Romans 5:14 (KJV)

What does Romans 5:14 mean?

Romans 5:14 says that death ruled over humanity from the time of Adam to Moses, even over people who did not sin in the same way Adam did. Adam is described as a pattern or figure of someone who would come later.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how sin and death entered the world through Adam. He points out that death affected everyone, not just those who broke a direct command like Adam did. By calling Adam a "figure" of the one to come, Paul sets up a comparison between Adam and Christ, showing that Adam’s actions had consequences for all, just as Christ’s actions would.

The Greek behind Romans 5:14

• "reigned" (ἐβασίλευσεν, ebasileusen): This word means to rule as a king. Paul uses it to show that death was not just present but had authority and power over all people during this period.
• "similitude" (ὁμοιώματι, homoiōmati): This means "likeness" or "in the same way." Paul is careful to say that later people did not sin in the exact same manner as Adam, who broke a direct command from God.
• "figure" (τύπος, typos): This word means "pattern," "type," or "model." Paul is saying Adam is a kind of preview or foreshadowing of someone else—meaning Christ—whose actions would also have a universal effect.

Why Romans 5:14 matters

• Romans 5:14 helps clarify that death’s reach was universal, even before the law was given through Moses, showing that the problem of sin is deeper than just breaking specific rules.
• By calling Adam a "figure" of the one to come, Paul introduces a key theme: Adam and Christ are connected, but in opposite ways—Adam brings death, Christ brings life.
• This verse helps set up Paul’s argument that the work of Christ is meant to answer and undo the effects of Adam’s transgression, which is central to understanding the rest of Romans 5.