Romans 5:13

KJV

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} until {G891} the law {G3551} sin {G266} was {G2258} in {G1722} the world {G2889}: but {G1161} sin {G266} is {G1677} not {G3756} imputed {G1677} when there is {G5607} no {G3361} law {G3551}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sin was indeed present in the world before Torah was given, but sin is not counted as such when there is no Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account when there is no law.

American Standard Version

for until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:13 serves as a crucial parenthetical clarification within Paul's argument concerning the universal reign of sin and death, and the subsequent reign of grace through Christ. This verse explains that even before the Mosaic Law was formally given, sin was undeniably present in the world, exerting its destructive power and leading to death. However, it also posits that during this pre-Law period, sin was not "imputed" in the same way it would be once a specific, codified divine standard was revealed, implying a distinction between the inherent presence of sin and its formal reckoning as transgression against a known command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:13 is nestled within a pivotal section of Paul's letter, immediately following the foundational declaration in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam") that sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and death through sin, thereby spreading to all humanity. Verse 13 functions as a parenthetical explanation, addressing a potential theological question: If sin is defined by law, how could sin and death reign *before* the giving of the Mosaic Law? Paul clarifies that sin's presence and its deadly consequences were indeed operative from Adam to Moses, but the *nature* of its reckoning changed with the advent of the Law. This verse sets the stage for the contrast Paul will draw in [Romans 5:14](/romans/5-14 "Romans 5:14 - Death Reigned from Adam to Moses"), where he explicitly states that "death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression," distinguishing between Adam's specific transgression of a command and the general presence of sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical context spans the period from Adam's fall to the giving of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai. For Paul's Jewish audience, the Law (Torah) was central to their identity and understanding of righteousness. They believed the Law was God's perfect revelation, guiding human behavior and establishing the covenant relationship with Israel. The concept of "sin" was deeply embedded in their worldview, often understood as a violation of God's commands. However, Paul is here addressing the period *before* these specific, written commands existed. This challenges the notion that sin only became a reality with the Law, emphasizing humanity's inherent fallenness. The verse implicitly acknowledges that even without a codified law, humanity was still accountable to God, likely through natural revelation and conscience, as hinted at in [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness") and [Romans 2:14-15](/romans/2-14-15 "Romans 2:14-15 - Law Written on Hearts").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the **universality of sin**, demonstrating that sin was an active force in the world long before the Mosaic covenant, affecting all of humanity from Adam onward. Secondly, it highlights the **purpose of the Law**, not as the *cause* of sin, but as its *revealer* and *aggravator*. The Law defines sin as "transgression" (παράβασις), making explicit what was previously a more general offense. This distinction is crucial for understanding Paul's argument in [Romans 7:7-13](/romans/7-7-13 "Romans 7:7-13 - The Law and Sin"), where he explains that the Law exposed the true nature of sin. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **imputation**, a concept central to Paul's doctrine of justification. While sin's presence was universal, its formal "imputation" or reckoning as a specific violation of a known command became possible only with the Law, setting the stage for the later discussion of how righteousness is imputed through faith in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** From G266, meaning "a sin (properly abstract)." In this context, _hamartía_ refers to the pervasive principle or power of sin that infected humanity after Adam's fall, leading to a state of rebellion against God and resulting in death. It's not just individual acts but the underlying condition of humanity's fallen nature.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** From G3551, referring to "law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle)." Here, _nómos_ primarily refers to the Mosaic Law, the codified divine commands given through Moses, which established a clear standard for righteousness and revealed the specific nature of transgression.
* **imputed (Greek, _ellogéō'_):** From G1677, meaning "to reckon in, i.e. attribute." This term is an accounting or legal term, signifying the act of charging something to an account or crediting it. In this verse, it means that while sin was present, it was not formally charged or reckoned as a specific violation of a known, explicit divine command until the Law was given. This does not mean people were not accountable, but that the nature of that accountability shifted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(For until the law sin was in the world":** This opening clause establishes the temporal framework and the undeniable reality of sin's presence. "Until the law" refers to the period from Adam's fall to the giving of the Mosaic Law. During this time, "sin was in the world," meaning humanity was inherently sinful, prone to rebellion against God, and subject to the dominion of sin, even without a specific written code. The consequence of this sin—death—was also operative.
* **"but sin is not imputed":** The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast. While sin's presence and effects were universal, its "imputation" (G1677, _ellogéō_) was different. "Imputed" signifies the formal reckoning or charging of sin as a specific violation of a known command. Before the Law, sin's effects (death) were present, but the specific legal charge of "transgression" (breaking a known rule) was not applied.
* **"when there is no law.":** This final phrase clarifies the condition under which sin is not imputed in the specific sense Paul means. Where there is no explicit, revealed divine law or command, sin cannot be formally charged as a transgression against that specific law. This highlights the Law's role in making sin explicit and definable, turning general sinfulness into specific, accountable transgressions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Parenthesis** in this verse, interrupting his main argument in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam") to address a potential objection or provide a crucial clarification. This parenthetical statement is vital for understanding the nuances of sin's operation before the Law. Furthermore, there is a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast** established between the universal *presence* of sin ("sin was in the world") and the specific *imputation* of sin ("sin is not imputed when there is no law"). This contrast underscores the Law's unique role in defining and formalizing sin as transgression. Paul also uses **Legal Language** and **Accounting Metaphor** through the term "imputed" (_ellogéō_), which is a term from financial or legal reckoning, emphasizing the precise nature of God's justice and how sin is accounted for in His divine economy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:13 provides a critical insight into the nature of sin and the purpose of the Mosaic Law. It clarifies that sin is not merely the breaking of a rule, but a pervasive, inherent condition of humanity that existed even before God gave specific commandments. The Law, therefore, did not *create* sin, but rather served to *reveal* its true nature, power, and extent, transforming general sinfulness into specific transgressions against a known divine standard. This revelation of sin's depth and humanity's inability to keep the Law then highlights the absolute necessity of God's grace and the righteousness provided through faith in Jesus Christ, as the Law could only expose the problem, not provide the solution.

* [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")
* [Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - Why Then the Law?")
* [1 John 3:4](/1_john/3-4 "1 John 3:4 - Sin is Lawlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:13 invites us to a deeper understanding of the pervasive nature of sin and the profound wisdom of God's redemptive plan. It reminds us that humanity's problem is not merely a lack of rules, but a fundamental brokenness—a sinful nature that predates any codified law. This means that even if we claim to live by our own moral code, or if we are unaware of specific divine commands, we are still subject to the power and consequences of sin. The verse underscores that sin's ultimate outcome is death, regardless of whether it's formally "imputed" as a transgression. This realization should cultivate a profound humility within us, acknowledging our utter inability to save ourselves through rule-keeping or moral effort. It should also deepen our appreciation for the gospel, which offers a solution not just for our transgressions, but for the very power and presence of sin itself. Understanding this distinction helps us grasp the depth of God's grace, which addresses our inherent sinfulness and not just our outward actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "sin was in the world" before the Law change your perspective on human nature and accountability?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the purpose of God's Law, beyond simply providing rules?**
* **How does the distinction between the "presence" of sin and its "imputation" deepen your appreciation for the grace offered in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does this mean people weren't accountable for their sins before the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: No, it does not mean people were not accountable. Paul is making a nuanced point about the *nature* of accountability. Before the Mosaic Law, sin was certainly present (as evidenced by death reigning, [Romans 5:14](/romans/5-14 "Romans 5:14 - Death Reigned from Adam to Moses")), and people were accountable to God based on natural revelation and the law written on their hearts (as discussed in [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness") and [Romans 2:14-15](/romans/2-14-15 "Romans 2:14-15 - Law Written on Hearts")). However, the specific *imputation* of sin as a transgression—a violation of a known, explicit divine command—could not occur until such a command was given. The Law made sin explicit and definable, intensifying the awareness of sin and making specific transgressions legally chargeable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:13, in its explanation of sin's pervasive presence and the Law's role in its imputation, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work. If sin was in the world even without the Law, and if death reigned universally, it underscores humanity's hopeless condition apart from divine intervention. Christ fulfills the implications of this verse not by merely providing a new set of rules, but by addressing the very root of the problem: the power and presence of sin itself. He became the ultimate sacrifice, bearing the imputation of our sin so that we might receive the imputation of His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ fulfilled the Law's demands, and through His death, He broke the dominion of sin and death that had reigned from Adam ([Romans 5:17-19](/romans/5-17-19 "Romans 5:17-19 - Reign of Grace Through Christ")). The Law, as a "guardian" or "tutor" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")), exposed our sin and our desperate need for a Savior, pointing directly to Christ as the one who brings an end to the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Thus, the pre-Law reality of sin's presence and the Law's subsequent role in its imputation both serve to magnify the unparalleled grace and complete salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 4:15

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.

1 Corinthians 15:56

The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

1 John 3:4

¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Genesis 4:7

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Genesis 4:11

And now [art] thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

Genesis 38:7

And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.

Genesis 38:10

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.