Romans 5:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 24
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
δι'
it was by
G1223
δι'
it was by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἁμαρτήσαντος
that sinned
G264
ἁμαρτήσαντος
that sinned
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κρίμα
the judgment
G2917
κρίμα
the judgment
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
12 of 24
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
ἐκ
is of
G1537
ἐκ
is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρισμα
the free gift
G5486
χάρισμα
the free gift
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
19 of 24
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
ἐκ
is of
G1537
ἐκ
is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
20 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
21 of 24
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
παραπτωμάτων
offences
G3900
παραπτωμάτων
offences
Strong's:
G3900
Word #:
22 of 24
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
Cross References
Isaiah 1:18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Isaiah 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the free gift addressing 'many offenses' rather than just Adam's one sin provide assurance for ongoing personal sins?
- What does it mean that the outcome is 'justification' (positive verdict) rather than mere pardon (sin overlooked)?
- How would you explain to someone that Christ's one act of obedience can outweigh millions of human sins?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.