Romans 5:15

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.

But {G235} not {G3756} as {G5613} the offence {G3900}, so {G3779} also {G2532} is the free gift {G5486}. For {G1063} if {G1487} through the offence {G3900} of one {G1520} many {G4183} be dead {G599}, much {G4183} more {G3123} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} the gift {G1431} by {G1722} grace {G5485}, which is {G3588} by one {G1520} man {G444}, Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, hath abounded {G4052} unto {G1519} many {G4183}.

But the free gift is not like the offence. For if, because of one man’s offence, many died, then how much more has God’s grace, that is, the gracious gift of one man, Yeshua the Messiah, overflowed to many!

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many!

But not as the trespass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many.

This verse is a pivotal point in Paul's argument in Romans 5, contrasting the devastating effects of Adam's sin with the superabundant grace brought through Jesus Christ. It highlights the fundamental difference between the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of divine favour.

Context

Romans chapter 5 explores the glorious results of being justified by faith, leading to peace with God and access to His grace. Beginning in verse 12, Paul introduces a comparison between Adam and Christ. Adam's single act of disobedience brought sin and death into the world, affecting all humanity. Verse 15 serves to clarify that while the effects of Adam's sin were profound, the impact of Christ's redemptive work is far greater and different in nature – it is a gift of grace leading to life. This sets the stage for further contrast in the following verses.

Key Themes

  • Contrast of Effects: The verse starkly contrasts the outcome of Adam's "offence" (sin leading to death) with the outcome of Christ's work ("free gift" of grace leading to life).
  • One Man, Many Affected: Both Adam and Christ are presented as single individuals whose actions had widespread consequences for humanity. Adam's sin resulted in death for "many," while Christ's grace "abounded unto many" who receive it.
  • The Abundance of Grace: The phrase "much more" emphasizes that God's grace through Christ is not merely equal to, but far surpasses, the destructive power of sin. It doesn't just counteract sin; it overflows with life and righteousness. See Romans 5:20 for another mention of grace abounding.
  • The Gift by Grace: Salvation and righteousness are presented as a "gift" received through "grace," highlighting that it is unearned and freely given by God through Jesus Christ. This echoes the theme found in Ephesians 2:8-9.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "offence" is paraptōma (παράπτωμα), meaning a false step, a trespass, or a deviation from the right path. It speaks of a specific act of falling short. The term "free gift" comes from charisma (χάρισμα), related to charis (χάρις), which is "grace." A charisma is literally a "gift of grace," emphasizing its gratuitous nature. The phrase "hath abounded" is from eperisseusen (ἐπερίσσευσεν), meaning to be over and above, to be more than enough, to overflow. Coupled with "much more" (πολλῷ μᾶλλον - pollō mallon), it paints a picture of grace that is overwhelmingly abundant compared to sin's effect.

Reflection

Romans 5:15 offers profound assurance. While the reality and consequences of sin introduced by one man are undeniable, the provision of grace through the one man Jesus Christ is infinitely more powerful and generous. It reminds us that God's solution to humanity's problem is not just sufficient, but lavishly abundant. Our hope is not in overcoming Adam's legacy by our own efforts, but in receiving the free gift of grace offered through Christ's finished work.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 6:23

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

  • Ephesians 2:8

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

  • 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:

  • 1 John 5:11

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:15

    Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

  • Romans 5:16

    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.

  • Romans 5:20

    Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

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