For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

ROMANS 6:20KJV
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Romans 6:20 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:20 mean?

Romans 6:20 says that when people were "servants of sin," they were not connected to righteousness—they were free from the demands or influence of living rightly. The verse points out that being under the control of sin meant not being guided or shaped by what is right in God's eyes.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, reminding them of their past before they trusted Christ. He is explaining that their old life was marked by serving sin, which meant they had no real relationship with righteousness. This sets up a contrast with their new life, where they are now called to serve righteousness instead of sin.

The Greek behind Romans 6:20

  • "Servants" (δοῦλοι, douloi): This word means slaves or bondservants, not just hired workers. Paul uses it to show a strong kind of belonging or control—being under the power of sin, not just influenced by it.
  • "Free" (ἐλεύθεροι, eleutheroi): This word means being set loose or not bound. Here, it is used ironically—being "free" from righteousness is not a good thing, but means being outside its reach or benefit.
  • "Righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): This word refers to living in a way that is right or just, especially in God's sight. Paul’s point is that in their old life, righteousness had no claim on them.

Why Romans 6:20 matters

  • Romans 6:20 helps clear up the idea that people can be neutral—Paul says everyone serves something, either sin or righteousness.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of being "free" from righteousness; it is not freedom in a positive sense, but a lack of what is truly good.
  • This verse connects to the larger argument in Romans 6, where Paul is showing the difference between a life ruled by sin and a life shaped by God’s righteousness.

Where else these words appear

“free” Greek G1658 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
  • Galatians 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

“when” Greek G3753 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
  • Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

“servants” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.