King James Version

What Does Romans 5:15 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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.

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.

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.

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) by one man's: or, by one offence

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Topics in This Verse

Grace

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) Now comes the statement of the contrast which extends over the next five verses. The points of difference are thrown into relief by the points of resemblance. These may be, perhaps, best presented by the subjoined scheme:— *Persons of the action.* One man, Adam. One Man, Christ. *The action.* One act of trespass. One act of obedience. *Character of the action viewed in its relation to the Fall and Salvation of man.* The great initial trespass or breach of the law of God. The great accomplished work of grace, or the gift of righteousness. *Persons affected by the action.* All mankind. All mankind. *Proximate effect of the action.* Influx of many transgressions. Clearing away of many transgressions. *Ulterior effect of the action.* Death. Life. **The offence.**—Perhaps rather, *trespass,* to bring out the latent antithesis to the *obedience* of Christ. (Ellicott.) **One . . . many.**—Substitute throughout this passage, “*the* one,” “*the* many.” By “*the* many,” is meant “mankind generally,” “all men.” Dr. Lightfoot quotes Bentley on the importance of this change: “By this accurate version some hurtful mistakes about partial redemption and absolute reprobation had been happily prevented. Our English readers had then seen what several of the Fathers saw and testified, that *the many,* in an antithesis to *the one,* are equivalent to *all* in Romans 5:12, and comprehend the whole multitude, the entire species of mankind, exclusive only of *the one.”* “In other words,” Dr. Lightfoot adds, “the benefits of Christ’s obedience extend to all men potentially. It is only human self-will which places limits to its operation.” **Much more.**—Because God is much more ready to exercise mercy and love than severity, to pardon than to punish. **The grace of God, and the gift by grace.**—The grace of God is the moving cause, its result is the gift (of righteousness, Romans 5:17) imputed by His gracious act to the many.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 5:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.