Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, September 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 19 / Ordinary 24
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Read the Bible

King James Version

Romans 6:17

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.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Depravity of Man;   Heart;   Holiness;   Obedience;   Regeneration;   Righteous;   Servant;   Thankfulness;   Word of God;   The Topic Concordance - Righteousness;   Servants;   Sin;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Doctrines of the Gospel, the;   Heart, Character of the Renewed;   Obedience to God;   Thanksgiving;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Type;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Flesh;   Freedom;   Heart;   Obedience;   Paul;   Redemption;   Self-discipline;   Servant;   Slave;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Body;   Deliver;   Freedom;   Philippians, Theology of;   Servant, Service;   Spirituality;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Confession of Faith;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Type;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Antinomianism;   Flesh;   Grace;   Heart;   Human Free Will;   Romans, Book of;   Slave/servant;   Thanksgiving;   Typology;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Liberty;   Redeemer, Redemption;   Repentance;   Romans, Epistle to the;   Sanctification, Sanctify;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Baptism;   Bondage;   Commandment;   Fellowship (2);   Form;   Guilt (2);   Heart ;   Holiness Purity;   Lord's Supper. (I.);   Metaphor;   Obedience;   Organization (2);   Pattern;   Regeneration;   Sin;   Sin (2);   Type;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Liberty;   Type;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Apostles' Creed, the;   Form;   Grace;   Shape;   Type;  

Devotionals:

- Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life - Devotion for December 22;   My Utmost for His Highest - Devotion for October 9;  

Parallel Translations

Simplified Cowboy Version
Thank God that even though ya used to ride for sin's outfit, ya took ahold of the things you've been taught.
New American Standard Bible (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,
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,
Bible in Basic English
But praise be to God that though you were the servants of sin, you have now given yourselves freely to that form of teaching under which you were placed;
Darby Translation
But thanks [be] to God, that ye were bondmen of sin, but have obeyed from the heart the form of teaching into which ye were instructed.
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.
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,
World English Bible
But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were servants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were the servants of sin, ye have now obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine into which ye have been delivered.
Weymouth's 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.
King James Version (1611)
But God bee thanked, that yee were the seruants of sinne: but ye haue obeyed from the heart that fourme of doctrine, which was deliuered you.
Literal Translation
But thanks be to God that you were slaves of sin, but you obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
But God be thanked, that though ye haue bene the seruauntes of synne, ye are now yet obedient of herte to the ensample off the doctryne, whervnto ye are commytted.
Mace New Testament (1729)
but God be thanked, that you, who were the vassals of sin, have sincerely obeyed in the manner the gospel prescribed.
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.
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;
Revised 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,
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
God be thanked yt though ye were once the servauntes of synne ye have yet obeyed with herte vnto the forme of doctryne wher vnto ye were delyvered.
Update Bible Version
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 delivered;
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.
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;
New Century Version
In the past you were slaves to sin—sin controlled you. But thank God, you fully obeyed the things that you were taught.
New English Translation
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,
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.
Contemporary English Version
You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you obeyed the teaching you received from me.
Complete Jewish Bible
By God's grace, you, who were once slaves to sin, obeyed from your heart the pattern of teaching to which you were exposed;
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,
Geneva Bible (1587)
But God be thanked, that ye haue beene the seruants of sinne, but yee haue obeyed from the heart vnto the forme of the doctrine, wherunto ye were deliuered.
George Lamsa Translation
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.
Hebrew Names Version
But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were servants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered.
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!2 Timothy 1:13;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
But praise to Aloha that you were the servants of sin, but have obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine to which you have been delivered.
Murdock Translation
But thanks be to God, that ye were [fn] the servants of sin but have [fn] from the heart obeyed that form of doctrine to which ye are devoted.
New Living Translation
Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.
New Life Bible
At one time you were held by the power of sin. But now you obey with all your heart the teaching that was given to you. Thank God for this!
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;
New Revised Standard
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,
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
But thanks be unto God, that - whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient out of the heart unto the mould of teaching into which ye were delivered;
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.
Lexham English Bible
But thanks be to God that you were slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted,
Bishop's Bible (1568)
But God be thanked, that ye were the seruautes of sinne: but ye haue obeyed with heart the fourme of doctrine, into the which ye were brought vnto.
Easy-to-Read Version
In the past you were slaves to sin—sin controlled you. But thank God, you fully obeyed what you were taught.
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,
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.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
But Y thanke God, that ye weren seruauntis of synne; but ye han obeischid of herte in to that fourme of techyng, in which ye ben bitakun.

Contextual Overview

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

But: Romans 1:8, 1 Chronicles 29:12-16, Ezra 7:27, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:26, Acts 11:18, Acts 28:15, 1 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:16, Philippians 1:3-5, Colossians 1:3, Colossians 1:4, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:3-5, Philemon 1:4, 2 John 1:4, 3 John 1:3

that: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:5-10, 1 Timothy 1:13-16, Titus 3:3-7, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 4:2-5

but ye: Romans 1:5, Romans 2:8, Romans 15:18, Romans 16:26, Psalms 18:44, *marg. 2 Corinthians 10:5, 2 Corinthians 10:6, Hebrews 5:9, Hebrews 11:8, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 4:17

that form: 2 Timothy 1:13

which was delivered you: Gr. whereto ye were delivered

Reciprocal: Leviticus 25:10 - proclaim Leviticus 25:55 - my servants Deuteronomy 6:21 - General Deuteronomy 16:12 - General Deuteronomy 27:9 - this day Job 36:11 - If Jeremiah 24:7 - for they Micah 7:19 - subdue Acts 8:23 - the bond Romans 2:20 - the form Romans 6:16 - whether of sin Romans 6:19 - for as ye Romans 6:20 - the servants Romans 7:25 - thank God Romans 10:16 - obeyed 1 Corinthians 6:11 - such Galatians 3:1 - ye Galatians 5:7 - obey Ephesians 1:13 - after that ye heard Ephesians 6:6 - from Colossians 1:13 - and 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - effectually 2 Thessalonians 2:10 - they received 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - we 1 Timothy 2:1 - and James 1:21 - the engrafted

Cross-References

Genesis 2:7
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Genesis 6:3
And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Genesis 6:4
There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
Genesis 6:7
And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
Genesis 6:12
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Genesis 6:13
And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Genesis 6:14
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
Genesis 6:20
Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
Genesis 6:21
And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.
Genesis 6:22
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin,.... Not that the apostle must be thought to give thanks to God for that these persons had been the servants of sin, than which nothing is more disagreeable to God, or caused more shame to themselves; but that inasmuch as they had been in the drudgery and service of sin, they were now freed from it. Just as if a person, that has been a slave for some time in Algiers, should bless God, or be thankful to the instrument of his deliverance, that whereas he had been in such slavery, he is now redeemed from it: wherefore it is added,

but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. By "the form of doctrine", is meant the Gospel, which is the "doctrine" of the Scriptures, of Christ and his apostles, and is sound and according to godliness; and is a "form", or contains a summary and compendium of truths, and is a pattern or exemplar, according to which ministers are to preach, and people to hear and receive. So the word טופס which is the same with τυπος here, is used by the Jewish y writers for a form, copy, pattern, or exemplar of any sort of writings This form of doctrine is קבלה, "a Cabala", but not like that of the Jews' oral law, or form of traditions z, handed down, as they say, from one man, and set of men, to another; but this is delivered from the Father to Christ, from Christ to his apostles, and by them to the saints; and "into which they were delivered", as it may be rendered, as into a mould; and so received the impression of it, and were evangelized by it: so such are who have a spirit of Gospel liberty, in opposition to a spirit of bondage; who live by faith on Christ, and not by the works of the law; who derive their comfort from him, and not from anything done by them; whose repentance and obedience are influenced by the grace of God, and who are zealous of good works, without any dependence on them. This form of doctrine was "obeyed" by them; by which is meant, not a mere obedience to the ordinances of the Gospel; nor a bare hearing of the doctrines of it, and giving an assent unto them; but an embracing of them by faith for themselves, so as to lay hold on Christ in them, submit to his righteousness therein revealed, and be willing to be saved by him, and him alone, in his own way; and this is the obedience of faith: the reason why faith is expressed by obedience is, because faith receives truth upon the veracity of God, and not upon the dictates of carnal reason; and is always more or less attended with external obedience to the will of God; and that is rightly performed only by faith. And this obedience did not lie in words, or proceed on mercenary views, and in an hypocritical way; but was "from the heart"; and was real and sincere: and good reason there is why a hearty, cheerful, and voluntary obedience should be yielded to t he Gospel; since it is from God; Christ is the substance of it; it is truth, and the word of our salvation. The Alexandrian copy reads, "from a pure heart"; and the Arabic version, "from the sincerity of your heart"; and the Ethiopic version, "with your whole heart".

y T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 26. 1. Bava Bathra, fol. 44. 2. R. Moses Kotzensis Mitzvot Tora, precept. Affirm. 50. z Vid. Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 1.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

But God be thanked - The argument in this verse is drawn from a direct appeal to the feelings of the Roman Christians themselves. From their experience, Paul was able to draw a demonstration to his purpose, and this was with him a ground of gratitude to God.

That ye were ... - The sense of this passage is plain. The ground Of the thanksgiving was not that they had been the slaves of sin; but it is, that notwithstanding this, or although they had been thus, yet that they were now obedient. To give thanks to God that people were sinners, would contradict the whole spirit of this argument, and of the Bible. But to give thanks that although people had been sinners, yet that now they had become obedient; that is, that great sinners had become converted, is in entire accordance with the spirit of the Bible, and with propriety. The word “although” or “whereas,” understood here, expresses the sense, “But thanks unto God, that whereas ye were the servants of sin,” etc. Christians should thank God that they themselves, though once great sinners, have become converted; and when others who are great sinners are converted, they should praise him.

The servants of sin - This is a strong expression implying that they had been in bondage to sin; that they had been completely its slaves.

From the heart - Not in external form only; but as a cordial, sincere, and entire service. No other obedience is genuine.

That form of doctrine - Greek, type; see the note at Romans 5:14. The form or type of doctrine means that shape or model of instruction which was communicated. It does not differ materially from the doctrine itself, “you have obeyed that doctrine,” etc. You have yielded obedience to the instructions, the rules, the tenor of the Christian revelation. The word “doctrine” does not refer to an abstract dogma, but means instruction, that which is taught. And the meaning of the whole expression is simply, that they had yielded a cheerful and hearty obedience to what had been communicated to them by the teachers of the Christian religion; compare Romans 1:8.

Which was delivered you - Margin, “Whereto ye were delivered.” This is a literal translation of the Greek; and the sense is simply in which you have been instructed.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Romans 6:17. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin — This verse should be read thus: But thanks be to God that, although ye were the servants of sin, nevertheless ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered unto you; or, that mould of teaching into which ye were cast. The apostle does not thank God that they were sinners; but that, although they were such, they had now received and obeyed the Gospel. The Hebrew phrase, Isaiah 12:1, is exactly the same as that of the apostle here: In that day thou shalt say, I will praise thee, for thou wast angry with me: that is, although thou wast angry with me, thou hast turned away thy wrath, c.

That form of doctrine — Τυπον διδαχης here Christianity is represented under the notion of a mould, or die, into which they were cast, and from which they took the impression of its excellence. The figure upon this die is the image of God, righteousness and true holiness, which was stamped on their souls in believing the Gospel and receiving the Holy Ghost. The words εις ὁν παρεδοθητε τυπον refer to the melting of metal; which, when it is liquified, is cast into the mould, that it may receive the impression that is sunk or cut in the mould; and therefore the words may be literally translated, into which mould of doctrine ye have been cast. They were melted down under the preaching of the word, and then were capable of receiving the stamp of its purity.


 
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