Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Romans 6:16

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι, appeal to recognised principle.

ᾧ, neut.: the case is stated as generally as possible.

εἰς ὑπακοήν = with a view to obeying, for obedience—the proper attitude of the δοῦλος.

ἤ ὑπακοῆς εἰς δικαιοσύνην, the antithesis fails: we expect ἤ δικαιοσύνης εἰς ζωήν. The reason for the change appears to be that the latter phrase could not yet be used without risk of misunderstanding: δοῦλοι δικαιοσύνης εἰς ζωήν could be fully accepted by a Jew as describing his state under law: consequently it is necessary to bring out the meaning both of ὑπακοή and of δικαιοσύνη; and this is done first by substituting these words, in spite of the inexact antithesis; and then by explaining their meaning in 17–18.

ὑπακοῆς. Consequently the gen. here is not objective after δοῦλοι but descriptive = slaves who obey.

εἰς δικαιοσύνην, with a view to righteousness—to secure and maintain righteousness. Righteousness here as generally = GOD’s righteousness as revealed in Christ and made known in the gospel. Hence it can be used alternatively with τῷ θεῷ, Romans 6:18; Romans 6:22.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Romans 6:16

Old Testament

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