Romans 5:14

Romans 5:14 in the King James Version reads: "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."

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader argument in Romans chapter 5, where he contrasts the consequences of Adam's sin with the benefits of Christ's righteousness. Having established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1), Paul delves into the cosmic impact of both Adam's fall and Christ's redemptive work. Verse 12 introduces the idea that sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and death through sin, spreading to all because all sinned. Verse 13 notes that sin was in the world before the Law was given through Moses, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Verse 14 then explains the puzzling reality that death still reigned during this period, even over those who didn't commit a specific, conscious act of transgression against a known command in the same way Adam did against God's direct instruction regarding the forbidden fruit.

Key Themes

• The Reign of Death: This verse highlights the pervasive power of death, asserting that it held dominion over humanity from the time of Adam up until the giving of the Law through Moses. This demonstrates death's status not just as a consequence of personal sin, but as a ruling power inherited from Adam's initial act.
• Adam's Transgression and its Effect: The phrase "not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression" points out that death affected even infants and those who died before the Law, who could not commit a conscious, deliberate act of rebellion against a known command in the same way Adam did. Their death is attributed to the condition of sinfulness inherited from Adam, illustrating the far-reaching impact of his original sin beyond just personal acts of disobedience.
• Adam as a Figure (Type) of Christ: The verse explicitly states that Adam "is the figure of him that was to come." The Greek word translated "figure" is typos (τύπος), meaning a pattern, model, or type. Adam serves as a prototype or foreshadowing of Christ, but in a contrasting way. Adam's action brought sin and death to all, while Christ's action brings righteousness and life to all who believe. This sets the stage for Paul's extensive comparison in the following verses (Romans 5:15-19).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "figure" is typos (τύπος), from which we get the English word "type." It signifies a pattern, impress, or example. In this context, it means Adam was a prefiguring pattern of Christ, not in character or action, but in the sense that his single act had universal consequences for humanity, just as Christ's single act would have universal consequences for those in Him. This highlights the parallel structure Paul uses to contrast the two figures.

Related Scriptures

Paul develops the comparison between Adam and Christ further in the verses immediately following, explaining how Christ's free gift is far greater than Adam's transgression (Romans 5:15). The concept of inherited sin and death is also touched upon in other scriptures, such as the idea that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The contrast between Adam bringing death and Christ bringing life is powerfully echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:22, stating, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection

Romans 5:14 underscores the profound impact of Adam's original sin, demonstrating that its consequences – specifically death – affected all humanity, even before the written Law clarified God's standards. This highlights the depth of the human predicament: a state of separation and mortality inherited from our first parent. By calling Adam a "figure" or "type" of Christ, the verse sets the stage for understanding Christ not just as a great teacher or example, but as the one whose singular act of obedience and sacrifice reverses the universal effects of Adam's disobedience, offering life and righteousness to all who receive Him by faith. It reminds us that the problem of death is tied to the root of sin in humanity, making Christ's work of salvation essential and far-reaching.