Romans 5:20

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

Moreover {G1161} the law {G3551} entered {G3922}, that {G2443} the offence {G3900} might abound {G4121}. But {G1161} where {G3757} sin {G266} abounded {G4121}, grace {G5485} did much more abound {G5248}:

And the Torah came into the picture so that the offence would proliferate; but where sin proliferated, grace proliferated even more.

The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,

And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:

Romans 5:20 is a powerful declaration summarizing the profound impact of the law and the even greater power of God's grace in the plan of salvation. It follows Paul's explanation of how sin entered the world through Adam and how grace and righteousness came through Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse appears at the end of a section in Romans chapter 5 where Paul contrasts the reign of sin and death brought by Adam's disobedience with the reign of grace and life brought by Christ's obedience (Romans 5:12-19). He shows that just as one man's sin affected all humanity, one man's righteous act offers salvation to all who believe. Verse 20 then steps back to consider the role of the Law given through Moses within this larger narrative of sin and grace.

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of the Law: The Law was not given to save people, but rather to expose sin for what it truly is. By setting a perfect standard, the Law made transgressions clear and multiplied the awareness of offence against God. This highlights humanity's desperate need for a savior.
  • The Abundance of Sin: The Law revealed the depth and breadth of human sinfulness. It showed that sin is not merely isolated acts but a pervasive condition. Where the Law shone a light, sin was seen to "abound" or increase and become unmistakably evident.
  • The Superabundance of Grace: This is the triumphant counterpoint. No matter how much sin increased or how profoundly it was revealed by the Law, God's grace is infinitely greater. It doesn't just match sin; it "did much more abound," overflowing and surpassing the destructive power of sin. Grace is God's unmerited favor and power to forgive, transform, and save.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "abound" is perisseuō (περισσεύω), meaning to exceed, overflow, or be superfluous. The phrase "did much more abound" uses the intensified form huperperisseuō (ὑπερπερισσεύω), which literally means "to super-abound" or "to abound exceedingly." This linguistic contrast emphasizes the overwhelming superiority and abundance of God's grace compared to the prevalence of sin.

Related Scriptures

Reflection

Romans 5:20 offers incredible hope. It acknowledges the reality and prevalence of sin in the world and in our lives, highlighted by God's holy standard, the Law. However, it pivots dramatically to proclaim the even greater reality of God's grace in Jesus Christ. This grace is not limited by the extent of sin; it is more powerful, more abundant, and sufficient to cover all sin and bring salvation. It reminds believers that no matter how deep the sin, God's grace is deeper still.

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 6:1

    ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Titus 3:7

    That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • Romans 6:14

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

  • Psalms 25:11

    For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

  • Galatians 3:19

    ¶ Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

  • Galatians 3:25

    But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

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