Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Cross References
Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):
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1
Ezekiel 18:4
Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.— Soul that sinneth shall die
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2
1 Corinthians 15:56
1 Corinthians 15:56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.— Sting of death is sin
Analysis
Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.
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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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
- In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?