Romans 5 17

Romans 5:17 kjv

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.)

Romans 5:17 nkjv

For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:17 niv

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Romans 5:17 esv

For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:17 nlt

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5 verses

Romans 5 17 Meaning

Romans 5:17 articulates a profound contrast between the devastating effect of Adam's sin and the overflowing, life-giving power of Christ's righteousness. It declares that just as Adam's singular transgression brought death to reign over humanity, so much more will believers who embrace God's abundant grace and the freely given gift of righteousness receive the privilege of reigning in life through the one, Jesus Christ. This "reigning in life" signifies not merely eternal existence, but also victory over sin, spiritual authority, and ultimate co-dominion with Christ.

Romans 5 17 Context

Romans chapter 5 focuses on the results of justification by faith, particularly peace with God and rejoicing in hope of God's glory. Verses 12-21 elaborate on the monumental contrast between Adam's role as the originator of sin and death, and Christ's role as the bringer of righteousness and life. Verse 17 stands as a powerful summary within this Adam-Christ typology, directly stating the greater power and efficacy of Christ's saving work. The broader context of Romans addresses the universal human condition of sin, God's provision of salvation through Christ, and the outworking of this salvation in the life of a believer. Historically, Paul wrote to believers in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile, articulating the theological foundation for their faith and unity in Christ, dismantling reliance on Law for righteousness and emphasizing God's unmerited favor.

Romans 5 17 Word analysis

• For if by the transgression: gar ei en tō tou henos paraptōmati
  • For if (gar ei): A logical connector, signaling a foundational premise for a subsequent argument. It ties back to the previous verses establishing the consequence of Adam's sin.
  • transgression (paraptōmati): (Greek: paraptōma) Meaning "a false step," "a lapse," "a trespass," or "a falling away." It's not just a general "sin," but specifically the act of going astray from a known path or command, referring directly to Adam's disobedience in Gen 3. Its specific nature highlights the direct, traceable origin of humanity's fallen state.
• of the one, death reigned: ho thanatos ebasileusen dia tou henos
  • of the one (tou henos): Refers directly to Adam (Rom 5:12, 14). Emphasizes the singular origin of universal human condition.
  • death (ho thanatos): More than just physical cessation; it encompasses spiritual separation from God, alienation from life, and the totality of consequences from sin. It's personified as an oppressive monarch.
  • reigned (ebasileusen): (Greek: ebasileusen) Past tense, from basileuō, "to rule as king." It implies an established dominion, a powerful and pervasive authority. Death is depicted as an active sovereign, enforcing its tyrannical rule over all humanity since Adam.
• through the one: dia tou henos
  • through (dia): Indicates agency or means. Adam was the conduit or instrument through whom death gained its dominion over humankind.
• much more will those who receive: pollō mallon hoi lambanontes
  • much more (pollō mallon): (Greek: pollō mallon) This is a powerful Pauline rhetorical device known as an a fortiori argument (from the lesser to the greater). It signals an absolute certainty and highlights the superior efficacy and boundless nature of God's work in Christ compared to the devastating but limited work of Adam's sin.
  • will those who receive (hoi lambanontes): lambanontes means "those who are continually receiving" or "taking hold of." It underscores a conscious, active acceptance or embrace, emphasizing personal appropriation rather than passive inheritance (like Adam's sin).
• the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness: tēn perisseian tēs charitos kai tēs dōreas tēs dikaiosynēs
  • the abundance (tēn perisseian): (Greek: perisseia) Implies superfluity, exceeding measure, superabundance, or overflowing excess. God's grace is not merely sufficient but more than enough to completely counteract and overcome sin's dominion.
  • of grace (tēs charitos): (Greek: charis) Unmerited favor, undeserved kindness, God's benevolent act towards humanity. It is God's active, spontaneous love towards undeserving people.
  • and of the gift (kai tēs dōreas): (Greek: dōrea) Emphasizes that righteousness is not earned, achieved, or inherited, but is a free, unsolicited present from God.
  • of righteousness (tēs dikaiosynēs): (Greek: dikaiosynē) Refers to God's attribute of being just and his way of making humanity just. Here, it is an imputed righteousness, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice credited to the believer, making them right with God.
• reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ: basileusousin en zōē dia tou henos Iēsou Christou
  • reign in life (basileusousin en zōē): (Greek: basileusousin en zōē) A direct contrast to "death reigned." basileusousin is future tense, signifying a guaranteed future reality, but also present participation. "Reign in life" means not only possessing eternal life but actively exercising dominion, authority, and power over sin and its effects, now and eternally with Christ. It is a reversal of roles – from death ruling us, to us ruling in the sphere of life.
  • through the One, Jesus Christ (dia tou henos Iēsou Christou): The singular and exclusive means by which this reversal and superabundant life is secured. Just as Adam was the agent of death's reign, Christ is the singular agent of life's reign for believers. His identity is paramount.

Romans 5 17 Bonus section

The "reign in life" has both present and future dimensions. Presently, believers can experience a liberation from sin's controlling power and walk in spiritual authority. This is a personal spiritual dominion over one's sinful desires and external temptations, rooted in the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom 6:12-14). Eschatologically, it refers to the literal co-reigning with Christ in His future kingdom, where believers will exercise authority in a renewed creation (Rev 5:10). The gift of righteousness implies a restored status and right relationship with God, allowing believers to stand uncondemned, fearless, and spiritually vibrant. This verse underscores that Christian existence is not just about survival, but about sovereign life and authority granted by God's lavish grace through Christ.

Romans 5 17 Commentary

Romans 5:17 serves as the crescendo of Paul's comparison between Adam and Christ, illustrating the overwhelming triumph of God's grace. It fundamentally shifts the human destiny from a universal reign of death, inaugurated by Adam's single sin, to a promised reign in abundant life for those who receive God's overflowing grace and the free gift of righteousness. The phrase "much more" (pollō mallon) highlights a super-abundance in God's saving work; it's not merely a counter-balance but a superior, exponential victory. This reign in life isn't just about escaping eternal condemnation but encompasses present victory over the power of sin, and future participation in Christ's royal dominion. It transforms passive subjects of death into active rulers empowered by divine life, all made possible by the singular, perfect work of Jesus Christ. For instance, believers can walk in daily victory over habits of sin and fear (reigning in life now), anticipating future co-reign with Christ in His kingdom.