Romans 5:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀλλ
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
οὐχ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#4
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
παραπτώματι
the offence
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
#6
οὕτως
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#7
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
χάρισμα·
is the free gift
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
#10
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#11
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#12
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἑνὸς
by one
one
#15
παραπτώματι
the offence
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
#16
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πολλοὺς
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#18
ἀπέθανον
be dead
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#19
πολλοὺς
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#20
μᾶλλον
more
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#21
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
χάριτι
grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#23
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#25
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#26
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
δωρεὰ
the gift
a gratuity
#28
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#29
χάριτι
grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#30
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
ἑνὸς
by one
one
#33
ἀνθρώπου
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#34
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#35
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#36
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#37
τοὺς
which is
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#38
πολλοὺς
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#39
ἐπερίσσευσεν
hath abounded
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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