Romans 6:14 Meaning and Explanation
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The Context of Romans 6:14
Paul continues urging believers not to let sin reign in their lives. This verse gives the reason for confidence: they live under grace, which breaks sin's dominion in a way the law could not.
What Does Romans 6:14 Mean?
Paul gives a confident promise: sin shall not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace. The word "dominion" pictures sin as a master that once held authority over a person's life. Paul declares that this mastery is broken for the believer. Sin may still tempt and trouble, but it no longer holds the throne. This is stated as a promise grounded in what God has done, not merely as a goal the believer must achieve by willpower.
The reason given is striking: "ye are not under the law, but under grace." Paul does not mean that grace makes holiness optional. The surrounding verses make clear it does the opposite: the believer now lives in a new realm where God's grace empowers what law could only command. The law could define sin and expose it but could not break its power. Grace does what the law could not, freeing the believer from sin's rule and supplying the strength to live for God. This verse offers genuine hope to anyone weary of losing the same battles. The decisive power now belongs to grace, and under grace sin's reign is ended.
Romans 6:14 in the Original Language
"Dominion" translates the Greek "kyrieuō," to lord over or rule as master. "Law" renders "nomos," and "grace" comes from "charis," God's unearned favor and empowering kindness.
Bible Verses Related to Romans 6:14
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Romans 6:11
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
- Romans 8:2
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
- John 8:36
How to Apply Romans 6:14 Today
Believers struggling against recurring sin can take heart that sin's reign is broken under grace, finding strength to live for God rather than fighting alone by sheer effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 6:14
What does it mean that sin shall not have dominion over you?
It means sin's mastery is broken for the believer. Sin may still tempt, but it no longer rules as master. Paul states this as a promise grounded in God's work, not just a goal of willpower.
Does being "under grace" mean holiness is optional?
No. Paul means the opposite. Under grace, God empowers what the law could only command. Grace breaks sin's rule and supplies the strength to live for God, so it frees believers to pursue holiness.
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