For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

ROMANS 6:5KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 6:5 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:5 mean?

Romans 6:5 teaches that if believers have become united with Jesus in a way that resembles his death, they can also expect to share in a resurrection like his. The verse uses the image of being “planted together” to show a deep connection between Jesus’ experience and the believer’s spiritual journey.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, explaining how faith in Jesus changes a person’s relationship to sin and new life. He uses the idea of being joined with Jesus—both in his death to sin and in his resurrection to new life—to assure believers that their future is tied to what happened to Jesus. This verse is part of a larger argument about how following Jesus means leaving the old life behind and living in a new way.

The Greek behind Romans 6:5

  • The word “planted together” comes from the Greek συνφύω (symphytos), which means “grown together” or “closely united.” This shows Paul is describing a very close, almost organic connection between believers and Jesus.
  • The word “likeness” is ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma), meaning “resemblance” or “similar form.” Paul is not saying believers literally die and rise as Jesus did, but that there is a real, meaningful similarity in experience.
  • The Greek for “resurrection” is ἀνάστασις (anastasis), which means “rising up” or “standing up again.” Paul is pointing to the hope that just as Jesus was raised, believers will also experience a kind of new life.

Why Romans 6:5 matters

  • Romans 6:5 helps clear up the idea that following Jesus is only about moral improvement; Paul emphasizes a much deeper change, like being planted into a new kind of life.
  • This verse connects the believer’s story directly to Jesus’ story, showing that what happened to Jesus is not just an example but something believers actually share in.
  • It sets up the rest of Romans 6, where Paul explains how this union with Jesus leads to freedom from sin and a new way of living.

Where else these words appear

“likeness” Greek G3667 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
  • Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
  • Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
  • Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

“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.