and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about a change in allegiance; it highlights that freedom from sin isn't an endpoint, but a prerequisite for entering a new form of willing servitude. It reveals that true liberty isn't the absence of any master, but the ability to choose a good one who guides you into a purposeful, righteous life.
and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building on the radical idea that baptism unites believers with Christ's death and resurrection, thereby breaking sin's power. He's arguing that because believers are no longer slaves to sin, they must actively choose to be slaves to righteousness. This transition from being under sin's dominion to serving God is a fundamental transformation that defines the Christian life.
We can't serve two masters. The moment we are freed from one, we are immediately bound to another. What does this 'switch' look like in our lives?
Paul uses a powerful analogy here: slavery. He says that everyone, by default, is a slave to something. If you're not a slave to sin, you are a slave to righteousness.
The Dominion of Sin
Before we knew Christ, sin was our master. It commanded us, and we obeyed, leading to spiritual death. We were held captive, not truly free, even if we didn't realize it.
The Freedom in Christ
But here's the amazing part: through Jesus, we've been manumitted – like a slave being set free! Sin no longer has dominion over us. It's like a master losing all authority.
The New Master: Righteousness
However, freedom from sin doesn't mean freedom from service. It means we now voluntarily become slaves to a new, perfect Master: Righteousness. This isn't a harsh, oppressive rule, but a willing surrender to the One who has given us true freedom. Our obedience now leads to life.
Does being 'free from sin' mean we can do whatever we want? Absolutely not! Discover the profound truth about the purpose of our freedom.
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This verse unpacks a crucial paradox: true freedom is found in willing servitude. When Paul says we've been 'made free from sin,' he's not advocating for a life of aimless liberty. Instead, it’s a transfer of allegiance.
A Complete Shift
Think of it like this: a slave is freed from one harsh owner. That doesn't mean they become a wanderer with no purpose. It means they are now free to choose a new, benevolent master and enter into a righteous contract of service. Our 'freedom' from sin is the very thing that enables us to willingly submit to righteousness.
The Motivation for Service
Our service to righteousness isn't forced. It flows from a heart transformed by God's grace. We obey because we are loved, forgiven, and adopted as His children. It’s a joyful response to the freedom Christ has given us, not a reluctant obligation.
Understand the original words
eleutherothentes · Greek Verb/Participle
The state of having been released from the power, penalty, and dominion of a previous master (sin/death). In Christ, this freedom is not license to do as one pleases, but liberation to serve God.
Jesus declares, 'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.' This passage directly echoes the freedom from sin that Paul describes, emphasizing that this liberty is found in Christ.
Colossians 1:13This verse speaks of God rescuing believers 'from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.' It parallels the idea of being liberated from one master (sin/darkness) and brought under the rule of another (God/His Son).
Galatians 5:1Paul states, 'For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.' This highlights the ongoing choice to live in the freedom Christ provides, rather than returning to bondage.
Matthew 6:24Jesus teaches, 'No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve God and money.' This principle of exclusive allegiance is reflected in Paul's argument that believers have switched their allegiance from sin to righteousness.
henryRomans 6:16-20: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
6:16-20 Every man is the servant of the master to whose commands he yields himself; whether it be the sinful dispositions of his heart, in actions which lead to death, or the new and spiritual obedience implanted by regeneration. The apostle rejoiced now they obeyed from the heart the gospel, into which they were de…
barnesRomans 6:18: "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."
"Being then made free from sin." That is, as a master. You are not under its dominion; you are no longer its slaves. They were made free, as a servant is who is set at liberty, and who is, therefore, no longer under obligation to obey. Ye became the servants ... - You became voluntarily under the dominion of righteousness; you yielded yourselves to it; and are therefore bound to be holy; compare the note at J…
This verse isn't just about a change in allegiance; it highlights that freedom from sin isn't an endpoint, but a prerequisite for entering a new form of willing servitude. It reveals that true liberty isn't the absence of any master, but the ability to choose a good one who guides you into a purposeful, righteous life.
Paul is building on the radical idea that baptism unites believers with Christ's death and resurrection, thereby breaking sin's power. He's arguing that because believers are no longer slaves to sin, they must actively choose to be slaves to righteousness. This transition from being under sin's dominion to serving God is a fundamental transformation that defines the Christian life.
Paul is building on the radical idea that baptism unites believers with Christ's death and resurrection, thereby breaking sin's power. He's arguing that because believers are no longer slaves to sin, they must actively choose to be slaves to righteousness. This transition from being under sin's dominion to serving God is a fundamental transformation that defines the Christian life.
"and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness." — This verse isn't just about a change in allegiance; it highlights that freedom from sin isn't an endpoint, but a prerequisite for entering a new form of willing servitude. It reveals that true libe…
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Last reviewed October 2026