Romans 5:16 (KJV)

What does Romans 5:16 mean?

Romans 5:16 explains that the gift God gives is not like the result of one person’s sin; while one man’s wrongdoing brought judgment and condemnation, the free gift covers many offenses and leads to justification. The verse draws a contrast between the consequences of Adam’s sin and the far-reaching effect of God’s gracious gift through Jesus.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how sin entered the world through one man (Adam), but God’s gift through Jesus is much greater. He emphasizes that while Adam’s single act brought condemnation, God’s gift overcomes many sins and brings people into a right standing with Him. This highlights the abundance and power of God’s grace compared to the effects of human failure.

The Greek behind Romans 5:16

• "δώρημα" (dōrēma, G1434) and "χάρισμα" (charisma, G5486): Both words are translated as "gift," but "χάρισμα" (charisma) especially carries the sense of a gracious, undeserved gift. Paul uses these two terms to stress the generosity and unearned nature of what God gives.
• "κατάκριμα" (katakrima, G2631): This word means "condemnation," referring to a judicial verdict of guilt. Paul uses it to describe the outcome of Adam’s sin, making the contrast with justification even sharper.
• "δικαίωμα" (dikaiōma, G1345): Translated as "justification," this word refers to being declared righteous. Paul’s use of it here emphasizes that God’s gift doesn’t just cancel guilt; it positively declares people right with Him.
• "παραπτώματα" (paraptōmata, G3900): This word means "offenses" or "trespasses." Paul points out that the gift addresses not just one sin, but many, underlining the vastness of God’s forgiveness.

Why Romans 5:16 matters

• Romans 5:16 clarifies that God’s grace is not just a reversal of Adam’s mistake, but something much greater that deals with many sins and brings justification.
• The verse helps prevent the misunderstanding that God’s gift is only about undoing Adam’s single act; instead, it shows the gift is far more powerful and comprehensive.
• This contrast sets up Paul’s larger argument in Romans 5 about the superabundance of grace, preparing the reader to see how Christ’s work far surpasses the effects of sin.