King James Version

What Does Romans 5:13 Mean?

Romans 5:13 in the King James Version says “(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

Romans 5:13 · KJV

Context

11

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. atonement: or, reconciliation

12

Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: for that: or, in whom

13

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

14

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

15

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law—Paul addresses potential objections: if law reveals transgression (4:15), was sin not sin before Sinai? He affirms sin existed from Adam to Moses, but without law's explicit commands, sin wasn't 'charged to account' (λογέομαι, logeomai, the same verb used for imputing righteousness in 4:3-8) in the same way. This doesn't mean pre-law humans were guiltless but that transgression becomes explicit rebellion when divine commands are known.

The parenthesis explains verse 12's claim that 'all sinned': death reigned even over those who had no explicit law to break, proving sin's reality and power apart from Mosaic legislation. Paul distinguishes between sin's existence (always present), its identification as transgression (requires law), and its condemnatory power (operative from Adam onward). This prepares for verse 14's statement that death reigned universally, not merely over law-breakers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul navigates a complex theological issue for his dual audience: Jewish readers might think only law-breakers (Israel post-Sinai) were truly guilty, while Gentiles without Torah might consider themselves innocent. Paul insists all humanity from Adam onward has been under sin's dominion and death's reign. The period 'from Adam to Moses' (pre-law era) demonstrates that humanity's problem isn't merely ignorance of divine commands but fundamental corruption requiring more than moral instruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reality of sin existing before explicit law challenge moralities based solely on known rules rather than God's character?
  2. What does the distinction between sin's presence and its formal imputation teach about degrees of guilt and judgment (cf. Luke 12:47-48)?
  3. If sin's power operates apart from law, why do people often think becoming more religious or law-observant solves their sin problem?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἄχρι1 of 14

“until”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

γὰρ2 of 14

“(For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

νόμου3 of 14

“law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἁμαρτία4 of 14

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἦν5 of 14

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐν6 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κόσμῳ7 of 14

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἁμαρτία8 of 14

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

δὲ9 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ10 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐλλογεῖται11 of 14

“imputed”

G1677

to reckon in, i.e., attribute

μὴ12 of 14

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὄντος13 of 14

“when there is”

G5607

being

νόμου14 of 14

“law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 5:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 4:151 Corinthians 15:561 John 3:4Genesis 4:7-11Genesis 38:7Genesis 38:10

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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