Romans 6:15 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:15 mean?

Romans 6:15 says that being under grace instead of law does not give people permission to sin. Paul strongly rejects the idea that freedom from the law means it is acceptable to do wrong.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining that God’s grace does not make sinning acceptable or trivial. He asks a rhetorical question—should we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace?—and immediately answers, “God forbid.” This verse is part of Paul’s larger argument that grace changes a person’s relationship to sin, not by excusing it, but by calling for a new way of living.

The Greek behind Romans 6:15

• “God forbid” uses two Greek words: μή (mē, “not”) and γένοιτο (genoito, “may it be”). Together, they form a very strong rejection—like saying, “Absolutely not!” or “No way!” This is Paul’s emphatic way of shutting down any thought that grace encourages sin.
• “Under” is ὑπό (hypo), which means being under the authority or control of something. Paul contrasts being “under law” (under its demands and penalties) with being “under grace” (under God’s favor and kindness).
• “Sin” is ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō), meaning to miss the mark or do wrong. Paul’s question is about whether grace gives permission to keep missing the mark.

Why Romans 6:15 matters

• Romans 6:15 clears up the misunderstanding that grace is a license to sin, showing that Paul sees this as a serious error.
• The verse highlights Paul’s emphasis that grace leads to a transformed life, not lawlessness.
• This question and answer set up the next section, where Paul explains what it really means to live “under grace”—not as an excuse for sin, but as a call to serve God in a new way.