King James Version

What Does Romans 7:6 Mean?

Romans 7:6 in the King James Version says “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. that being: or, being dead to that”

Romans 7:6 · King James Version

SalvationHoly Spirit

Context

4

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

5

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. motions: Gr. passions

6

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. that being: or, being dead to that

7

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid . Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. lust: or, concupiscence

8

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

Read Romans 7 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But now we are delivered from the law—Katērgēthēmen (κατηργήθημεν, "released/discharged") is the same verb as "loosed" in v. 2. Believers are freed from law's condemning jurisdiction through death. That being dead wherein we were held—Interpretations differ whether "that being dead" refers to the law dying or believers dying to law; context favors believers dying (v. 4). Katechō (κατέχω, "held") depicts law holding sinners in condemning custody.

That we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter—Douleuō (δουλεύω, "serve") shows believers still serve, but under new management. Kainotēs pneumatos (καινότης πνεύματος, "newness of Spirit") contrasts with palaiotēs grammatos (παλαιότης γράμματος, "oldness of letter")—Spirit-empowered internal transformation versus external code-keeping. This anticipates chapter 8's Spirit-empowered life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The contrast between 'Spirit' and 'letter' was central to Paul's explanation of new covenant superiority (2 Corinthians 3:6). Jewish believers struggled to transition from Torah-centered spirituality to Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered life. Paul insists the new covenant doesn't merely modify the old but represents a fundamentally different economy of grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence of 'newness of spirit' versus 'oldness of letter' characterizes your Christian life?
  2. How might you be attempting to serve God in the 'oldness of the letter' while claiming to live under grace?
  3. In what ways does understanding your deliverance from law's jurisdiction free you to pursue holiness from love rather than obligation?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
νυνὶ1 of 20

“now”

G3570

just now

δὲ2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

κατηργήθημεν3 of 20

“we are delivered”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

ἀπὸ4 of 20

“from”

G575

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

τοῦ5 of 20
G3588

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

νόμου6 of 20

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἀποθανόντες7 of 20

“that being dead”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἐν8 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

ᾧ9 of 20
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κατειχόμεθα10 of 20

“we were held”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ὥστε11 of 20

“that”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

δουλεύειν12 of 20

“should serve”

G1398

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

ἡμᾶς13 of 20

“we”

G2248

us

ἐν14 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

καινότητι15 of 20

“newness”

G2538

renewal (figuratively)

πνεύματος16 of 20

“of spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ17 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ18 of 20

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

παλαιότητι19 of 20

“in the oldness”

G3821

antiquatedness

γράμματος20 of 20

“of the letter”

G1121

a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:23-252 Corinthians 3:6Romans 7:4Romans 6:4Galatians 4:4-5Galatians 2:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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