What does it mean to die to that which held you captive?

In the original Greek, Paul adds a strange expression to the word died in Romans 7:6, which is difficult to understand and translate. Many exegetes believe that the apostle here further qualifies how the law held us captive (ESV), or once bound us (NIV). However, such a connection between these words and the law is less plausible. Firstly, it does not say that we died or were killed for or through anything or anyone; it says that we died or were killed in (en) something or someone. Next, the expression is not connected directly to the word law, but rather to the verb killed or died. Thirdly, if the second part of this sentence in Romans 7:6 (dying to the law) was simply a repetition of the first part (released from the law), there would be insufficient substantiation for the third part of the sentence, which concludes that we now serve in the new way of the Spirit. Furthermore, in the preceding section of the letter Paul already spoke more than once about our dying or being killed with Christ (Romans 5:8, Romans 5:19, Romans 6:3–4, Romans 6:6, Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11) and therefore it only seems logical that Romans 7:6 also refers to our dying in or with Christ. Finally, such a connection is possible only if we translated the text as, if we died in him with whom we were included, or died in him to whom we belonged. This can then refer to the fact that Christ’s death also pertains to all whom the Father had given him (see John 17:9).

The Greek verb katecheisthai used here is often translated negatively, i.e. as chained or held captive, but it can also have a neutral or positive meaning, as in being held in possession by or being held fast. In many cases it is negative when people are being held by another person and taken away against their will, but the circumstances could also be positive (for example, in rescue operations). When Christ carries us away with him in his death, this is of course very positive because of his resurrection.¹