New Testament
Romans 5:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For just as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so through one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Compare translations
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
What Romans 5:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the contrast between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience. Adam's choice to disobey God brought sin into the world, affecting all humanity and making everyone a sinner. In contrast, Jesus' obedience to God, even to the point of death, offers redemption and righteousness to those who believe in Him. This means that just as sin entered through one person, salvation and righteousness are available through another. The verse emphasizes the power of individual actions and their far-reaching consequences, illustrating how one person's choices can impact many. It reassures believers that through faith in Christ, they can be made right with God, reversing the effects of sin brought by Adam. This transformation is not based on personal merit but on the obedience of Christ, which is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing grace and redemption.
How to apply Romans 5:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the impact of our choices. Just as Adam's disobedience affected many, our actions can influence those around us. We should strive to live in obedience to God, knowing that our faith in Christ leads to righteousness and can inspire others to seek Him too.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 5:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 5:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 5:19 mean?
Romans 5:19 explains that Adam's disobedience brought sin to all humanity, making everyone a sinner. In contrast, Jesus' obedience offers righteousness to those who believe in Him, highlighting the power of individual actions.
What is the meaning of obedience in Romans 5:19?
In Romans 5:19, obedience refers to Jesus' willingness to follow God's will, even to death. This obedience is crucial as it provides a path to righteousness for believers, contrasting with Adam's disobedience.
How does Romans 5:19 relate to sin and redemption?
Romans 5:19 illustrates that sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience, affecting everyone. However, redemption and righteousness are available through Jesus' obedience, offering hope to believers.
What themes are present in Romans 5:19?
Key themes in Romans 5:19 include disobedience, obedience, sin, righteousness, redemption, faith, and grace. These themes highlight the contrast between the consequences of Adam's actions and the redemptive work of Christ.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.