Romans 5:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 5:20
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Chapter Context
Romans 5 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, hope, love. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 5:20
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Analysis
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound—the νόμος (nomos, 'law') παρεισῆλθεν (pareisēlthen, 'came in alongside/entered additionally'), a subordinate clause suggesting law's supplementary purpose. The ἵνα (hina, 'in order that') clause states God's purpose: that τὸ παράπτωμα πλεονάσῃ (to paraptōma pleonasē, 'the trespass might increase/abound'). This doesn't mean law causes sin but that it reveals sin's true character and extent, transforming vague wrongdoing into explicit transgression against known divine commands (7:7-13).
But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (οὗ δὲ ἐπλεόνασεν ἡ ἁμαρτία, ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν ἡ χάρις)—the triumphant declaration: grace ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō, 'super-abound/overflow beyond measure'). The intensified compound verb stresses grace's overwhelming victory. Sin's increase under law serves to magnify grace's triumph—where sin reaches maximum expression, grace surpasses it infinitely. This isn't license (6:1-2) but assurance that no sin exhausts God's grace.
Historical Context
This verse addresses why God gave law if it increases transgression. Paul's answer: law serves grace by fully exposing sin's magnitude, driving sinners to despair of self-righteousness and cast themselves on Christ alone. Luther's spiritual breakthrough came from understanding that law's purpose is to slay self-trust and reveal sin's depth, making grace precious. The law is 'pedagogue unto Christ' (Galatians 3:24), not the savior but the revealer of need for the Savior.
Reflection
- How does the law making sin 'abound' serve grace—isn't more sin worse?
- What sins in your life does God's law expose that you might otherwise ignore or minimize?
- How does grace 'super-abounding' over sin protect against both legalism (thinking sin disqualifies you) and license (thinking sin doesn't matter)?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Grace: Romans 6:1, 6:14, Matthew 9:13
- Sin: Psalms 25:11, Isaiah 1:18, Ezekiel 16:52, Luke 7:47, John 15:22
- Word: Romans 4:15
- Parallel theme: John 10:10