# But thanks be to God!

"But I thank God!"

# For you were servants of sin

Here "sin" is described as a master that a slave would serve. Also, "sin" refers to the power that lives in us that makes us choose to do what is sinful. AT: "For you were slaves to the power of sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# but you have obeyed from the heart

Here the word "heart" refers to having sincere or honest motives for doing something. AT: "but you truly obeyed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# the pattern of teaching that you were given

Here "pattern" refers to the way of living that leads to righteousness. The believers change their old way of living to match this new way of living that Christian leaders teach to them. You can translate this in an active form. AT: "the teaching that Christian leaders gave you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]).

# You have been made free from sin

You can translate this in an active form. AT: "Christ has freed you from the power of sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# free from sin

"Free from sin" is an idiom meaning ability to live without sin hindering one's life. AT: "the ability to live without sin hindering one's life." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).

# servants of righteousness

"you are now a servant for doing what is right"

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/god]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/servant]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/obey]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/free]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]]