Romans 5:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The gift differs from the result of one man's sin: judgment from one offence brought condemnation, but the gift covers many offences and brings justification.
What Does Romans 5:16 Mean?
Paul continues to mark the difference between Adam's offence and Christ's gift. The two work in opposite directions. Judgment arose from a single trespass and led to condemnation -- one act, one verdict against all.
The gift moves the other way. It takes in 'many offences,' a whole accumulated weight of sin, and yet issues in justification -- a verdict of acquittal and right standing. So the gift not only matches the offence but overwhelms it, answering not one sin but countless sins with a single, sufficient grace. The arithmetic of grace runs entirely in the sinner's favor.
Romans 5:16 in the Original Language
katakrima (κατάκριμα), 'condemnation' -- a sentence of guilt and its penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 5:16
What does Romans 5:16 mean?
The gift differs from the result of one man's sin: judgment from one offence brought condemnation, but the gift covers many offences and brings justification.