12Colossians 3:3-42 Corinthians 4:10-14John 14:192 Corinthians 13:4Romans 6:3-5

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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