We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "glory of the Father" that raised Christ isn't just about God showing off; it points to the divine power and perfection that makes our new life possible too. This verse isn't just describing baptism as a symbol, but as a powerful, definitive act that unites us to Christ's death and resurrection, calling us to live out that reality.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the profound spiritual reality that happens when someone is baptized into Christ. Building on his argument that Christ's death destroys sin, he now illustrates how baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in both his death and his resurrection. This act isn't just a ritual; it's a declaration that we've died to our old selves and are called to live a completely new life, mirroring Christ's resurrection by God's power.
The Apostle Paul uses a powerful image when he talks about baptism: 'buried with him.' What does this burial signify for our lives today?
A Finality in Death
Paul connects our baptism to Christ's death and burial. This isn't just a symbolic washing; it's a profound declaration. Think of burial as the ultimate sign that death has occurred – a finality. When we are 'buried' with Christ in baptism, it signifies that our old life, characterized by sin, is definitively over.
If baptism signifies our death, how does it lead to life? Paul links our burial with Christ to His glorious resurrection and our subsequent walk.
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From Grave to Glory
The burial imagery isn't the end of the story. It's the necessary precursor to resurrection, and that's where the power lies for us.
Understand the original words
thaptō · Greek Verb
The act of laying a dead body in the earth. Theologically, it marks the completion of the death process, signifying that the old self is entirely put away and no longer has any connection to the former life.
doxa · Greek Noun
The divine splendor, weight, or manifestation of God’s presence and power. It represents the active, visible display of God's character and attributes—in this case, the power that brought Jesus back to life.
Paul uses the imagery of burial and resurrection in baptism to connect believers intimately with Christ's own death and resurrection, highlighting not just a symbolic act but a profound spiritual reality of transformation.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and then buried in a tomb, signifying the completion of His atoning sacrifice. This event is the foundation of Christian belief and the basis for the imagery Paul uses.
c. 30 AD
Resurrection of Jesus
God the Father raises Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His power and validating Jesus' sacrifice. This marks the beginning of new life for all who believe in Him.
c. 30 AD - c. 60 AD
Early Church's Practice of Baptism
The early church practiced baptism, often by immersion, symbolizing union with Christ's death and resurrection. This rite was central to Christian initiation and instruction.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, likely from Corinth or Ephesus. In it, he explains the theological implications of the gospel, including the meaning of baptism.
This passage uses similar imagery, stating believers are 'buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead,' directly linking baptism to both death and resurrection with Christ.
1 Peter 3:21This verse connects baptism not with the removal of dirt from the body, but with 'the answer of a good conscience toward God,' mirroring how Romans 6:4 emphasizes the spiritual reality and new life signified by the act, rather than just the physical ritual.
Galatians 3:27Paul states, 'For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,' which complements Romans 6:4 by highlighting that baptism is the means by which believers are clothed with Christ's identity, death, and resurrection, leading to new life.
Romans 6:11This verse immediately follows, stating 'Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord,' which is the practical outworking of the 'newness of life' that Romans 6:4 promises as a result of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
barnesRomans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Therefore we are buried ... - It is altogether probable that the apostle in this place had allusion to the custom of baptizing by immersion. This cannot, indeed, be proved, so as to be liable to no objection; but I presume that this is the idea which would strike the great mass of unprejudiced readers. B…
cambridgeRomans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
4 . we are buried with him ] Better, we were buried , &c.; the reference being to the past fact of baptism. Burial is the final token of death, and so the strongest expression of death as a fact. Perhaps there is an allusion to the immersion of baptism, as a quasi-burial. (The only parallel passage is Co…
The "glory of the Father" that raised Christ isn't just about God showing off; it points to the divine power and perfection that makes our new life possible too. This verse isn't just describing baptism as a symbol, but as a powerful, definitive act that unites us to Christ's death and resurrection, calling us to live out that reality.
Paul is explaining the profound spiritual reality that happens when someone is baptized into Christ. Building on his argument that Christ's death destroys sin, he now illustrates how baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in both his death and his resurrection. This act isn't just a ritual; it's a declaration that we've died to our old selves and are called to live a completely new life, mirroring Christ's resurrection by God's power.
Paul is explaining the profound spiritual reality that happens when someone is baptized into Christ. Building on his argument that Christ's death destroys sin, he now illustrates how baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in both his death and his resurrection. This act isn't just a ritual; it's a declaration that we've died to our old selves and are called to live a completely new life, mirroring Christ's resurrection by God's power.
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." — The "glory of the Father" that raised Christ isn't just about God showing off; it points to the divine power and perfection that makes our new life possible too. This verse isn't just describing ba…
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Last reviewed October 2026