Romans 5:18 (KJV)

What does Romans 5:18 mean?

Romans 5:18 says that just as one person's wrongdoing brought judgment and condemnation to everyone, so also one person's righteous act brought a free gift that leads to justification and life for everyone. The verse draws a direct comparison between the effects of Adam's sin and Jesus Christ's act of righteousness.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how the actions of two individuals—Adam and Jesus—had consequences for all humanity. In this verse, Paul highlights the sweeping impact of both condemnation through Adam and justification through Christ, showing the parallel between the two and emphasizing the completeness of what Christ has done.

The Greek behind Romans 5:18

• παράπτωμα (paraptōma, G3900) — "offence": This word refers to a misstep or wrongdoing, often understood as a serious error or sin. Here, it points to Adam's act that led to widespread consequences.
• δικαίωμα (dikaiōma, G1345) — "righteousness": This Greek term means a righteous act or deed. In this context, it highlights the single, decisive action of Jesus that brings justification.
• κατάκριμα (katakrima, G2631) — "condemnation": This word means a judicial verdict of guilt, emphasizing the seriousness of the result from Adam's offence.
• δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis, G1347) — "justification": This term refers to being declared righteous or acquitted, showing the positive outcome of Christ's act for all who receive it.

Why Romans 5:18 matters

• Romans 5:18 clarifies that the scope of Adam's sin and Christ's righteousness both extend to all humanity, but with opposite effects—condemnation versus justification.
• The verse helps explain the larger argument Paul is making about the universality of sin and the universal offer of salvation, connecting individual actions to their cosmic consequences.
• Understanding the parallel Paul draws here helps readers see the depth of what Christ accomplished, not just undoing Adam's wrong but offering a new kind of life.