Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

ROMANS 6:11KJV
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Romans 6:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:11 mean?

Romans 6:11 tells believers to consider themselves as having died to sin but now living for God, and that this new way of life is possible through Jesus Christ. The verse encourages a mindset shift: instead of seeing themselves as controlled by sin, believers are to see themselves as alive and responsive to God.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining how faith in Jesus changes a person’s relationship to sin. He uses the idea of “reckoning” or counting oneself dead to sin, meaning that believers should view their old, sinful ways as no longer having power over them. The focus is on a new identity—alive to God—made real through Jesus.

The Greek behind Romans 6:11

  • The word "reckon" (λογίζομαι, logizomai) means to count, consider, or regard something as true. Paul is not talking about feelings but about a deliberate way of thinking—choosing to see oneself as dead to sin and alive to God.
  • The word "dead" (νεκρός, nekros) here refers to being unresponsive or separated from sin, not physically dead. Paul is emphasizing a break from the old way of living.
  • The phrase "alive unto God" (ζάω, zao, with θεός, theos) points to a new kind of life that is oriented toward God, not just existence but a purposeful, responsive relationship with Him.

Why Romans 6:11 matters

  • Romans 6:11 clarifies that the change Paul describes is not just about outward behavior but about how believers see themselves at the core.
  • The verse highlights the importance of mindset in the Christian life—Paul is calling for a conscious shift in self-understanding, not just a list of rules to follow.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the effects of Jesus’ death and resurrection are not only future hopes but present realities for those who trust in Him.

Where else these words appear

“reckon” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

“be” Greek G1511 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

“alive” Greek G2198 · used in 127 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
  • 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.