The Meaning of Romans 5:16 Explained

Romans 5:16

KJV: And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

YLT: and not as through one who did sin is the free gift, for the judgment indeed is of one to condemnation, but the gift is of many offences to a declaration of 'Righteous,'

Darby: And shall not as by one that has sinned be the gift? For the judgment was of one to condemnation, but the act of favour, of many offences unto justification.

ASV: And not as through one that sinned,'so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  not  as  [it was] by  one  that sinned,  [so is] the gift:  for  the judgment  [was] by  one  to  condemnation,  but  the free gift  [is] of  many  offences  unto  justification. 

What does Romans 5:16 Mean?

Study Notes

offences
Sin.
sinned
Sin, Summary: The literal meanings of the Heb. and (Greek - ἀλεκτοροφωνία sin," "sinner," etc)., disclose the true nature of sin in its manifold manifestations. Sin is transgression, an overstepping of the law, the divine boundary between good and evil Psalms 51:1 ; Luke 15:29 , iniquity, an act inherently wrong, whether expressly forbidden or not; error, a departure from right; Psalms 51:9 ; Romans 3:23 , missing the mark, a failure to meet the divine standard; trespass, the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority Ephesians 2:1 , lawlessness, or spiritual anarchy 1 Timothy 1:9 , unbelief, or an insult to the divine veracity John 16:9 .
Sin originated with Satan Isaiah 14:12-14 , entered the world through Adam Romans 5:12 , was, and is, universal, Christ alone excepted; Romans 3:23 ; 1 Peter 2:22 , incurs the penalties of spiritual and physical death; Genesis 2:17 ; Genesis 3:19 ; Ezekiel 18:4 ; Ezekiel 18:20 ; Romans 6:23 and has no remedy but in the sacrificial death of Christ; Hebrews 9:26 ; Acts 4:12 availed of by faith Acts 13:38 ; Acts 13:39 . Sin may be summarized as threefold: An act, the violation of, or want of obedience to the revealed will of God; a state, absence of righteousness; a nature, enmity toward God.

Verse Meaning

In Adam"s case a single sin by a single individual was sufficient to bring condemnation to the whole human race. In Christ"s case one act of obedience, which the transgressions of many people made necessary, was sufficient to bring justification to all those who believe in Him ( Romans 5:16). Here the divine verdicts following Adam"s act and Christ"s act are in view: condemnation and justification.

Context Summary

Romans 5:12-21 - Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
This is the profoundest and most fundamental section of the whole Epistle. It contains an insight into the deep things of God, 1 Corinthians 2:10. We must read it slowly and thoughtfully many times in order to catch its drift. In these comments we can only skim in the most superficial manner across the surface.
We are here taught the unity of the race, not only in Adam, but in Christ. Adam's sin has affected the standing of every man; but the grace and the obedience of the "One Man," Jesus Christ, have secured for all men the offer of the free gift. The guilt that lay upon the race by the sin of Adam has been removed from the race by the obedience of the Son of man to the Cross. None, therefore, are condemned, on account of that first transgression, or doomed for that primal fall. In a sense, all are made righteous; that is, all stand before God on the basis of their individual, rather than their racial, responsibility. We are not condemned with Adam, but may be condemned, if we refuse to avail ourselves of the grace of Jesus Christ. All that sin forfeited is put within our reach. Nay, we may reach higher heights than Adam, if we will only receive the abundance of the grace of Christ. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 5

1  Being justified by faith, we have peace with God;
2  and joy in our hope;
8  that since we were reconciled by his blood, when we were enemies;
10  we shall much more be saved, being reconciled
12  As sin and death came by Adam;
17  so much more righteousness and life by Jesus Christ
20  Where sin abounded, grace did superabound

Greek Commentary for Romans 5:16

Through one that sinned [δι ενος αμαρτησαντος]
“Through one having sinned.” That is Adam. Another contrast, difference in source (εκ — ek). [source]
Of one [εχ ενος]
Supply παραπτωματος — paraptōmatos Adam‘s one transgression. Of many trespasses (εκ πολλων παραπτωματων — ek pollōn paraptōmatōn). The gift by Christ grew out of manifold sins by Adam‘s progeny. Justification Act of righteousness, result, ordinance (Romans 1:32; Romans 2:26; Romans 8:4), righteous deed (Romans 5:18), verdict as here (acquittal). [source]
Of many trespasses [εκ πολλων παραπτωματων]
The gift by Christ grew out of manifold sins by Adam‘s progeny. [source]
Justification [δικαιωμα]
Act of righteousness, result, ordinance (Romans 1:32; Romans 2:26; Romans 8:4), righteous deed (Romans 5:18), verdict as here (acquittal). [source]
That sinned [ἁμαρτήσαντος]
The better supported reading. Some MSS. and versions read ἁμαρτήματος transgressionOf oneSome explain, one man, from the preceding (one) that sinned. Others, one trespass, from Romans 5:17. [source]
Justification [δικαίωμα]
Not the subjective state of justification, but a righteous act or deed. Revelation 19:8; see on Romans 5:18. The word is sometimes rendered ordinance, Hebrews 9:1, Hebrews 9:10; an appointment of God having the force of law. So Romans 1:32, where Rev. gives ordinance for judgment, and Romans 2:26, ordinances for righteousness. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

The better supported reading. Some MSS. and versions read ἁμαρτήματος transgression Of one []
Some explain, one man, from the preceding (one) that sinned. Others, one trespass, from Romans 5:17. [source]
The judgment [κρῖμα]
Judicial sentence. Compare 1 Corinthians 6:7; 1 Corinthians 11:29. See on 2 Peter 2:3. [source]
Condemnation [κατάκριμα]
See on shall be damned, Mark 16:16. A condemnatory sentence. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 5:16

Matthew 6:14 Trespasses [παραπτώματα]
The Lord here uses another word for sins, and still another ( ἁμαρτιας ) appears in Luke's version of the prayer, though he also says, “every one that is indebted to us.” There is no difficulty in supposing that Christ, contemplating sins in general, should represent them by different terms expressive of different aspects of wrong-doing (see on Matthew 1:21). This word is derived from παραπίπτω , to fall or throw one's self beside. Thus it has a sense somewhat akin to ἁμαρτία , of going beside a mark, missing. In classical Greek the verb is often used of intentional falling, as of throwing one's self upon an enemy; and this is the prevailing sense in biblical Greek, indicating reckless and wilful sin (see 1 Chronicles 5:25; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 2 Chronicles 26:18; 2 Chronicles 29:6, 2 Chronicles 29:19; Ezekiel 14:13; Ezekiel 18:26). It does not, therefore, imply palliation or excuse. It is a conscious violation of right, involving guilt, and occurs therefore, in connection with the mention of forgiveness (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:16; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). Unlike παράβασις (transgression )which contemplates merely the objective violation of law, it carries the thought of sin as affecting the sinner, and hence is found associated with expressions which indicate the consequences and the remedy of sin (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:15, Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:1). [source]
Romans 8:4 Righteousness [δικαίωμα]
Rev., ordinance. Primarily that which is deemed right, so as to have the force of law; hence an ordinance. Here collectively, of the moral precepts of the law: its righteous requirement. Compare Luke 1:6; Romans 2:26; Hebrews 9:1. See on Romans 5:16. [source]
Romans 8:1 Condemnation [κατάκριμα]
As Romans 5:16, sentence of condemnation. [source]
Romans 5:18 The righteousness of one [ἑνὸς δικαιώματος]
See on Romans 5:16. Rev., correctly, one act of righteousness. [source]
Romans 1:11 Some spiritual gift [τι χάρισμα]
Note the modesty in some. Χάρισμα is a gift of grace ( χάρις ) a favor received without merit on the recipient's part. Paul uses it both in this ordinary sense (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 6:23), and in a special, technical sense, denoting extraordinary powers bestowed upon individuals by the Holy Spirit, such as gifts of healing, speaking with tongues, prophecy, etc. See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Peter 4:10. In 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, it is used of the sum of the powers requisite for the discharge of the office of an evangelist. [source]
1 Corinthians 6:7 Ye go to law [κρίματα ἔχετε]
Rev., more correctly, ye have lawsuits. Not the same phrase as in 1 Corinthians 6:6. Κρίμα in the New Testament almost universally means judgment or decree, as Romans 5:16. See on 2 Peter 2:3. In classical Greek it has also the meaning of the matter of judgment, the question in litigation. So Aeschylus: “The matter ( κρίμα ) is not easy to judge. Choose me not as judge” (“Suppliants,” 391). Here the meaning is legal proceedings, lawsuits. So in Septuagint, Job 31:13; Exodus 23:6. [source]
1 Timothy 3:6 Fall into condemnation [εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ]
Κρίμα in N.T. usually means judgment. The word for condemnation is κατάκριμα. See especially Romans 5:16, where the two are sharply distinguished. Comp. Matthew 7:2; Acts 24:25; Romans 2:2; Romans 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:7. However, κρίμα occasionally shades off into the meaning condemnation, as Romans 3:8; James 3:1. See on go to law, 1 Corinthians 6:7, and see on 1 Corinthians 11:29. Κρίμα is a Pauline word; but the phrase ἐμπιπτεῖν εἰς κρίμα tofall into judgment is found only here. [source]
Hebrews 9:1 Ordinances of divine service [δικαιώματα λατρείας]
For δικαίωμα ordinancesee on Romans 5:16. For λατρεία servicesee on Luke 1:74; see on Revelation 22:3; see on Philemon 3:3; see on 2 Timothy 1:3. The meaning is ordinances directed to or adapted for divine service. [source]
Hebrews 9:1 Even the first covenant [και η πρωτη]
Και — Kai (even) is doubtful. No word for covenant with πρωτε — prōte (cf. Hebrews 8:7). Had Imperfect active, used to have. Ordinances Regulations (from δικαιοω — dikaioō) as in Luke 1:6; Romans 5:16. Of divine service No word for “divine,” though worship is meant as in Romans 9:4; Philemon 3:3. Genitive case. And its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world By το αγιον — to hagion the author describes the whole sanctuary (Exodus 36:3; Numbers 3:38) like των αγιων — tōn hagiōn in Hebrews 8:2. Κοσμικον — Kosmikon is a late adjective (Aristotle, Plutarch) from κοσμος — kosmos relating to this world, like επι γης — epi gēs (upon earth) of Hebrews 8:4. It is in the predicate position, not attributive. [source]
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift [Every good gift and every perfect gift (see Greek above)]
The statement that these gifts are from God is in pursuance of the idea that God does not tempt men to evil. The gifts of God are contrasted with the evil springing from man's lust. Two words are used for gifts. Δόσις occurs only here and Philemon 4:15; there in an active sense; but here passive, as in Romans href="/desk/?q=ro+5:16&sr=1">Romans 5:16. It enlarges slightly upon the other word in emphasizing the gift as free, large, full; an idea which is further developed in James 1:18, of hi s own will. The Rev., rather awkwardly, endeavors to bring out the distinction by the word boon, for which the American Revisers insist on retaining gift. Boon originally means a petition; favor being a secondary and later sense, as of something given in response to a petition. The word is of Scandinavian origin, and the meaningfavor seems to indicate a confusion with the Latin bonus, good; French, bonPerfectEnlarges upon good, bringing out more distinctly the moral quality of the gift. [source]
James 1:17 Gift [δοσις]
Both old substantives from the same original verb But δωρημα — dōrēma (from δωρεω — dōreō from δωρον — dōron a gift) only means a gift, a benefaction (Romans 5:16). The contrast here argues for “giving” as the idea in δοσις — dosis Curiously enough there is a perfect hexameter line here: πασα δο ̀ σις αγα ̀ τη και ̀ παν δω ̀ ρημα τε ̀ λειον — pāsa do / δωρημα — sis aga / ανωτεν — thē kai / καταβαινον — pān dō / καταβαινω — rēma te / δωρημα — leion Such accidental rhythm occurs occasionally in many writers. Ropes (like Ewald and Mayor) argues for a quotation from an unknown source because of the poetical word ανωτεν — dōrēma but that is not conclusive. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
From above (απο του πατρος των πωτων — anōthen). That is, from heaven. Cf. John 3:31; John 19:11.Coming down Present active neuter singular participle of παρ ωι — katabainō agreeing with παρα — dōrēma expanding and explaining παρα τωι τεωι — anōthen (from above). [source]

1 Peter 4:10 A gift [χάρισμα]
Originally, something freely given: a gift of grace ( χάρις )Used in New Testament (a) of a blessing of God graciously bestowed, as upon sinners (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 11:29); (b) of a gracious divine endowment: an extraordinary gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling and working in a special manner in the individual (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 12:6, Romans 12:8). So here. [source]
Revelation 15:4 Judgments [δικαιώματα]
Not merely divine decisions, but righteous acts generally. So Rev. Primarily, the word signifies that which has been deemed right so as to have the force of law. Hence an ordinance (Luke 1:6; Hebrews 9:1; Romans 1:32). A judicial decision for or against (Romans 5:16). A righteous deed. See Revelation 19:8. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 5:16 mean?

And [is] not as through one having sinned the gift truly for judgment [was] of one [was] unto condemnation - but the gift [is] out of many trespasses unto justification
καὶ οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος τὸ δώρημα μὲν γὰρ κρίμα ἐξ ἑνὸς εἰς κατάκριμα τὸ δὲ χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων εἰς δικαίωμα

οὐχ  [is]  not 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὐ  
Sense: no, not; in direct questions expecting an affirmative answer.
δι’  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
ἑνὸς  one 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
ἁμαρτήσαντος  having  sinned 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ἁμαρτάνω  
Sense: to be without a share in.
δώρημα  gift 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: δώρημα  
Sense: a gift, bounty, benefaction.
μὲν  truly 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: μέν  
Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed.
κρίμα  judgment  [was] 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: κρίμα  
Sense: a decree, judgments.
ἑνὸς  one 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
εἰς  [was]  unto 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
κατάκριμα  condemnation 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: κατάκριμα  
Sense: damnatory sentence, condemnation.
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
χάρισμα  the  gift 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: χάρισμα  
Sense: a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own.
ἐκ  [is]  out  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
πολλῶν  many 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
παραπτωμάτων  trespasses 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: παράπτωμα  
Sense: to fall beside or near something.
εἰς  unto 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
δικαίωμα  justification 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: δικαίωμα  
Sense: that which has been deemed right so as to have force of law.