Romans 5:18

KJV

Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G686}{G3767} as {G5613} by {G1223} the offence {G3900} of one {G1520} judgment came upon {G1519} all {G3956} men {G444} to {G1519} condemnation {G2631}; even {G2532} so {G3779} by {G1223} the righteousness {G1345} of one {G1520} the free gift came upon {G1519} all {G3956} men {G444} unto {G1519} justification {G1347} of life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In other words, just as it was through one offence that all people came under condemnation, so also it is through one righteous act that all people come to be considered righteous.

Berean Standard Bible

So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men.

American Standard Version

So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men to condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:18 profoundly encapsulates the core of the gospel, presenting a stark theological parallel between Adam and Christ. It asserts that just as the singular act of disobedience by one man, Adam, brought a universal judicial sentence of condemnation upon all humanity, so too the singular act of righteousness by one man, Jesus Christ, provides the basis for a universal declaration of justification leading to eternal life for all who receive it. This verse highlights the corporate impact of both sin and grace, underscoring humanity's shared predicament in Adam and the divine provision of salvation in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:18 serves as a pivotal summary statement within Paul's broader argument in [Romans 5](/romans/5 "Romans 5 - Peace with God and the Reign of Grace"), which focuses on the benefits of justification by faith. This verse builds directly upon the foundational comparison introduced in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man"), where Paul introduces the concept of sin entering the world through one man, Adam, and death spreading to all. The subsequent verses, particularly [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience and Righteousness"), further elaborate on this profound Adam-Christ typology, emphasizing the representative nature of both figures and the contrasting outcomes of their respective actions. Paul is meticulously laying out the theological framework for understanding how humanity, universally condemned by Adam's sin, can be universally justified by Christ's righteousness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's argument in Romans 5 draws upon a deep-seated Jewish understanding of corporate solidarity, where the actions of a representative figure could have far-reaching consequences for the entire community or lineage. Adam, in this framework, is not merely an individual but the federal head of humanity, whose initial transgression had ramifications for all his descendants. Similarly, Christ is presented as the new federal head, the "second Adam," whose perfect obedience and sacrifice establish a new covenant and bring about a new spiritual lineage. For the Roman audience, familiar with concepts of legal standing and judicial pronouncements, Paul's use of terms like "condemnation" and "justification" would have resonated, framing salvation in terms of a divine legal declaration rather than human merit.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several crucial theological themes central to Paul's epistle. Firstly, it emphasizes **Corporate Representation**, illustrating how the actions of one individual (Adam or Christ) have profound, universal implications for humanity. Secondly, it highlights the stark contrast between **Condemnation and Justification**, presenting two distinct legal verdicts before God: one resulting from Adam's sin, leading to death, and the other from Christ's righteousness, leading to life. This underscores the universal need for God's grace, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, as stated in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Grace and the Free Gift**, emphasizing that justification is not earned but freely given through Christ's work, aligning with Paul's declaration that we are "justified freely by His grace" in [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified Freely by Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offence (Greek, _paráptōma'_):** (G3900) This term denotes a "side-slip," a "lapse or deviation," or an "unintentional error or wilful transgression." In the context of Adam's act, it signifies a trespass or a false step that went beyond a mere mistake, representing a deliberate act of disobedience against God's clear command. It highlights the nature of sin as a falling away from the righteous standard.
* **Condemnation (Greek, _katákrima'_):** (G2631) Derived from a verb meaning "to condemn," _katákrima_ refers to an "adverse sentence" or a "judicial verdict" pronounced against someone. It signifies the legal judgment and penalty that results from the "offence" of Adam, leading to a state of guilt and separation from God for all humanity.
* **Justification (Greek, _dikaíōsis'_):** (G1347) This word, distinct from _dikaiōma_ (a righteous act), specifically means "acquittal" or the "act of being declared righteous." It is a forensic term, referring to God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous in His sight, not based on their own merit, but solely on the finished work of Christ. It is the opposite of condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation":** This clause establishes the first part of the parallel, focusing on Adam's singular act of disobedience. The "offence" (sin/trespass) of "one" (Adam) resulted in a judicial "judgment" that led to "condemnation" for "all men." This highlights the universal and corporate impact of Adam's sin, bringing humanity under a verdict of guilt and spiritual death. The phrase "judgment came upon" is implied by the KJV, accurately reflecting the consequence.
* **"even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life":** This second clause presents the glorious counterpoint. "Even so" indicates a direct, parallel correspondence. The "righteousness of one" (Jesus Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice) is the basis for a "free gift" (salvation/grace) that comes "upon all men" (offered universally) "unto justification of life." This signifies a new, gracious legal declaration of righteousness that results in true, eternal life, reversing the condemnation brought by Adam.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 5:18 is a masterclass in **Antithesis** and **Parallelism**. The entire verse is structured around a stark contrast between two representative figures, Adam and Christ, and the opposing outcomes of their actions. Paul employs a clear "as... even so" (Greek: _hōs... hoútō_) construction, creating a precise **Syntactic Parallelism** that highlights the symmetrical yet opposing effects. The "offence of one" is directly contrasted with the "righteousness of one," and "condemnation" is set against "justification of life." This deliberate literary structuring not only makes the theological point powerfully but also aids in its memorability and comprehension. Furthermore, the verse implicitly relies on **Typology**, where Adam serves as a "type" or foreshadowing of Christ, not in similarity of action but in their representative roles and the far-reaching consequences of their deeds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, articulating the profound truth of imputation – the crediting of Adam's sin to all humanity and the crediting of Christ's righteousness to all who believe. It underscores God's perfect justice, which demands a penalty for sin, and His boundless mercy, which provides a righteous means of salvation. The "condemnation" is a just outcome of humanity's fallen state in Adam, but the "justification of life" reveals God's gracious initiative to redeem humanity through Christ. This divine exchange is the heart of the gospel: our sin and its consequences are imputed to Christ, and His perfect righteousness is imputed to us, making reconciliation with God possible.

* [1 Corinthians 15:22](/1_corinthians/15-22 "1 Corinthians 15:22 - In Adam All Die, In Christ All Made Alive")
* [Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - Righteous Servant Justifies Many")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us, We Become Righteousness of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:18 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers, reminding us that our standing before a holy God is not dependent on our fluctuating performance or inherent goodness, but entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Just as we inherited a state of condemnation by birth into Adam's lineage, we receive a declaration of righteousness and life by faith in Christ. This truth should liberate us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and empower us to live in the freedom of His grace. It cultivates deep gratitude for the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and His perfect obedience. Understanding this corporate reality also fosters humility, recognizing our shared fallenness, and compassion for others, knowing that the same free gift of justification is available to all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding corporate solidarity in Adam deepen your appreciation for Christ's work?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge a works-based understanding of salvation?**
* **What practical implications does "justification of life" have for your daily living, particularly concerning assurance and freedom?**

### FAQ
**Does "all men" in this verse mean universal salvation?**

Answer: No, the phrase "all men" in Romans 5:18 does not teach universal salvation (that everyone will ultimately be saved regardless of faith). In the first clause, "all men" clearly refers to the universal effect of Adam's sin: all humanity is born into a state of condemnation because of Adam's transgression. In the second clause, "all men" refers to the universal *provision* and *potential* of Christ's righteousness. The free gift of justification is made available to all, but it must be received by faith. Paul consistently teaches that salvation is appropriated through faith (e.g., [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God by Faith") and [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justified by Faith Apart from Works")). Therefore, while the *scope* of Christ's provision is universal, its *application* is for those who believe, as highlighted in passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World").

**What is the difference between 'condemnation' and 'justification of life'?**

Answer: "Condemnation" (Greek: _katákrima_) is a legal verdict of guilt. It signifies the judicial sentence pronounced against humanity due to Adam's sin, resulting in spiritual death and separation from God. It is a state of being declared guilty and liable to punishment. "Justification of life" (Greek: _dikaíōsis zoḗs_), on the other hand, is a legal verdict of righteousness that leads to life. It is God's gracious declaration that a person is righteous in His sight, not based on their own merit, but on the imputed righteousness of Christ. This declaration removes the condemnation and restores the believer to a right standing with God, culminating in eternal life. It represents a complete reversal of the legal status from guilty and dead to righteous and alive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who stands as the "second Adam" and the true head of a new humanity. Adam's single act of disobedience plunged humanity into sin and death, but Christ's singular act of perfect righteousness and obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, provides the sole basis for our justification. His life was one of complete submission to the Father's will, even "to the point of death on a cross," as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Through His atoning work, Christ bore the condemnation that was due to us, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us, We Become Righteousness of God")). Thus, the "free gift" of justification and eternal life, which is the "gift of God," is truly "eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord," as proclaimed in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life"). This verse beautifully encapsulates the triumph of God's grace in Christ, reversing the curse of Adam and offering new life to all who believe.

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 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 Corinthians 15:22

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

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.

Romans 5:19

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

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.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.