Romans 6:17
New International Version
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

New Living Translation
Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

English Standard Version
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,

Berean Standard Bible
But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.

Berean Literal Bible
But thanks be to God that you who were slaves of sin have now become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were committed.

King James Bible
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

New King James Version
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

New American Standard Bible
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were entrusted,

NASB 1995
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed,

NASB 1977
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed,

Legacy Standard Bible
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were given over,

Amplified Bible
But thank God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed.

Christian Standard Bible
But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were transferred to,

American Standard Version
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

Contemporary English Version
You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you followed the example set forth in the teaching you received.

English Revised Version
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You were slaves to sin. But I thank God that you have become wholeheartedly obedient to the teachings which you were given.

Good News Translation
But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received.

International Standard Version
But thank God that, though you were once slaves of sin, you became obedient from your hearts to that form of teaching with which you were entrusted!

Majority Standard Bible
But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.

NET Bible
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to,

New Heart English Bible
But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were entrusted.

Webster's Bible Translation
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin; but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Weymouth New Testament
But thanks be to God that though you were once in thraldom to Sin, you have now yielded a hearty obedience to that system of truth in which you have been instructed.

World English Bible
But thanks be to God that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And thanks to God, that you were servants of sin, and—were obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were delivered up;

Berean Literal Bible
But thanks be to God that you who were slaves of sin have now become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were committed.

Young's Literal Translation
and thanks to God, that ye were servants of the sin, and -- were obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which ye were delivered up;

Smith's Literal Translation
And grace to God, that ye were servants of sin, but ye listened from the heart to the type of teaching in which ye were delivered.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But thanks be to God, that you were the servants of sin, but have obeyed from the heart, unto that form of doctrine, into which you have been delivered.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be the servants of sin, now you have been obedient from the heart to the very form of the doctrine into which you have been received.

New American Bible
But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted.

New Revised Standard Version
But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But thank God that you, who were once the servants of sin, now obey from the heart that form of doctrine which has been delivered to you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But thank God that you were Servants of sin and you obeyed from the heart that form of the teaching to which you are devoted.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But thanks be to God, that though you were the servants of sin, yet you have obeyed from the heart the form of teaching, in which you have been instructed;

Godbey New Testament
But thanks be unto God, that whereas ye were servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart the type of teaching into which ye were delivered:

Haweis New Testament
But thanks be to God, that though ye were the servants of sin, ye have obeyed from the heart the model of doctrine into which ye were delivered.

Mace New Testament
but God be thanked, that you, who were the vassals of sin, have sincerely obeyed in the manner the gospel prescribed.

Weymouth New Testament
But thanks be to God that though you were once in thraldom to Sin, you have now yielded a hearty obedience to that system of truth in which you have been instructed.

Worrell New Testament
But thanks be to God that, though ye were slaves of sin, ye did, however, obey from the heart that form of teaching unto which ye were delivered;

Worsley New Testament
But thanks be to God, that ye who were servants of sin, have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wages of Sin
16Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.…

Cross References
Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.

Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. / And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.

1 Timothy 1:12-14
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13-14
Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. / Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Psalm 107:1-2
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. / Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy

Psalm 116:16-17
Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds. / I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

Isaiah 12:1
In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me.

Isaiah 51:7
Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.


Treasury of Scripture

But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

But.

Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

1 Chronicles 29:12-16
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all…

Ezra 7:27
Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:

that.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, …

Ephesians 2:5-10
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) …

1 Timothy 1:13-16
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief…

but ye.

Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 2:8
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

Romans 15:18
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

that form.

2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

which was delivered you.

Jump to Previous
Bondservants Committed Delivered Doctrine Entrusted Form Freely Heart Hearty Instructed ly Obedience Obedient Obeyed Once Placed Praise Servants Sin Slaves Standard System Teaching Thanked Thanks Thraldom Truth Used Whereas Whereunto Wholeheartedly Yielded Yourselves
Jump to Next
Bondservants Committed Delivered Doctrine Entrusted Form Freely Heart Hearty Instructed ly Obedience Obedient Obeyed Once Placed Praise Servants Sin Slaves Standard System Teaching Thanked Thanks Thraldom Truth Used Whereas Whereunto Wholeheartedly Yielded Yourselves
Romans 6
1. We may not live in sin;
2. for we are dead unto it;
3. as appears by our baptism.
12. Let not sin reign anymore;
18. because we have yielded ourselves to the service of righteousness;
23. and because death is the wages of sin.














But thanks be to God
This phrase begins with an expression of gratitude, directing the focus to God as the source of all good things. The Greek word for "thanks" is "χάρις" (charis), which is often translated as "grace" or "favor." This indicates that the gratitude expressed is not merely a polite acknowledgment but a recognition of God's unmerited favor and active role in the transformation of believers. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding that all spiritual progress and sanctification are ultimately gifts from God, not achievements of human effort.

that, though you once were slaves to sin
The phrase "slaves to sin" uses the Greek word "δοῦλοι" (douloi), meaning "slaves" or "bondservants." This metaphor highlights the totality of the control sin had over individuals before their conversion. In the Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and being a slave meant having no personal autonomy. Spiritually, this implies that before knowing Christ, individuals were completely under the dominion of sin, unable to free themselves. This historical context underscores the depth of the transformation that occurs through salvation.

you wholeheartedly obeyed
The word "wholeheartedly" translates from the Greek "ἐκ καρδίας" (ek kardias), meaning "from the heart." This signifies a sincere and complete obedience, not merely an external compliance. In biblical terms, the heart is the center of will and emotion, indicating that this obedience is genuine and stems from an inner transformation. This reflects the biblical teaching that true obedience to God is not just about outward actions but involves a change of heart and mind.

the form of teaching to which you were committed
The "form of teaching" refers to the apostolic doctrine and the core truths of the Christian faith. The Greek word "τύπον" (tupon) suggests a pattern or model, indicating that the teaching was a well-defined and authoritative standard. Historically, this teaching would have been the gospel message and the ethical instructions given by the apostles. The phrase "to which you were committed" implies a deliberate and active dedication to this teaching, suggesting that believers are entrusted with the truth and are responsible for adhering to it.

(17) Have obeyed.--Rather, obeyed. (See Note on Romans 6:2.) In like manner correct "have yielded" to "yielded" in Romans 6:19.

That form of doctrine.--That pattern of teaching, or express moral rule of life.

Delivered you.--Literally, to which you were delivered--to the direction of which you were handed over.

Verses 17, 18. - But thanks be to God, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine whereunto ye were delivered. (Not, as in the Authorized Version, which was delivered you). Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. There is no contradiction between what is here said and the fear previously implied lest the persons addressed might still serve sin. He refers them back to the time of their baptism, when he conceives them both to have understood their obligation (cf. ver. 3), and also to have been heartily sincere. The fear was lest they might have relaxed since, perhaps through infection with antinomian teaching. By the "form of doctrine" or "of instruction" (τύπον διδαχῆς) is not at all likely to be meant (as some have supposed) any distinctive type of Christian teaching, such as the Pauline (so Meyer). Usually elsewhere, where St. Paul uses the word τύπος, it is of persons being examples or patterns to others (1 Corinthians 10:6; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7). Somewhat similarly, in Romans 5:14, Adam is τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος; and in 1 Corinthians 10:6 the things which happened to the Israelites in the wilderness were τύποι to us. These are all the instances of the use of the word in St. Paul's Epistles. Here, therefore, it may be best to understand it (so as to retain the idea of pattern) as the general Christian code into which converts had been indoctrinated, regarded as a norton agendi "Norma ilia et regula, ad quam se conformat servus, tautum ei per doctrinam ostenditur; urgeri eum non opus est" (Bengel on διδαχῆς).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

thanks [be]
χάρις (charis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

to God
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

that,
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

though you once were
ἦτε (ēte)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

slaves
δοῦλοι (douloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

to sin,
ἁμαρτίας (hamartias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.

you wholeheartedly obeyed
ὑπηκούσατε (hypēkousate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5219: From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.

the form
τύπον (typon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5179: From tupto; a die, i.e. a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. A statue, style or resemblance; specially, a sampler, i.e. A model or instance.

of teaching
διδαχῆς (didachēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

which
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you were committed.
παρεδόθητε (paredothēte)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.


Links
Romans 6:17 NIV
Romans 6:17 NLT
Romans 6:17 ESV
Romans 6:17 NASB
Romans 6:17 KJV

Romans 6:17 BibleApps.com
Romans 6:17 Biblia Paralela
Romans 6:17 Chinese Bible
Romans 6:17 French Bible
Romans 6:17 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that whereas (Rom. Ro)
Romans 6:16
Top of Page
Top of Page