Romans 6:2 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:2 mean?

Romans 6:2 strongly rejects the idea that believers should continue living in sin, saying, “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” The verse insists that those who belong to Christ are no longer under the power of sin, so it makes no sense for them to keep living in it.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, responding to a question about whether God’s grace means people can just keep sinning. He uses emphatic language to make it clear that this is not the case. Paul’s point is that a real change has taken place—believers are described as “dead to sin,” meaning their old relationship to sin has ended.

The Greek behind Romans 6:2

• “forbid” (μὴ γένοιτο, mē genoito): This phrase is a strong, emotional rejection, often translated as “God forbid” or “By no means.” Paul uses it to shut down the idea completely, showing how unthinkable it is.
• “dead” (ἀποθνῄσκω, apothnēskō): This word means “to die.” Here, it’s used figuratively to describe a decisive break—believers are considered to have died to sin’s control or influence.
• “live” (ζάω, zaō): This verb means “to live.” Paul is contrasting living in sin (ongoing participation) with being dead to it, highlighting a fundamental change in how believers relate to sin.

Why Romans 6:2 matters

• Romans 6:2 clears up the misunderstanding that grace gives people permission to keep sinning; Paul’s answer is a forceful “no.”
• The verse emphasizes a new identity for believers—being “dead to sin” means a real separation from the old way of life, not just a change in status.
• This statement sets up the rest of Romans 6, where Paul explains what it means to live a new life, shaped by Christ rather than by sin.