Romans 5:19
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρακοῆς
disobedience
G3876
παρακοῆς
disobedience
Strong's:
G3876
Word #:
5 of 23
inattention, i.e., (by implication) disobedience
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατασταθήσονται
be made
G2525
κατασταθήσονται
be made
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
10 of 23
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλοί
many
G4183
πολλοί
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
12 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπακοῆς
the obedience
G5218
ὑπακοῆς
the obedience
Strong's:
G5218
Word #:
17 of 23
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιοι
righteous
G1342
δίκαιοι
righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
20 of 23
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
κατασταθήσονται
be made
G2525
κατασταθήσονται
be made
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
21 of 23
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Romans 5:18Therefore 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.Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.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:Ephesians 1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.Romans 5:15But 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.
Historical Context
The Reformation hinged on understanding this verse's implications. Medieval scholasticism emphasized infused righteousness (grace making believers inherently righteous); Reformers insisted on imputed righteousness (Christ's righteousness credited to believers' account). The parallel to Adam is decisive: we were 'made sinners' not by becoming sinful but by Adam's sin being charged to us; similarly we are 'made righteous' not by inherent transformation but by Christ's righteousness being credited to us. Sanctification follows but doesn't constitute justification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Christ's 'obedience' as both His perfect life and atoning death affect your view of what saves you?
- What is the difference between being 'made righteous' (declared righteous by imputation) and 'becoming righteous' (moral transformation)?
- If Adam's one act of disobedience made you a sinner apart from your choice, how does that illuminate Christ's obedience making you righteous apart from your works?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners—the διὰ τῆς παρακοῆς (dia tēs parakoēs, 'through the disobedience') of Adam, οἱ πολλοί (hoi polloi, 'the many') were καθίστημι (kathistēmi, 'constituted/appointed/made') sinners. This isn't merely that Adam's example led others to sin (Pelagianism) but that his act legally constituted his descendants as sinners before God. The passive voice indicates something done to them, not merely their imitation of Adam.
So by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous—through Christ's ὑπακοή (hypakoē, 'obedience'), πολλοί are constituted δίκαιοι (dikaioi, 'righteous'). This obedience encompasses Christ's entire life of perfect law-keeping (active obedience) and His death as penal substitute (passive obedience). The future καταστάθησονται likely emphasizes eschatological completion while not denying present reality (believers are already justified). Christ's obedience doesn't merely enable justification—it constitutes it, being imputed to believers.