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Romans 5:18

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Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

Therefore {G686}{G3767} as {G5613} by {G1223} the offence {G3900} of one {G1520} judgment came upon {G1519} all {G3956} men {G444} to {G1519} condemnation {G2631}; even {G2532} so {G3779} by {G1223} the righteousness {G1345} of one {G1520} the free gift came upon {G1519} all {G3956} men {G444} unto {G1519} justification {G1347} of life {G2222}.

In other words, just as it was through one offence that all people came under condemnation, so also it is through one righteous act that all people come to be considered righteous.

So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men.

So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men to condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life.

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 5:18 (KJV)

Romans 5:18 is a pivotal verse in Paul's explanation of how sin and righteousness operate on a corporate level, contrasting the impact of Adam's disobedience with the impact of Christ's obedience.

Context

This verse serves as a summary statement building on the argument Paul began in Romans 5:12. Paul draws a parallel between Adam and Christ, presenting them as two heads of humanity. Adam's action brought sin and death to all his descendants, while Christ's action brings righteousness and life to all who are in Him by faith. The verses immediately following, like Romans 5:19, continue to elaborate on this profound contrast.

Key Themes

  • The Parallel of Adam and Christ: The verse starkly contrasts the consequences of the actions of one man (Adam) with the consequences of the actions of another man (Christ). One act led to universal condemnation, the other provides the basis for universal justification.
  • Condemnation vs. Justification: It highlights the two possible states before God. Through Adam, humanity inherited a state of condemnation. Through Christ, the possibility of justification (being declared righteous) is offered.
  • The Scope of "All Men": The phrase "upon all men" appears twice. In the first instance, it refers to the universal effect of Adam's sin – all are subject to condemnation. In the second instance, it refers to the universal provision or potential reach of Christ's righteousness, which is freely available to all who receive it, leading to justification of life.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "offence" for Adam's act (Greek: paraptoma, meaning a trespass or false step) and "righteousness" for Christ's act (Greek: dikaioma, meaning a righteous act or requirement fulfilled). The result for humanity is "condemnation" (Greek: katakrima, a judicial sentence against someone) versus "justification of life" (Greek: dikaiosis zoes, the act of being declared righteous, resulting in life). The specific Greek words emphasize the judicial nature of God's dealings with humanity based on these two representative figures.

Reflection

This verse beautifully encapsulates the core of the gospel message: our standing before God is not based on our own imperfect works but on the perfect work of Jesus Christ. Just as Adam's sin had far-reaching consequences for all humanity, Christ's righteousness provides a basis for salvation and life for all who believe. It underscores the truth that while sin brought judgment, God's grace provides a way to be declared righteous and receive eternal life through faith in Christ. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Romans 5:12 (17 votes)

    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:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:22 (17 votes)

    For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

  • Romans 5:15 (11 votes)

    But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

  • Romans 5:19 (10 votes)

    For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

  • Acts 13:39 (10 votes)

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

  • Romans 4:25 (9 votes)

    Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

  • 1 Timothy 2:4 (8 votes)

    Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.