King James Version

What Does Romans 5:18 Mean?

Romans 5:18 in the King James Version says “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the f...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 5:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul summarizes the Adam-Christ parallel with striking symmetry. The structure is chiastic: (A) one man's trespass → (B) condemnation to all → (B') righteousness of one → (A') justification to all. Adam's παράπτωμα brought κατάκριμα (katakrima, 'condemnation/guilty verdict'), Christ's δικαίωμα (dikaiōma, 'righteous act/acquittal') brings δικαίωσις ζωῆς (dikaiōsis zōēs, 'justification of life')—not merely legal pardon but life-giving righteousness.

The 'all men' requires careful interpretation: does Paul teach universalism? Context suggests 'all who are in Adam' face condemnation, 'all who are in Christ' receive justification. The parallel is solidarity with representative heads, not automatic inclusion. The phrase emphasizes the symmetry of federal representation and the sufficiency of Christ's work for all who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became central to debates about original sin and imputation. Augustine used it against Pelagius (who denied inherited guilt) to prove all humanity fell in Adam. Reformers cited it for double imputation: Adam's sin imputed to his descendants, Christ's righteousness imputed to believers. The parallel construction—one affecting many through representation—underpins covenant theology's understanding of federal headship and Christ's substitutionary atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the parallel between Adam and Christ clarify what it means for Christ's righteousness to be 'imputed' to believers?
  2. If 'all men' in the second clause meant every human without exception, wouldn't Paul be teaching universalism—how does context prevent that reading?
  3. What comfort does the symmetry between condemnation in Adam and justification in Christ provide for assurance of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ἄρα1 of 22

“Therefore”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

οὖν2 of 22
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὡς3 of 22

“as”

G5613

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

δι'4 of 22

“by”

G1223

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

ἑνὸς5 of 22

“of one”

G1520

one

παραπτώματος6 of 22

“the offence”

G3900

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

εἰς7 of 22

“judgment came upon”

G1519

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

πάντας8 of 22

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώπους9 of 22

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἰς10 of 22

“judgment came upon”

G1519

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

κατάκριμα11 of 22

“condemnation”

G2631

an adverse sentence (the verdict)

οὕτως12 of 22

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ13 of 22

“even”

G2532

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

δι'14 of 22

“by”

G1223

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

ἑνὸς15 of 22

“of one”

G1520

one

δικαιώματος16 of 22

“the righteousness”

G1345

an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision

εἰς17 of 22

“judgment came upon”

G1519

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

πάντας18 of 22

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώπους19 of 22

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἰς20 of 22

“judgment came upon”

G1519

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

δικαίωσιν21 of 22

“justification”

G1347

aquittal (for christ's sake)

ζωῆς·22 of 22

“of life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

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 5:18 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 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:22Romans 5:12Romans 5:15Acts 13:39Romans 5:19Romans 4:25

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