Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Wherefore {G1223}{G5124}, as {G5618} by {G1223} one {G1520} man {G444} sin {G266} entered {G1525} into {G1519} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} death {G2288} by {G1223} sin {G266}; and {G2532} so {G3779} death {G2288} passed {G1330} upon {G1519} all {G3956} men {G444}, for {G1909} that {G3739} all {G3956} have sinned {G264}:

Here is how it works: it was through one individual that sin entered the world, and through sin, death; and in this way death passed through to the whole human race, inasmuch as everyone sinned.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.

Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:—

Commentary

Romans 5:12 (KJV) is a foundational verse explaining the origin of sin and death in the world and their impact on humanity.

Context

This verse comes after Paul has explained justification by faith (Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1). He is now contrasting the consequence of Adam's act with the result of Christ's act, showing how sin and death came through one man, Adam, just as righteousness and life come through one man, Jesus Christ. This verse sets up the comparison that follows in the rest of the chapter.

Key Themes

  • The Origin of Sin: Sin entered the human experience through the action of a single individual, Adam's disobedience.
  • The Consequence of Sin: Death is the direct result or penalty for sin. This physical and spiritual separation entered the world simultaneously with sin.
  • The Universality of Death: Because death came through sin, and sin spread to all people, death has consequently "passed upon all men."
  • The Universality of Sin: The phrase "for that all have sinned" indicates that every individual human being is affected by this original entry of sin and participates in sin themselves, leading to the universal experience of death.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sin" is hamartia, meaning "missing the mark" or failing to meet God's standard. "Death" is thanatos, referring to separation, not annihilation. The phrase "for that all have sinned" (Greek: eph ho pantes hēmarton) can be understood as "because all sinned" personally, or "in whom [Adam] all sinned," reflecting the corporate nature of humanity's connection to Adam. While debated, the practical outcome is the same: death is universal because sin is universal.

Significance and Application

Romans 5:12 is crucial because it explains why the world is the way it is – why there is suffering, evil, and death. It establishes the problem that the gospel solves. Understanding that sin and death are universal consequences of Adam's act and our own participation in sin highlights the desperate need for a rescuer. This verse lays the groundwork for Paul's argument in the following verses (Romans 5:18-19) about how the righteousness and life brought by Jesus Christ offer the solution to the problem introduced by Adam.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 15:21 (64 votes)

    For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:22 (64 votes)

    For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

  • Romans 5:19 (37 votes)

    For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

  • Romans 6:23 (31 votes)

    For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Romans 3:23 (29 votes)

    For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

  • James 1:15 (24 votes)

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

  • Genesis 2:17 (23 votes)

    But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.