Romans 6:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the wages {G3800} of sin {G266} is death {G2288}; but {G1161} the gift {G5486} of God {G2316} is eternal {G166} life {G2222} through {G1722} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} our {G2257} Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For what one earns from sin is death; but eternal life is what one receives as a free gift from God, in union with the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

American Standard Version

For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:23 stands as a foundational theological statement, succinctly contrasting the dire, earned consequence of human rebellion against God—spiritual and eternal death—with the unmerited, gracious provision of God's own life, freely bestowed upon humanity through the person and work of Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel, highlighting both the universal human predicament under sin and the singular divine solution found in Christ, thereby serving as a bedrock for understanding salvation, grace, and redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:23 serves as the powerful conclusion to Paul's extended argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Following his exposition on justification by faith in [Romans 3-5](/romans/3-5 "Romans 3-5 - Justification by Faith"), Paul anticipates and addresses a critical theological question: Does God's abounding grace (as discussed in [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds Over Sin")) encourage believers to continue in sin? Paul vehemently refutes this notion, explaining that believers, through their union with Christ in baptism, have died to sin's dominion and are now alive to God. The chapter emphasizes a radical break from sin's power and a call to live in newness of life, presenting oneself to God as instruments of righteousness ([Romans 6:11-13](/romans/6-11-13 "Romans 6:11-13 - Living in Newness of Life")). [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift") thus functions as the ultimate theological rationale for this transformation, starkly presenting the two possible ultimate outcomes: the deserved "wages" of sin or the undeserved "gift" of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, a city where concepts of law, justice, and earned reward were deeply ingrained. The term "wages" (Greek: _opsṓnion_) would have resonated strongly with his audience, particularly with the widespread presence of Roman soldiers. _Opsṓnion_ specifically referred to a soldier's pay, rations, or stipend—something earned through service. This imagery powerfully conveyed the idea of a deserved recompense. In contrast, the idea of a "gift" (Greek: _chárisma_) would have stood out, emphasizing something freely given, unearned, and often associated with divine favor or a special endowment. The Roman world also had a strong sense of patron-client relationships, where gifts were given, but often with an expectation of loyalty or service in return. Paul's use of "gift" for eternal life, however, transcends this, highlighting its absolute freeness and God's unilateral generosity, challenging any notion of human merit.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Pauline theology. It reinforces the theme of **human sinfulness and its universal consequence**, underscoring that all humanity is under the power of sin and deserves its wages, as articulated in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Simultaneously, it highlights the theme of **God's sovereign grace and generous provision**, presenting eternal life not as an achievement but as an unmerited favor, a concept central to Paul's argument for justification by faith in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **centrality and exclusivity of Jesus Christ** as the sole mediator of salvation, aligning with the broader Christological focus of the New Testament, where Christ's death and resurrection are the means by which God's righteousness is revealed and applied ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wages (Greek, _opsṓnion'_):** This term refers to a soldier's pay or rations, something earned and deserved for service. It vividly conveys the idea of a direct, unavoidable consequence, implying that death is the just compensation for the "work" of sin. It is not an arbitrary punishment, but a natural and deserved outcome.
* **Gift (Greek, _chárisma'_):** Derived from _charis_ (grace), this word signifies a divine gratuity or a spiritual endowment. It emphasizes that eternal life is entirely unmerited, a free bestowal of divine favor that cannot be earned by human effort or merit. It stands in stark contrast to "wages," highlighting the nature of God's provision as pure grace.
* **Eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** This adjective, modifying "life," denotes something perpetual or everlasting. It refers not merely to unending duration but also to a quality of life—the very life of God Himself—which transcends temporal limitations and is characterized by divine presence and blessing, beginning in the present and extending infinitely into the future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the wages of sin is death":** This clause establishes the universal spiritual reality: sin has a direct, earned consequence. Just as a worker receives wages for their labor, so too does sin "pay" with death. This "death" encompasses not only physical mortality but, more profoundly, spiritual separation from God, a state of alienation that begins in this life and culminates in eternal separation from His presence. It underscores humanity's inherent fallenness and the just recompense for rebellion against a holy God.
* **"but the gift of God is eternal life":** This clause introduces a profound contrast, marked by the adversative "but." Against the backdrop of earned death, God offers a completely unmerited "gift." This "gift" is "eternal life," which is not merely endless existence but a quality of life—the very life of God—characterized by fellowship with Him, righteousness, and unending joy. It is a gratuitous bestowal, highlighting God's boundless grace and love.
* **"through Jesus Christ our Lord":** This final phrase identifies the sole means by which God's gift of eternal life is made accessible to humanity. Jesus Christ is the mediator and the channel through whom this divine grace flows. His atoning death and victorious resurrection provide the basis for reconciliation between God and humanity, making it possible for sinful individuals to receive the gift of eternal life. The addition of "our Lord" signifies a personal relationship of submission and devotion to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, the direct opposition or contrast of ideas. The verse is structured around a stark contrast between "wages of sin" and "gift of God," and "death" versus "eternal life." This sharp juxtaposition effectively highlights the two mutually exclusive destinies and the radical difference between what humanity earns and what God freely gives. The use of **Metaphor** is also evident in "wages of sin," where sin is personified as an employer who pays a specific, deserved salary, which is death. This vivid imagery makes the consequence of sin tangible and unavoidable. Furthermore, the phrase "through Jesus Christ our Lord" serves as a crucial **Qualifier** or **Condition**, specifying the singular means by which the "gift of God" is received, emphasizing the exclusivity and centrality of Christ in salvation. The concise, declarative nature of the verse also lends it an **Aphoristic** quality, making it memorable and easily quotable as a summary of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift") encapsulates the core of the Christian Gospel, articulating the fundamental problem of human sin and God's divine solution. Theologically, it affirms the **sovereignty of God** in salvation, as eternal life is presented as His "gift," not a human achievement. It underscores the **depravity of humanity**, demonstrating that apart from divine intervention, the natural trajectory of sin leads only to death. Crucially, it highlights the **necessity and exclusivity of Christ's work**, establishing Him as the sole mediator of life. This verse serves as a powerful summary of the **doctrine of grace**, emphasizing that salvation is entirely unmerited and cannot be earned, contrasting sharply with any system of works-righteousness. It also speaks to the **nature of eternal life** as not merely unending existence but a qualitative, transformative relationship with God, inaugurated in the present and perfected in eternity.

* [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")
* [1 John 5:11-12](/1_john/5-11-12 "1 John 5:11-12 - God's Testimony About His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift") offers both a sober warning and an exhilarating promise, providing profound implications for personal reflection and daily living. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, it serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and its inevitable, deserved outcome, urging them to consider the ultimate consequence of living apart from God. For believers, it is a constant, humbling reminder of the immense, undeserved grace they have received. This verse should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude, motivating a life lived not under the compulsion of earning salvation, but out of joyful response to God's free gift. It encourages believers to live in freedom from sin's enslaving power, recognizing that they are no longer bound by its death-dealing wages but are recipients of God's life-giving gift. This understanding should inspire a pursuit of holiness, a commitment to righteousness, and a fervent desire to share this liberating truth with others, recognizing the preciousness of the eternal life that begins now and extends forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between "wages" and "gift" reshape your understanding of salvation and God's character?**
* **In what ways might you still be living as if you need to earn God's favor, rather than resting in His free gift?**
* **How does the truth of eternal life "through Jesus Christ our Lord" impact your daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Does "death" in Romans 6:23 only refer to physical death?**

Answer: While physical death is certainly a consequence of sin, the "death" in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift") primarily refers to a deeper, more profound spiritual separation from God. This spiritual death began with the fall of humanity ([Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - The Consequence of Disobedience")), resulting in a broken relationship with our Creator. It encompasses alienation from God's life, truth, and presence, leading to a state of spiritual deadness even while physically alive. Ultimately, this spiritual death culminates in eternal separation from God, often referred to as the "second death" in [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - The Second Death"). Therefore, the death spoken of here is comprehensive, encompassing spiritual, physical, and eternal dimensions of separation from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the divine solution to humanity's predicament, the one who perfectly satisfied the "wages of sin" on our behalf. As the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), Jesus bore the full penalty of death that humanity deserved, experiencing both physical and spiritual separation from God on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). His crucifixion was not merely a historical event but a substitutionary act, where He became 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 Became Sin for Us")). Through His resurrection, Christ conquered death, demonstrating His power to grant "eternal life." He is the embodiment of God's "gift," for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of Christ")), and it is through His life, death, and resurrection that believers are reconciled to God and receive the promise of unending, abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life Through Christ")). Thus, Christ is not merely the means but the very content of God's gift, making the transition from death to life a reality for all who believe in Him.

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

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

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:

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Ezekiel 18:20

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.