King James Version

What Does Romans 5:16 Mean?

Romans 5:16 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 5:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

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

18

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. by the offence: or, by one offence by the righteousness: or, by one righteousness


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul contrasts scope: Adam's one sin brought κρίμα (krima, 'judgment/condemnation'), but Christ's gift addresses πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων (pollōn paraptōmatōn, 'many trespasses'). The free gift (χάρισμα, charisma) doesn't merely reverse one sin but conquers the accumulated transgressions of all God's people across all time.

The δικαίωμα (dikaiōma, 'justification/righteous verdict') resulting from grace surpasses the condemnation resulting from Adam's fall. The contrast emphasizes grace's triumph: one trespass brought universal condemnation, but grace overcomes not one but multitudinous sins, resulting not in mere pardon but in positive justification—a righteous verdict declaring sinners righteous in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse addresses the mathematical oddity of salvation: Adam's single sin condemns all, yet each person commits innumerable sins—how can Christ's one act of righteousness suffice? Paul's answer: the infinite value of Christ's person and work infinitely outweighs all human sin combined. Medieval theology wrestled with this through satisfaction theory (Anselm): only God-man could offer satisfaction proportionate to sin's infinite offense against infinite God. Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, covering all their sins.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the free gift addressing 'many offenses' rather than just Adam's one sin provide assurance for ongoing personal sins?
  2. What does it mean that the outcome is 'justification' (positive verdict) rather than mere pardon (sin overlooked)?
  3. How would you explain to someone that Christ's one act of obedience can outweigh millions of human sins?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

οὐχ2 of 24

not

G3756

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

ὡς3 of 24

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δι'4 of 24

it was by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἑνὸς5 of 24

one

G1520

one

ἁμαρτήσαντος6 of 24

that sinned

G264

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

τὸ7 of 24
G3588

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

δώρημα·8 of 24

so is the gift

G1434

a bestowment

τὸ9 of 24
G3588

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

μὲν10 of 24
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ11 of 24

for

G1063

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

κρίμα12 of 24

the judgment

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἐκ13 of 24

is of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἑνὸς14 of 24

one

G1520

one

εἰς15 of 24

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

κατάκριμα16 of 24

condemnation

G2631

an adverse sentence (the verdict)

τὸ17 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ18 of 24

but

G1161

but, and, etc

χάρισμα19 of 24

the free gift

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

ἐκ20 of 24

is of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πολλῶν21 of 24

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

παραπτωμάτων22 of 24

offences

G3900

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

εἰς23 of 24

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δικαίωμα24 of 24

justification

G1345

an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision


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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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