King James Version

What Does Romans 5:14 Mean?

Romans 5:14 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgr...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 5:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

Read Romans 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression—death's universal reign proves universal guilt. Even those who didn't commit explicit transgression παράβασις (parabasis, 'violation of known command') like Adam (Genesis 2:17) still died, demonstrating inherited Adamic guilt and corruption. The verb ἐβασίλευσεν (ebasileusen, 'reigned') personifies death as a tyrant exercising dominion.

Who is the figure of him that was to come—Adam is τύπος (typos, 'type/pattern/foreshadowing') of Christ. Federal headship unites the two: Adam's one act affects all his descendants, Christ's one act affects all His people. But the analogy is one of contrast (verses 15-19 emphasize 'not as... so also...'): Adam brought condemnation, Christ brings justification; Adam's act resulted in death's reign, Christ's in grace reigning through righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's Adam-Christ typology became foundational for Christian theology. The church fathers used it to explain the incarnation's necessity: only a new Adam could undo the first Adam's work. Where Adam failed in the garden, Christ succeeded in Gethsemane; where Adam's disobedience brought curse, Christ's obedience brought blessing. This typology appears throughout Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:22, 45-49) and informs doctrines of original sin, federal representation, and Christ's active obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Adam being a 'type' of Christ teach about God's plan from creation for salvation through representative headship?
  2. How does federal headship (one person's act affecting many) challenge Western individualism that rejects corporate solidarity?
  3. If you accept being affected by Adam's sin, on what grounds would you reject the offer of being affected by Christ's righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἀλλ'1 of 24

“Nevertheless”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐβασίλευσεν2 of 24

“reigned”

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

ὁ3 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάνατος4 of 24

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ5 of 24

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἀδάμ6 of 24

“Adam”

G76

adam, the first man; typically (of jesus) man (as his representative)

μέχρι7 of 24

“to”

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

Μωσέως8 of 24

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

καὶ9 of 24

“even”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ10 of 24

“after”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς11 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ12 of 24

“not”

G3361

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

ἁμαρτήσαντας13 of 24

“sinned”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

ἐπὶ14 of 24

“after”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ15 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁμοιώματι16 of 24

“the similitude”

G3667

a form; abstractly, resemblance

τῆς17 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραβάσεως18 of 24

“transgression”

G3847

violation

Ἀδάμ19 of 24

“Adam”

G76

adam, the first man; typically (of jesus) man (as his representative)

ὅς20 of 24

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν21 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τύπος22 of 24

“the figure”

G5179

a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp

τοῦ23 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέλλοντος24 of 24

“of him that was to come”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:45Romans 5:17Hebrews 9:27Romans 5:21Genesis 7:22Romans 8:22

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