New Testament

Romans 5:16

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

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul contrasts the consequences of Adam's sin with the gift of grace through Jesus Christ.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

And the gift is not like the result of one man's sin. For the judgment from one offense led to condemnation, but the free gift from many offenses led to justification.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul contrasts the consequences of Adam's sin with the gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Adam's single act of disobedience brought condemnation to all humanity, leading to a state of sin. However, the grace offered by Jesus is a free gift that addresses many sins, providing justification instead of condemnation. This means that while one man's sin had a devastating impact, the grace of God through Christ is far more powerful, offering redemption and a right relationship with God. The emphasis is on the abundance of grace available to those who believe, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. This gift is not earned but given freely, underscoring the depth of God's love and mercy towards humanity.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 5:16 to your life

Understanding this verse encourages us to embrace the grace offered through Jesus. It reminds us that no matter how many wrongs we have committed, God's gift of justification is available to us. We should live in gratitude for this grace and share it with others, promoting forgiveness and hope.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 5:16 mean?

Romans 5:16 explains that Adam's sin brought condemnation to humanity, while the grace of Jesus offers justification for many offenses. This highlights the contrast between the consequences of sin and the abundant grace available through faith in Christ.

What is the meaning of justification in Romans 5:16?

Justification in Romans 5:16 refers to being declared righteous before God. It emphasizes that through Jesus' grace, believers are forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God, despite their many sins.

How does Romans 5:16 relate to grace?

Romans 5:16 highlights grace as a free gift from God that counters the judgment from sin. It shows that, unlike condemnation from one man's actions, God's grace through Jesus is abundant and available for all who believe.

What does the free gift in Romans 5:16 refer to?

The free gift in Romans 5:16 refers to the grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It signifies that this gift is not earned by works but is given freely to those who accept it, providing justification for their sins.

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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