King James Version

What Does Romans 5:20 Mean?

Romans 5:20 in the King James Version says “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 5:20 · KJV

Grace

Context

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:

21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Read Romans 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound—the νόμος (nomos, 'law') παρεισῆλθεν (pareisēlthen, 'came in alongside/entered additionally'), a subordinate clause suggesting law's supplementary purpose. The ἵνα (hina, 'in order that') clause states God's purpose: that τὸ παράπτωμα πλεονάσῃ (to paraptōma pleonasē, 'the trespass might increase/abound'). This doesn't mean law causes sin but that it reveals sin's true character and extent, transforming vague wrongdoing into explicit transgression against known divine commands (7:7-13).

But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (οὗ δὲ ἐπλεόνασεν ἡ ἁμαρτία, ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν ἡ χάρις)—the triumphant declaration: grace ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō, 'super-abound/overflow beyond measure'). The intensified compound verb stresses grace's overwhelming victory. Sin's increase under law serves to magnify grace's triumph—where sin reaches maximum expression, grace surpasses it infinitely. This isn't license (6:1-2) but assurance that no sin exhausts God's grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse addresses why God gave law if it increases transgression. Paul's answer: law serves grace by fully exposing sin's magnitude, driving sinners to despair of self-righteousness and cast themselves on Christ alone. Luther's spiritual breakthrough came from understanding that law's purpose is to slay self-trust and reveal sin's depth, making grace precious. The law is 'pedagogue unto Christ' (Galatians 3:24), not the savior but the revealer of need for the Savior.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the law making sin 'abound' serve grace—isn't more sin worse?
  2. What sins in your life does God's law expose that you might otherwise ignore or minimize?
  3. How does grace 'super-abounding' over sin protect against both legalism (thinking sin disqualifies you) and license (thinking sin doesn't matter)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
νόμος1 of 15

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

παρεισῆλθεν3 of 15

“entered”

G3922

to come in alongside, i.e., supervene additionally or steathily

ἵνα4 of 15

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐπλεόνασεν5 of 15

“abounded”

G4121

to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound

τὸ6 of 15
G3588

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

παράπτωμα·7 of 15

“the offence”

G3900

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

οὗ8 of 15

“where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

δὲ9 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπλεόνασεν10 of 15

“abounded”

G4121

to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound

ἡ11 of 15
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία12 of 15

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν13 of 15

“did much more abound”

G5248

to super-abound

ἡ14 of 15
G3588

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

χάρις15 of 15

“grace”

G5485

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

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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 6:1Titus 3:3-7Psalms 25:11Romans 6:14Galatians 3:19-25Romans 4:15

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 5 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes