Romans 5:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} not {G3756} as {G5613} it was by {G1223} one {G1520} that sinned {G264}, so is the gift {G1434}: for {G1063}{G3303} the judgment {G2917} was by {G1537} one {G1520} to {G1519} condemnation {G2631}, but {G1161} the free gift {G5486} is of {G1537} many {G4183} offences {G3900} unto {G1519} justification {G1345}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, the free gift is not like what resulted from one man’s sinning; for from one sinner came judgment that brought condemnation; but the free gift came after many offences and brought acquittal.

Berean Standard Bible

Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification.

American Standard Version

And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:16 meticulously elaborates on the profound disparity between the consequences of Adam's singular transgression and the boundless efficacy of God's gracious gift in Christ. Paul highlights that while Adam's one act of disobedience resulted in a universal judgment leading to condemnation for all humanity, the divine "free gift" through Jesus Christ addresses the multitude of human offenses, culminating in a declaration of complete justification for those who receive it. This verse underscores the radical abundance of God's grace, which not only counteracts but overwhelmingly surpasses the destructive power of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:16 is an integral part of Paul's extended theological argument in [Romans 5](/romans/5 "Romans 5 - Peace with God and the Benefits of Justification"), where he meticulously compares and contrasts the federal headship of Adam with that of Christ. Building upon the declaration in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"), which establishes how sin and death entered the world through one man, Paul then proceeds to demonstrate the even greater impact of Christ's righteousness. Verses [Romans 5:13-14](/romans/5-13-14 "Romans 5:13-14 - The Reign of Death") clarify that sin was present and death reigned even before the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the universal reach of Adam's sin. Verse [Romans 5:15](/romans/5-15 "Romans 5:15 - The Gift is Not Like the Trespass") introduces the concept that "the free gift is not like the trespass," setting the stage for the more detailed explanation in verse 16, which explicitly differentiates the outcomes: condemnation from Adam versus justification from Christ. This verse, along with [Romans 5:17-19](/romans/5-17-19 "Romans 5:17-19 - Righteousness Through Christ"), solidifies the argument for the superabundance of grace over sin, culminating in the triumphant declaration of grace reigning through righteousness to eternal life in [Romans 5:21](/romans/5-21 "Romans 5:21 - Grace Reigns Through Righteousness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome was a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers, grappling with questions of law, sin, and righteousness. The concept of corporate solidarity, where the actions of a representative figure (like Adam or Abraham) have implications for all their descendants, was deeply ingrained in both Jewish thought and Roman societal structures. Adam, as the first man, acted as the federal head of humanity, and his sin had far-reaching consequences for all subsequent generations. Paul leverages this understanding to explain how Christ, as the "second Adam" or new federal head, similarly impacts all who are "in him." The legal terminology used—"judgment," "condemnation," "justification"—would resonate with the Roman context, which was highly structured by law and legal proceedings. Paul is essentially presenting a divine courtroom scenario where humanity's legal standing is determined, first by Adam's trespass, and then decisively by Christ's redemptive work.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 5:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Romans](/romans/1 "The Book of Romans - Paul's Magnum Opus on Righteousness"). The primary theme is the **Contrast between Adam and Christ**, highlighting the destructive power of sin through one man versus the life-giving power of grace through another. This verse sharply differentiates **Condemnation from Justification**: Adam's act led to a legal verdict of guilt and condemnation for all, while Christ's act provides a legal declaration of righteousness. It also emphasizes the **Abundance and Superabundance of Grace**, demonstrating that God's gift in Christ is not merely a counter-balance to sin but an overflowing provision that far exceeds the damage caused by "many offenses." This concept of grace reigning is foundational to Paul's theology, as seen in [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded All the More"). Furthermore, the verse implicitly touches on the theme of **Imputation**, where Adam's sin is reckoned to humanity, and Christ's righteousness is reckoned to believers, a concept further developed in [Romans 4](/romans/4 "Romans 4 - Abraham's Faith and Righteousness by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gift (Greek, _dṓrēma'_):** (G1434) From `dōreomai`, meaning "a bestowment." This term refers to something freely given, emphasizing the gratuitous nature of God's provision. In this context, it refers to the gift of justification and life that comes through Christ, distinct from anything earned or merited.
* **judgment (Greek, _kríma'_):** (G2917) From `krínō`, meaning "a decision (the function or the effect, for or against)." Here, it denotes the verdict or sentence that resulted from Adam's sin. It's a legal pronouncement, a judicial decision that led to a specific outcome for humanity.
* **justification (Greek, _dikaíōma'_):** (G1345) From `dikaioō`, meaning "an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision." In this verse, it is used in parallel with `kríma` (judgment) and refers to the righteous act or, more precisely, the declaration of righteousness. It signifies being declared righteous in God's sight, a legal standing of innocence and acceptance, which is the result of the "free gift."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift:"** This opening clause sets up the fundamental contrast. Paul asserts that the nature and outcome of God's "gift" through Christ are fundamentally different from the consequences brought about by the "one that sinned" (Adam). The "gift" here, though not yet fully defined, is presented as an antithesis to the result of Adam's transgression. It implies a qualitative difference in impact and scope.
* **"for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation,"** This clause explains the negative side of the contrast. Adam's single act of sin (the "one that sinned") led to a "judgment" (a divine verdict or legal decision) that resulted in "condemnation." This condemnation is not merely a consequence but a judicial sentence, a declaration of guilt and liability to punishment, affecting all humanity because of Adam's federal headship.
* **"but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification."** This clause presents the glorious counterpoint, introduced by the strong adversative "but." The "free gift" (a more emphatic term for grace) originates from God and addresses "many offences"—not just Adam's one sin, but the countless individual transgressions of humanity. Critically, this gift leads "unto justification," meaning it results in a declaration of righteousness, a right standing before God. This highlights the expansive and superabundant nature of God's grace, which covers and redeems from the vast accumulation of human sin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Contrast** and **Antithesis** throughout this verse to underscore the radical difference between the two Adams and their respective impacts. The structure itself is a powerful demonstration of **Parallelism**, setting up "one that sinned" against "the free gift," and "judgment...to condemnation" against "free gift...unto justification." The repetition of "by one" emphasizes the singular origin of both the sin and the redemptive act. Furthermore, the phrase "many offences" contrasted with "one that sinned" uses a form of **Hyperbole** or **Superabundance** to highlight that God's grace in Christ is not merely sufficient to cover Adam's sin, but is vastly more powerful, able to justify those burdened by innumerable personal transgressions. This rhetorical strategy amplifies the magnitude and efficacy of God's saving work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:16 is a cornerstone for understanding the doctrine of imputation and the nature of God's grace. It clarifies that just as Adam's sin was imputed to humanity, resulting in a state of condemnation, so too Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, leading to justification. This is not a mere pardon, but a complete change in legal status, a declaration of righteousness based on Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice. The "free gift" emphasizes that this new standing is entirely unmerited, a lavish expression of divine favor that far outweighs the destructive power of sin. It highlights the finished work of Christ as the definitive answer to humanity's fallen condition, moving from a verdict of guilt to a verdict of grace.

* [Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Righteous Servant Justifies Many")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:16 offers profound comfort and assurance to the believer. It reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our own performance or the cumulative weight of our "many offences," but entirely on the "free gift" of Christ's righteousness. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor or fearing condemnation due to our past failures. Instead, it invites us to rest in the finished work of Jesus, whose grace is so abundant that it not only covers our sins but declares us righteous. This understanding should cultivate deep gratitude, humility, and confidence in God's unfailing love. It also calls us to live lives that reflect this radical grace, extending forgiveness and compassion to others, knowing that we ourselves have been recipients of an immeasurable gift.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the contrast between Adam's sin and Christ's gift impact your view of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways does knowing that the "free gift" covers "many offences" bring you personal assurance and peace?**
* **How might this truth motivate you to extend grace and forgiveness to others, just as God has extended it to you?**
* **What practical implications does being "unto justification" have for your daily walk and your identity in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "gift" (dōrēma) and "free gift" (chárisma) in this verse?**

Answer: While both terms denote something given, their usage in Romans 5:16 distinguishes their emphasis. "Gift" (G1434, _dṓrēma'_) is a general term for a bestowal, used in the first part of the verse to refer broadly to the outcome of Christ's work. "Free gift" (G5486, _chárisma'_) is a more specific and theologically loaded term, derived from _charis_ (grace). It emphasizes that the gift is a "divine gratuity," something given purely out of grace, without any merit or earning on the part of the recipient. Paul uses _chárisma_ to highlight the unmerited, grace-based nature of justification, contrasting it sharply with the condemnation that came through Adam's sin. This distinction underscores the sheer graciousness and unearned nature of salvation in Christ, as further elaborated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ as the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam")), who perfectly reversed the curse brought by the first Adam. Where Adam's single act of disobedience plunged humanity into a state of condemnation, Christ's singular act of perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")) became the basis for a "free gift" of justification that covers "many offences." Jesus, through His atoning work, absorbed the judgment and condemnation that humanity deserved ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), thereby securing a righteous standing for all who believe. His resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")) validated His triumph over sin and death, establishing Him as the source of eternal life and righteousness. Thus, Christ is the embodiment of the "free gift," the one through whom God's abundant grace reigns, transforming a verdict of condemnation into a declaration of perfect justification.

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

Acts 13:38

Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 13:39

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

James 2:10

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.