Romans 6:14 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:14 mean?

Romans 6:14 says that sin will not rule over those who follow Jesus, because they are no longer controlled by the law but instead live under God’s grace. This means that believers are not bound by the old system of rules but are guided and empowered by God’s kindness and favor.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, explaining how life changes for those who trust in Jesus. The verse comes in a section where Paul is teaching that believers are set free from sin’s power. Paul reassures his readers that, because of grace, sin no longer has authority over them the way it did when they were under the law.

The Greek behind Romans 6:14

• "shall have dominion" (κυριεύσει, kyrieusei): This Greek word means to rule or have authority over. Paul uses it to picture sin as a master that no longer has legal power over believers.
• "under" (ὑπό, hypo): This word means being under the control or authority of something. Paul contrasts being "under law" (ὑπό νόμον, hypo nomon) with being "under grace" (ὑπό χάριν, hypo charin), highlighting a shift in what governs a believer’s life.
• "law" (νόμος, nomos) and "grace" (χάρις, charis): Paul sets up a clear contrast between the law (the old covenant’s rules) and grace (God’s unearned favor), showing that the source of spiritual authority has changed for Christians.

Why Romans 6:14 matters

• Romans 6:14 clarifies that Christians are not meant to live in fear of failing to keep every rule, but instead are invited to rely on God’s grace, which changes how they relate to sin.
• The verse emphasizes that grace does not mean permission to sin, but rather a new power to resist it, which is a key theme in the surrounding chapters.
• This verse helps explain the larger message of Romans 6, where Paul is teaching that the gospel brings real freedom from sin’s control, not just forgiveness.