What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

ROMANS 6:21KJV
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Romans 6:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:21 mean?

Romans 6:21 asks what benefit people gained from actions they are now ashamed of, pointing out that the result of those actions is death. The verse highlights the emptiness and harmful outcome of a life lived apart from God, especially when looking back with regret.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, reminding them of their past before following Christ. He challenges them to reflect on their former way of life, emphasizing that sinful choices did not bring lasting good but instead led to shame and spiritual death. This verse fits into a larger discussion about leaving behind an old way of living and embracing a new life in Christ.

The Greek behind Romans 6:21

  • "καρπός" (karpos, G2590) means "fruit" or "result." Paul uses this word to ask what positive outcome came from their past actions, underlining that those actions produced nothing truly good.
  • "νῦν" (nyn, G3568) means "now." Paul contrasts the present awareness and shame with the past, showing a change in perspective after coming to faith.
  • "τέλος" (telos, G5056) means "end" or "outcome." Paul is stressing that the ultimate result of those past actions is "θάνατος" (thanatos, G2288), meaning "death," which here refers to spiritual separation from God, not just physical death.

Why Romans 6:21 matters

  • Romans 6:21 clears up the idea that sinful choices bring lasting satisfaction; Paul shows that, in hindsight, those choices lead only to regret and harm.
  • The verse emphasizes the contrast between a life before and after knowing Christ, helping readers see the real consequences of their actions.
  • It connects to the wider passage by setting up the argument for why believers should pursue a new way of living, grounded in the hope and life that comes from God, not the emptiness of their old ways.

Where else these words appear

“are” Greek G1870 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
  • Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
  • 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

“end” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

“fruit” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
  • John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.