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.)

For {G1063} if {G1487} by one man's {G1520} offence {G3900} death {G2288} reigned {G936} by {G1223} one {G1520}; much {G4183} more {G3123} they which receive {G2983} abundance {G4050} of grace {G5485} and {G2532} of the gift {G1431} of righteousness {G1343} shall reign {G936} in {G1722} life {G2222} by {G1223} one {G1520}, Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.)

For if, because of the offence of one man, death ruled through that one man; how much more will those receiving the overflowing grace, that is, the gift of being considered righteous, rule in life through the one man Yeshua the Messiah!

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ.

Commentary on Romans 5:17 (KJV)

Romans 5:17 is a pivotal verse within Paul's profound comparison between the impact of Adam's sin and the impact of Christ's righteousness. It encapsulates the core message of grace triumphing over sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse appears in the section of Romans where Paul explains the benefits of justification by faith, introduced earlier in the epistle. Starting from Romans 5:12, Paul draws a parallel between Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, and Jesus Christ, through whom grace and righteousness lead to life. Verse 17 serves as a powerful summary statement contrasting the consequence of Adam's single act of disobedience with the far greater consequence of Christ's saving work.

Key Themes

  • The Reign of Death through Adam: Paul states clearly that because of "one man's offence" (Adam's sin), death established its dominion and "reigned" over humanity. This reign of death encompasses spiritual separation from God and physical mortality, a universal consequence inherited from Adam.
  • Abundance of Grace: In stark contrast to the destructive power of sin and death, God offers an overwhelming "abundance of grace." This isn't just enough grace, but an overflowing, superabundant supply that far exceeds the reach of sin.
  • Gift of Righteousness: Righteousness is presented as a "gift" received, not earned. This perfect standing before God is imputed to believers through their faith in Christ, liberating them from the condemnation brought by Adam's sin and their own. This gift is received freely by grace.
  • Reigning in Life through Christ: The glorious outcome for those who receive this grace and righteousness is that they "shall reign in life." This contrasts with death reigning over others. Believers, through Christ, are not merely saved from death but are empowered to live a victorious life, sharing in Christ's dominion and experiencing spiritual vitality now and eternal life ultimately.
  • The Centrality of Jesus Christ: The entire transformation from death's reign to reigning in life is accomplished solely "by one, Jesus Christ." His work is the exclusive means by which this abundance of grace and gift of righteousness are made available.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "abundance of grace" translates the Greek perisseia tēs charitos, where perisseia signifies superabundance or overflow, highlighting the extravagant nature of God's grace. The "gift of righteousness" (dōrea tēs dikaiosynēs) emphasizes that righteousness is a gratuitous bestowal, not something achieved by human effort.

Reflection

Romans 5:17 offers immense assurance and hope. It teaches that the power of Christ's salvation is infinitely greater than the power of sin and death inherited from Adam. Believers are not passive recipients barely escaping judgment; they are elevated to a position of reigning *in life* through Christ. This reign is a present reality for the Christian, who is empowered by the Holy Spirit to live victoriously over sin and death, anticipating the full realization of this reign in the age to come. It calls us to live out the reality of our new identity in Christ, no longer enslaved but reigning by His grace and righteousness.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:21

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:22

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:49

    And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

  • 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:

  • John 10:10

    The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

  • 2 Timothy 2:12

    If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

  • Revelation 22:5

    And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

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