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.

For {G1063} as {G5618} by {G1223} one {G1520} man's {G444} disobedience {G3876} many {G4183} were made {G2525} sinners {G268}, so {G3779}{G2532} by {G1223} the obedience {G5218} of one {G1520} shall {G2525} many {G4183} be made {G2525} righteous {G1342}.

For just as through the disobedience of the one man, many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the other man, many will be made righteous.

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one shall the many be made righteous.

Romans 5:19 KJV is a pivotal verse in Paul's argument comparing the impact of Adam's sin with the impact of Christ's obedience, highlighting the basis of justification.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Romans (specifically Romans 5:12-21) where the Apostle Paul contrasts the effects of Adam's single act of disobedience with the effects of Jesus Christ's single act of righteousness (or obedience unto death). He is building upon the theme of justification by faith introduced earlier in the epistle, explaining how sin entered the world and how grace now abounds through Christ.

Key Themes

  • Corporate Representation: The verse presents Adam and Christ as representatives for humanity. Adam's act had consequences for "many" (referring to all who are in Adam), and Christ's act has consequences for "many" (referring to all who are in Christ).
  • The Power of Disobedience vs. Obedience: It starkly contrasts the negative outcome of Adam's disobedience – people being constituted as sinners – with the positive outcome of Christ's obedience – people being constituted as righteous.
  • The Basis of Standing: It clarifies that our standing before God (as sinners or righteous) is not primarily based on our individual acts, but on our relationship to either Adam or Christ.
  • Justification: The verse explains the mechanism of justification, showing that righteousness is imputed or granted based on Christ's work, just as sinfulness was imputed based on Adam's work.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used offer deeper meaning:

  • "Disobedience" comes from parakoē (παρακοῇ), meaning a hearing amiss, or willful disobedience.
  • "Obedience" comes from hypakoē (ὑπακοῆς), meaning hearing under, or obedient submission. It signifies Christ's full submission to the Father's will, even to death (see Philippians 2:8).
  • "Were made sinners" (ἁμαρτωλοὶ κατεστάθησαν - hamartoloi katestathesan) and "shall many be made righteous" (δίκαιοι κατασταθήσονται - dikaioi katastathesontai) use the same root verb, meaning 'to be constituted,' 'appointed,' or 'rendered.' It speaks of a change in legal or spiritual status, not just personal behavior. Through Adam, humanity was *constituted* sinners; through Christ, believers *shall be constituted* righteous (see Romans 3:24).

Reflection

This verse beautifully summarizes the core of the gospel: the problem originated with one man, and the solution came through one man. Adam's original sin (see Genesis 3:6) brought condemnation and a state of sinfulness upon humanity. Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in his death and resurrection, provides the basis for a new standing – righteousness – for all who believe (see Romans 5:18). It underscores that salvation is a gift received through faith, based entirely on Christ's finished work, not our own merit.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Romans 5:18

    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.

  • Philippians 2:8

    And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • 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:

  • Ephesians 1:6

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • 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.

  • Daniel 9:24

    Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
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