Romans 5:21
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτῳ
death
G2288
θανάτῳ
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
8 of 24
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
grace
G5485
χάρις
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
12 of 24
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
15 of 24
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αἰώνιον
eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
18 of 24
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
19 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
20 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 5:14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Romans 8:10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.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:Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.Romans 5:17For 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.)Romans 6:16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Historical Context
This verse's majestic conclusion summarizes Romans 5's argument: two humanities under two heads experiencing two destinies. Adam's headship results in sin's reign unto death; Christ's headship results in grace's reign unto eternal life. The church fathers saw this as cosmic warfare—sin and death defeated, grace and life enthroned. The verse anticipates Paul's fuller development in chapter 6 (dead to sin, alive to God) and chapter 8 (no condemnation, eternal life secure in Christ).
Questions for Reflection
- How does grace reigning 'through righteousness' differ from grace that ignores sin or merely shows pity?
- What does it mean practically that grace 'reigns' in your life—how would your daily decisions differ if grace is truly king?
- How does the phrase 'by/through Jesus Christ our Lord' emphasize that He is not merely helper but the exclusive source and channel of grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord—Paul concludes the Adam-Christ typology with paired reigns. Sin ἐβασίλευσεν (ebasileusen, 'reigned') ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ (en tō thanatō, 'in/through death'), exercising tyrannical dominion through humanity's mortality and condemnation.
But grace βασιλεύσῃ (basileusē, aorist subjunctive, 'might reign') διὰ δικαιοσύνης (dia dikaiosynēs, 'through righteousness') unto ζωὴν αἰώνιον (zōēn aiōnion, 'eternal life'). Grace doesn't reign through overlooking sin but through providing righteousness—Christ's imputed righteousness securing justification. The goal is not temporary reprieve but eternal life, διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν (through Jesus Christ our Lord)—the full title emphasizing His person (Jesus—Savior), work (Christ—Messiah), and authority (Lord—κύριος). All salvation is through Him, from first to last.