King James Version

What Does Romans 5:17 Mean?

Romans 5:17 in the King James Version says “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of rig... — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 5:17 · KJV


Context

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

19

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one—the first clause summarizes humanity's tragedy: death βασιλεύω (basileuō, 'to reign as king') over Adam's descendants. The aorist ἐβασίλευσεν emphasizes death's established dominion; humanity exists under a tyrant's rule.

Much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ—the triumphant reversal: instead of death reigning over believers, believers βασιλεύσουσιν (basileusousin, 'shall reign') in life through Christ. The future tense likely emphasizes both present reality and eschatological consummation. Those receiving (οἱ λαμβάνοντες, hoi lambanontes, present participle—continuous action) grace's περισσεία (perisseia, 'abundance/overflow') don't merely escape death's tyranny but exercise royal dominion in resurrection life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reign language would resonate with Roman readers familiar with imperial authority. But Paul democratizes kingship: all believers, not merely emperors or aristocrats, reign through Christ. This fulfilled Genesis 1:26-28's creation mandate for humanity to exercise dominion, forfeited in Adam's fall, restored in Christ the Last Adam. Revelation 5:10 and 22:5 develop this: saints reign with Christ forever, fulfilling humanity's created purpose.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'reign in life' now, not just in the eschaton—how does this differ from being defeated by sin and death?
  2. How does 'receiving' grace (passive reception) relate to reigning in life (active exercise of Christ's victory)?
  3. In what areas of life do you still live as if death reigns rather than claiming your authority to reign in life through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
εἰ1 of 33

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 33

For

G1063

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

τῷ3 of 33
G3588

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

τοῦ4 of 33
G3588

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

ἑνὸς5 of 33

by one man's

G1520

one

παραπτώματι6 of 33

offence

G3900

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

7 of 33
G3588

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

θάνατος8 of 33

death

G2288

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

βασιλεύσουσιν9 of 33

reigned

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

διὰ10 of 33

by

G1223

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

τοῦ11 of 33
G3588

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

ἑνὸς12 of 33

by one man's

G1520

one

πολλῷ13 of 33

much

G4183

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

μᾶλλον14 of 33

more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

οἱ15 of 33
G3588

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

τὴν16 of 33
G3588

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

περισσείαν17 of 33

abundance

G4050

surplusage, i.e., superabundance

τῆς18 of 33
G3588

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

χάριτος19 of 33

of grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

καὶ20 of 33

and

G2532

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

τῆς21 of 33
G3588

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

δωρεᾶς22 of 33

of the gift

G1431

a gratuity

τῆς23 of 33
G3588

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

δικαιοσύνης24 of 33

of righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

λαμβάνοντες25 of 33

they which receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἐν26 of 33

in

G1722

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

ζωῇ27 of 33

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

βασιλεύσουσιν28 of 33

reigned

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

διὰ29 of 33

by

G1223

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

τοῦ30 of 33
G3588

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

ἑνὸς31 of 33

by one man's

G1520

one

Ἰησοῦ32 of 33

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ33 of 33

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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