New Testament
Romans 5:19
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 contrast between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
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.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.
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