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:

ROMANS 5:12KJV
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Romans 5:12 (KJV)

What does Romans 5:12 mean?

Romans 5:12 says that sin entered the world through one man, and because of that, death came as a result of sin and spread to all people, since everyone has sinned. This verse connects the origin of human sin and death to a single event involving one person, and explains why death affects everyone.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, explaining how sin and death became part of human experience. He points back to Adam, the first man, as the one through whom sin entered the world. Paul’s point is to show the universal impact of that first sin, setting up his larger argument about the need for salvation and how Jesus brings a solution.

The Greek behind Romans 5:12

  • ἁμαρτία (hamartia, "sin"): This word means missing the mark or wrongdoing. In this verse, it refers to the entrance of sin into the world as a force or condition, not just a single act.
  • διὰ (dia, "by" or "through"): Used several times in this verse, this word highlights the idea of something happening "through the means of" or "because of" someone or something. Here, it stresses that sin and death came "through" one man.
  • διῆλθεν (diēlthen, "passed"): This word means to go through or spread. It shows that death did not just arrive but actively spread to all people, underlining the universal effect.
  • πάντες (pantes, "all"): This word means "all" or "everyone." Its use here emphasizes that no one is left out—everyone is affected by sin and death.

Why Romans 5:12 matters

  • Romans 5:12 clarifies that the Bible sees sin and death as universal problems, not just individual failings, by tracing them back to a single source.
  • This verse sets up the comparison between Adam and Jesus that Paul develops in the following verses, showing why Jesus’ actions matter for everyone.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the New Testament often talks about humanity as a whole needing rescue, not just individuals making mistakes.

Where else these words appear

“sinned” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
  • Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

“as” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

“passed” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.