Romans 5:17
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.)
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 33
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραπτώματι
offence
G3900
παραπτώματι
offence
Strong's:
G3900
Word #:
6 of 33
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θάνατος
death
G2288
θάνατος
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
8 of 33
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 33
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλῷ
much
G4183
πολλῷ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 33
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
of grace
G5485
χάριτος
of grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
19 of 33
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιοσύνης
of righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
of righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
24 of 33
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
λαμβάνοντες
they which receive
G2983
λαμβάνοντες
they which receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
25 of 33
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
29 of 33
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:1 Corinthians 15:49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.John 10:10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.2 Timothy 2:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:Revelation 22:5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.Genesis 3:6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
- How does 'receiving' grace (passive reception) relate to reigning in life (active exercise of Christ's victory)?
- In what areas of life do you still live as if death reigns rather than claiming your authority to reign in life through Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.