Romans 5:15 Meaning and Explanation
“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The free gift is not like the trespass; if many died through one man's offence, much more does God's grace through Jesus Christ abound to many.
What Does Romans 5:15 Mean?
Having called Adam a pattern of Christ, Paul now insists the two are not simply equal -- the gift far outweighs the offence. He grants the parallel: through one man's trespass, many came under death. But the comparison is one of 'much more,' not mere balance.
The grace of God and the gift that comes by grace, both flowing through 'one man, Jesus Christ,' have 'abounded unto many.' Where sin brought loss, grace brings overflowing increase. Paul wants the reader to feel the asymmetry: the remedy in Christ is greater in measure and power than the wound in Adam ever was.
Romans 5:15 in the Original Language
charisma (χάρισμα), 'free gift' -- a gift of grace, freely bestowed and unearned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 5:15
What does Romans 5:15 mean?
The free gift is not like the trespass; if many died through one man's offence, much more does God's grace through Jesus Christ abound to many.