Romans 5:16

And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification.

And {G2532} not {G3756} as {G5613} it was by {G1223} one {G1520} that sinned {G264}, so is the gift {G1434}: for {G1063}{G3303} the judgment {G2917} was by {G1537} one {G1520} to {G1519} condemnation {G2631}, but {G1161} the free gift {G5486} is of {G1537} many {G4183} offences {G3900} unto {G1519} justification {G1345}.

No, the free gift is not like what resulted from one man’s sinning; for from one sinner came judgment that brought condemnation; but the free gift came after many offences and brought acquittal.

Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification.

And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification.

Commentary

Romans 5:16 KJV: "And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification."

Context

This verse continues Paul's intricate comparison between the impact of Adam's sin and the impact of Christ's work. Following Romans 5:12, where sin and death entered the world through one man, Paul elaborates on the contrasting effects. Verse 16 specifically highlights the difference in outcome: Adam's single sin led to a judgment resulting in condemnation, while God's gift through Christ addresses multiple sins and leads to justification.

Key Themes

  • Condemnation vs. Justification: The core contrast lies between the legal verdict resulting from Adam's act (condemnation) and the legal status granted through Christ's gift (justification).
  • Single Sin, Multiple Sins: Adam's one sin brought judgment and condemnation upon all. In stark contrast, the free gift of grace is so powerful it covers "many offences" committed by individuals, leading to a declaration of righteousness.
  • Abundance of Grace: This verse emphasizes that God's grace in Christ is not merely equal to the damage caused by Adam's sin but far exceeds it in its ability to justify those burdened by numerous transgressions.

Linguistic Insights

The term translated "judgment" (κρίμα - krima) here refers to the verdict or sentence resulting from Adam's sin. "Justification" (δικαίωμα - dikaioma, used here in parallel to krima, or related to δικαίωσις - dikaiosis elsewhere in the chapter) refers to the act of being declared righteous or having a righteous standing. The verse structure highlights these opposing outcomes: condemnation from one man's sin versus justification from the free gift dealing with many sins.

Reflection

Romans 5:16 beautifully underscores the profound difference between the consequences of sin and the power of God's grace in Christ. Adam's single act of disobedience brought judgment and condemnation upon humanity. However, the gift offered through Jesus is far greater; it is capable of overcoming the guilt of not just one sin, but of the multitude of sins committed by believers, leading to a state of complete justification before God. This truth should inspire immense gratitude and confidence in the finished work of Christ, reminding us that salvation is truly a free gift received through faith, not based on our performance or lack of offenses.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 13:38 (7 votes)

    Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

  • Acts 13:39 (7 votes)

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

  • Isaiah 1:18 (5 votes)

    Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

  • Isaiah 44:22 (4 votes)

    I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

  • Isaiah 43:25 (4 votes)

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

  • James 2:10 (3 votes)

    For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:32 (3 votes)

    But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.