New Testament

Romans 5:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse highlights the reign of death from the time of Adam until Moses, indicating that death affected all humanity, even those who did not commit the same sin as Adam.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a pattern of the one who was to come.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights the reign of death from the time of Adam until Moses, indicating that death affected all humanity, even those who did not commit the same sin as Adam. Adam's disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, serving as a model for the coming Christ, who would bring redemption. The mention of Moses signifies a pivotal moment in biblical history, where the law was given, yet even before the law, death was a universal experience. This underscores the idea that sin and its consequences are inherent to the human condition, and it sets the stage for understanding the need for salvation through Jesus, who is contrasted with Adam as the one who would bring life instead of death.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 5:14 to your life

Recognizing the impact of sin and death in our lives can lead us to seek the hope found in Jesus. Understanding that we are not defined by Adam's sin but can find life through Christ encourages us to embrace faith and share this message of hope with others.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 5:14 mean?

Romans 5:14 explains that death ruled from Adam to Moses, affecting everyone, even those who did not sin like Adam. It emphasizes that Adam's disobedience brought sin and death into the world, setting the stage for Christ's redemptive role.

What is the significance of Adam in Romans 5:14?

In Romans 5:14, Adam is presented as a figure whose sin introduced death to humanity. His actions serve as a contrast to Christ, who offers redemption and life.

How does Romans 5:14 relate to Moses?

Romans 5:14 mentions Moses to highlight a key moment in biblical history when the law was given. It shows that even before the law, death was a universal experience due to Adam's sin.

What does 'death reigned' mean in Romans 5:14?

The phrase 'death reigned' in Romans 5:14 means that death had power and authority over all people from Adam to Moses, illustrating the pervasive impact of sin on humanity.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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