Romans 5:21

KJV

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} as {G5618} sin {G266} hath reigned {G936} unto {G1722} death {G2288}, even {G2532} so {G3779} might {G936} grace {G5485} reign {G936} through {G1223} righteousness {G1343} unto {G1519} eternal {G166} life {G2222} by {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} our {G2257} Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All this happened so that just as sin ruled by means of death, so also grace might rule through causing people to be considered righteous, so that they might have eternal life, through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

American Standard Version

that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:21 serves as a triumphant capstone to Paul's profound theological argument, articulating the ultimate victory of God's grace over the dominion of sin and death. It powerfully contrasts the universal reign of sin, which brought spiritual and physical demise through Adam's disobedience, with the surpassing reign of divine grace, which, through the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, ushers believers into the boundless reality of eternal life. This verse encapsulates the core of the gospel: humanity's dire condition under sin's tyranny and God's glorious provision of salvation and unending life through Christ alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:21 concludes a pivotal section in Paul's letter, specifically [Romans 5:12-21](/romans/5-12-21 "Romans 5:12-21 - Adam, Christ, and the Reign of Grace"). This passage meticulously develops a theological parallel between Adam and Christ, presenting Adam as the progenitor of sin and death for all humanity, and Christ as the source of righteousness and life for all who believe. Verse 21 acts as the climactic summary, emphasizing that while sin's reign led to death, grace's reign, facilitated by Christ's righteousness, leads to eternal life. It builds upon the preceding verses that show how God's grace "abounded much more" where sin increased ([Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded")). This grand statement sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion on sanctification and living under grace in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The concept of "reign" (basileúō) would have resonated deeply within a society dominated by imperial power, where the emperor's rule was absolute. Paul subverts this worldly understanding by declaring a spiritual kingship: first, the grim reality of sin's universal dominion over humanity, and then, the far greater, benevolent reign of God's grace. The idea of "righteousness" (dikaiosýnē) was also crucial, both in Jewish thought (covenant faithfulness) and Roman legal systems (justice). Paul redefines it as a gift from God, not an earned status, made possible through Christ, challenging both legalistic Jewish notions and self-righteous Roman ideals. The pervasive reality of death in the ancient world, often sudden and brutal, made the promise of "eternal life" (aiṓnios zōḗ) a profoundly hopeful and revolutionary concept.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Romans 5](/romans/5 "Romans 5 - Peace with God and the Triumph of Grace") is the profound impact of Adam's sin contrasted with the even greater impact of Christ's righteousness. This verse specifically highlights the **reign of sin and death** as a universal human condition, inherited from Adam's transgression. In stark opposition, it introduces the **reign of grace**, which is God's unmerited favor actively dominating and overcoming the power of sin. This grace operates **through righteousness**, specifically the imputed righteousness of Christ, which provides a perfect standing before God for believers. The ultimate outcome of this divine intervention is **eternal life**, a qualitative and unending fellowship with God, secured **by Jesus Christ our Lord**. This entire theological framework underscores the **sovereignty of God's plan** and the **centrality of Christ's work** in salvation, establishing that salvation is a gift received by faith, not by human effort, as explored further in passages like [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reign (Greek, _basileúō'_):** From G936, meaning "to rule (literally or figuratively); to be king." The repetition of this verb, applied first to sin and then to grace, emphasizes the powerful, kingly dominion exercised by both. It signifies an active, controlling authority. Sin is portrayed not merely as an act but as a formidable power that holds humanity in its grip, leading to death. Conversely, grace is depicted as an even more potent, benevolent monarch, actively asserting its rule over sin and death.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)." This term refers to God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition and action towards humanity, especially in providing salvation despite human unworthiness. It is the antithesis of sin and works, highlighting the gratuitous nature of God's salvation.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, meaning "equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification." In this context, it refers to the righteous standing before God that is provided through Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, and then imputed to believers. It is the means by which grace can effectively reign unto eternal life, satisfying God's just requirements and enabling reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That as sin hath reigned unto death,"**: This clause establishes the grim reality of humanity's condition. "Sin" is personified as a tyrannical king, exercising absolute dominion over all people. Its reign is not benign but leads directly "unto death," encompassing spiritual separation from God, physical mortality, and eternal condemnation. This reflects the universal consequence of Adam's original transgression, which brought sin and death into the world.
* **"even so might grace reign through righteousness"**: This clause introduces the glorious contrast and God's divine intervention. The phrase "even so" (G2532 `kaí` G3779 `hoútō`) indicates a direct and even greater parallel. "Grace" (God's unmerited favor) is now personified as a benevolent king, actively asserting its dominion. Crucially, this reign of grace is "through righteousness." This refers to the perfect, saving righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is the channel or means by which God's grace is effectively applied to humanity, providing a just basis for salvation.
* **"unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."**: This final clause declares the ultimate, glorious outcome and the sole source of this salvation. The reign of grace, operating through Christ's righteousness, leads "unto eternal life." This is not merely endless existence but a qualitative, rich, and unending fellowship with God, characterized by His presence and blessing. This entire redemptive process—the reign of grace, the provision of righteousness, and the gift of eternal life—is accomplished "by Jesus Christ our Lord," underscoring His indispensable role as the mediator, the source, and the sovereign Lord of salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 5:21 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological punch. The most prominent is **Antithesis** (or contrast), where Paul juxtaposes "sin" with "grace" and "death" with "eternal life." This sharp contrast highlights the vast difference between humanity's fallen state and God's redemptive provision, emphasizing the magnitude of Christ's work. Closely related is **Parallelism**, specifically the "as... even so" (G5618 `hṓsper`... G2532 `kaí` G3779 `hoútō`) structure, which draws a direct comparison between the two reigns, suggesting that grace's dominion is just as real and pervasive, if not more so, than sin's. Furthermore, Paul employs **Personification**, presenting "sin" and "grace" as active rulers who "reign." This gives abstract concepts agency and power, making their respective dominions vivid and tangible for the reader. The use of "reign" (G936 `basileúō`) for both further underscores their kingly authority, making the victory of grace all the more triumphant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:21 is a foundational statement on the nature of salvation, firmly establishing it as a work of divine grace through Christ, rather than human effort. It encapsulates the profound shift from a state of condemnation under Adam's sin to a state of justification and eternal life under Christ's righteousness. This verse emphasizes that grace is not merely a passive concept but an active, reigning power that decisively overcomes sin's dominion. It highlights the imputed righteousness of Christ as the means by which God can justly declare sinners righteous, thus providing a secure basis for eternal life. The theological implications are immense: humanity's utter dependence on God's initiative, the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work, and the glorious assurance of a future with God.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:21 offers immense comfort and profound liberation to the believer. It assures us that while the power of sin was real and its consequence (death) universal, God's grace is infinitely more powerful, and its outcome (eternal life) is gloriously certain. This truth should ignite a deep sense of gratitude, knowing that our salvation is not dependent on our fluctuating performance but on the steadfast, reigning grace of God through Christ. It reminds us that we are no longer enslaved to sin's dominion but are now under the benevolent reign of grace, empowered to live a new life. This understanding fosters confidence in God's unfailing love and His ability to sustain us through all circumstances. It calls us to live lives that reflect the transforming power of this grace, walking in the freedom and hope that Christ has secured for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "sin's reign unto death" deepen your appreciation for the "grace's reign unto eternal life"?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge any lingering belief that your salvation or standing with God depends on your own efforts or righteousness?**
* **How should the truth that grace reigns "through righteousness" impact your daily walk and your confidence in approaching God?**
* **What practical implications does living under the "reign of grace" have for your freedom from sin's power and your pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "sin hath reigned unto death"?**

Answer: This phrase means that sin, personified as a powerful king or ruler, has exercised absolute dominion over humanity since Adam's fall. Its universal reign has resulted in "death" for all people, which encompasses not only physical mortality but also spiritual separation from God and the ultimate consequence of eternal condemnation. It highlights humanity's inherent inability to escape sin's grasp and its devastating effects without divine intervention, as elaborated in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned").

**How does "grace reign through righteousness"?**

Answer: "Grace" (God's unmerited favor) reigns by actively exercising its benevolent power, overcoming the dominion of sin. This reign is made possible "through righteousness," specifically the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. Christ's obedient life and atoning death provided the just basis for God to forgive sins and declare believers righteous, even though they are sinners. Thus, grace does not bypass justice but operates through the perfect satisfaction of God's righteous demands, which Christ fulfilled. This concept is central to Paul's doctrine of justification by faith, as seen in [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law for Righteousness").

**What is the significance of "by Jesus Christ our Lord" in this verse?**

Answer: The concluding phrase "by Jesus Christ our Lord" is profoundly significant because it identifies the sole source and mediator of this entire redemptive process. It emphasizes that the reign of grace, the provision of righteousness, and the gift of eternal life are not achieved through human effort, religious rituals, or any other means, but exclusively through the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who broke sin's power and established grace's reign, serving as the only way to God and eternal life, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who stands as the antithesis and triumphant answer to Adam's sin. As the "second Adam," Christ did not merely reverse the effects of the first Adam's disobedience but ushered in a new, superior reign of grace. Where sin reigned unto death through one man's transgression, grace now reigns through the perfect righteousness of one Man, Jesus Christ, leading to eternal life. His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, provided the righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) necessary to satisfy God's holy demands, allowing grace to flow freely. His resurrection from the dead decisively broke the power of death ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")), securing eternal life for all who believe in Him. Therefore, Christ is not just an example or a good teacher; He is the sovereign Lord who actively establishes and sustains the reign of grace, making eternal life a present reality and a future hope for His people ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")).

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

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Romans 5:14

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Romans 8:10

¶ And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:14

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

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.