Romans 5:14

KJV

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G235} death {G2288} reigned {G936} from {G575} Adam {G76} to {G3360} Moses {G3475}, even {G2532} over {G1909} them that had {G264} not {G3361} sinned {G264} after {G1909} the similitude {G3667} of Adam's {G76} transgression {G3847}, who {G3739} is {G2076} the figure {G5179} of him that was to come {G3195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless death ruled from Adam until Moshe, even over those whose sinning was not exactly like Adam’s violation of a direct command. In this, Adam prefigured the one who was to come.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adam’s transgression, who is a figure of him that was to come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:14 profoundly illustrates the universal and pervasive reign of death from the time of Adam's initial transgression until the advent of the Mosaic Law, extending its dominion even over those who did not commit a conscious, deliberate sin akin to Adam's. This verse is pivotal in Paul's theological argument, establishing Adam not merely as the first sinner but as a "figure" or "type" whose singular act of disobedience had cosmic consequences, thereby foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work as the ultimate "figure" whose singular act of obedience brings life and righteousness to all who believe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Paul's intricate argument in [Romans 5](/romans/5 "Romans 5 - Justification by Faith and Reconciliation") concerning the profound impact of Adam's sin and the even greater triumph of Christ's righteousness. Having established that believers are justified by faith and enjoy peace with God through Jesus Christ in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith"), Paul shifts to a grand, cosmic perspective. [Verse 12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam") introduces the foundational concept that sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and death through sin, thus spreading to all humanity because all ultimately sinned. [Verse 13](/romans/5-13 "Romans 5:13 - Sin Before the Law") then clarifies that sin was indeed present in the world before the Law was given through Moses, but it was not "imputed" or formally accounted for in the same way where there was no explicit law. Romans 5:14 then addresses the apparent paradox: if sin isn't imputed where there's no law, why did death, the consequence of sin, still reign universally during this period? It answers by pointing to Adam's unique role and the inherited nature of death. This verse masterfully sets the stage for the extensive Adam-Christ typology developed in the subsequent verses, particularly [Romans 5:15-19](/romans/5-15-19 "Romans 5:15-19 - Adam and Christ Contrasted").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period "from Adam to Moses" refers to the vast epoch of human history prior to God's formal covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, where the Mosaic Law was given. During this time, humanity did not possess a codified divine law that explicitly defined sin in the way the Ten Commandments and subsequent statutes would. While a general moral law was "written on their hearts" ([Romans 2:15](/romans/2-15 "Romans 2:15 - Law Written on Hearts")), specific transgressions against known commands were not universally present in the same manner as Adam's direct disobedience to God's explicit prohibition regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ([Genesis 2:16-17](/genesis/2-16-17 "The Forbidden Tree")). Culturally, the concept of a "type" or "figure" (Greek: _typos_) was well-understood in the Greco-Roman world, referring to a pattern, mold, or an impression left by a stamp. Paul leverages this familiar concept to explain a profound theological truth: Adam served as a foundational pattern for humanity's fall, just as Christ would serve as the foundational pattern for humanity's redemption.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 5:14 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Romans and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **universal reign of death**, which is presented not merely as a consequence of individual acts of sin, but as a dominant power that held sway over all humanity from Adam's time, regardless of personal transgression "after the similitude of Adam's." This highlights the pervasive and inherited nature of sin's consequences. Secondly, it underscores the **profound impact of Adam's original transgression**, demonstrating how his singular act of disobedience plunged all humanity into a state of sinfulness and mortality, even those incapable of personal, conscious rebellion (like infants or those who died before the Law). This establishes the concept of federal headship, where the actions of one representative affect all those he represents. Finally, the verse introduces the critical theme of **Adam as a "figure" or "type" of Christ**. This typological connection is central to Paul's argument, setting up the profound contrast between Adam, who brought sin and death to all, and Christ, who brings righteousness and life to all who are "in Him" ([Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness Through One Act")). This theme emphasizes Christ as the ultimate solution to the universal problem initiated by Adam.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** This term (G2288) refers to death in its broadest sense, encompassing not only physical cessation of life but also spiritual separation from God, which is the ultimate consequence of sin. Here, it is personified as a reigning king, emphasizing its pervasive and inescapable dominion over humanity.
* **reigned (Greek, _basileúō'_):** Derived from the word for "king," this verb (G936) literally means "to rule as a king" or "to exercise dominion." Its use here powerfully conveys the absolute and authoritative control that death held over humanity, from Adam's fall until the giving of the Law, indicating a state of universal subjection.
* **figure (Greek, _týpos'_):** This noun (G5179) signifies a "die (as struck)," "a stamp or scar," and by extension, "a shape," "style," or "resemblance." In this context, it means a "sampler" or "model," specifically a "type" or "pattern." Adam is presented as a prototype whose actions set a pattern, not necessarily in moral character, but in the far-reaching, universal consequences of his singular act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses":** This clause highlights a profound theological reality: despite the absence of a codified Law (like the Mosaic Law) during this period, death, the ultimate consequence of sin, still held absolute dominion over humanity. This implies that the power of sin was at work even before specific transgressions against a written code could be identified.
* **"even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression":** This crucial phrase clarifies the nature of death's reign. It extended to all, including those (like infants or those who died before the Law) who did not commit a conscious, deliberate act of rebellion against a specific, known divine command, as Adam did with the forbidden fruit. Their death is thus attributed not to personal, explicit transgression, but to the inherited state of sinfulness and mortality passed down from Adam.
* **"who is the figure of him that was to come":** This final clause identifies Adam as a "type" or "pattern" (_typos_) of Christ ("him that was to come"). Adam is a figure not in moral likeness, but in the sense that his singular act had universal, determinative consequences for all humanity, thereby foreshadowing the universal, determinative consequences of Christ's singular act of obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 5:14](/romans/5-14 "Romans 5:14 - Death Reigned From Adam to Moses"). Most prominently, he uses **Personification**, attributing the action of "reigning" to "death." This elevates death from a mere biological event to a powerful, king-like entity that held dominion over humanity, underscoring its pervasive and inescapable control. The verse also introduces **Typology**, identifying Adam as a "figure" (_typos_) of Christ. This is a crucial theological device where an Old Testament person, event, or institution foreshadows a New Testament reality, particularly Christ and His work. Adam is presented as a type not in his moral character, but in the pattern of his federal headship: just as his single act had universal implications for humanity (sin and death), so Christ's single act would have universal implications (righteousness and life). Implicitly, there is also **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, as Paul sets up Adam as a negative type, whose actions brought condemnation, in anticipation of contrasting him with Christ, the positive anti-type, whose actions bring justification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:14 is a cornerstone for understanding the pervasive nature of sin and the universal necessity of Christ's redemptive work. It establishes the concept of "original sin" not merely as an inherited guilt, but as an inherited condition of mortality and spiritual alienation that affects all humanity, even those incapable of conscious, personal transgression. The reign of death from Adam to Moses, even without a specific law to transgress, underscores that humanity's problem is deeper than individual acts; it's a fundamental break in relationship with God, passed down from our first parent. By identifying Adam as a "figure" of Christ, Paul introduces the profound theological principle of federal headship, where the actions of one representative (Adam) have universal consequences for humanity, thereby setting the stage for the greater and more glorious headship of Christ, whose singular act of obedience brings life and righteousness to all who are united with Him.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man"): "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."
* [1 Corinthians 15:22](/1_corinthians/15-22 "1 Corinthians 15:22 - As in Adam All Die, So in Christ All Made Alive"): "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death"): "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:14 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful perspective on the human condition. It confronts us with the stark reality that death, in its physical and spiritual dimensions, is not merely an unfortunate biological inevitability but a reigning power, a direct consequence of humanity's original fall. The fact that death reigned even over those who did not sin "after the similitude of Adam's transgression" underscores the deep, systemic nature of sin's impact, affecting us at a foundational level, irrespective of our individual choices. This truth should humble us, revealing the utter helplessness of humanity to escape the clutches of sin and death through our own efforts or good works. However, the verse's profound insight lies in its declaration of Adam as a "figure of him that was to come." This immediately pivots our gaze to Christ, the one who reverses Adam's legacy. It reminds us that our hope is not in ourselves, but in the singular, decisive act of another—Jesus Christ—whose obedience and sacrifice are infinitely more powerful than Adam's disobedience. This should evoke profound gratitude and a renewed sense of reliance on Christ alone for salvation, life, and freedom from death's reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "death reigning" deepen your understanding of the human predicament and the universal need for salvation?**
* **In what ways does understanding Adam as a "figure" of Christ enhance your appreciation for Christ's unique and all-sufficient redemptive work?**
* **How does this verse challenge any lingering notions that sin is solely about individual, conscious acts of rebellion, rather than an inherited condition?**

### FAQ
**What does "not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to those who did not commit a direct, conscious, and deliberate act of rebellion against a specific, revealed divine command, in the same way that Adam did when he ate from the forbidden tree ([Genesis 2:16-17](/genesis/2-16-17 "The Forbidden Tree")). Paul is addressing the period from Adam to Moses, during which there was no codified Law like the Mosaic Law. People during this time certainly sinned, but their sins were not against a specific, written commandment in the way Adam's was. The phrase also implicitly includes those who are incapable of such conscious transgression, such as infants or individuals with severe cognitive impairments. The point is that even these individuals experienced death, demonstrating that death's reign was not solely due to personal, explicit acts of sin, but rather to the inherited condition of sinfulness and mortality passed down from Adam's original fall.

**How is Adam a "figure" of Christ, given their contrasting roles?**

Answer: Adam is a "figure" (Greek: _typos_) of Christ in a typological sense, meaning he serves as a pattern or prototype. This does not imply a moral or character resemblance, but rather a functional parallel in how their singular actions had universal, far-reaching consequences for humanity. Adam's one act of disobedience brought sin and death to all humanity ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World")), establishing him as the federal head of a fallen humanity. In contrast, Christ, the "him that was to come," is the anti-type. His one act of perfect obedience and sacrificial death brings righteousness and eternal life to all who are united with Him by faith ([Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness Through One Act")). So, Adam is a figure of Christ in the *pattern* of a single representative's action having universal, decisive impact, even though the *outcome* of their actions is diametrically opposed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:14, by declaring Adam to be the "figure of him that was to come," profoundly sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Adam, as the first man, established a universal pattern: his singular act of disobedience brought sin and death to all humanity, causing death to reign from his time until the Law and beyond ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")). This universal reign of death, even over those who did not sin "after the similitude of Adam's transgression," underscores the depth of humanity's inherited predicament. Christ, the "him that was to come," is revealed as the ultimate anti-type, the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")). Where Adam's disobedience led to condemnation for all, Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His death and resurrection, leads to justification and life for all who believe ([Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness Through One Act")). He is the one who decisively breaks the reign of death, transforming its power into a pathway to eternal life for those in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, Adam's role as a "figure" points us directly to Christ as the glorious fulfillment, the one through whom God establishes a new humanity, free from the curse of sin and death, and reigning in life through righteousness ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reign in Life Through 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

1 Corinthians 15:45

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Romans 5:17

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Genesis 7:22

All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life, of all that [was] in the dry [land], died.

Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,