For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

ROMANS 6:23KJV
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Romans 6:23 (KJV)

What does Romans 6:23 mean?

Romans 6:23 says that the natural result or “wages” of sin is death, but God offers eternal life as a free gift through Jesus Christ. This verse draws a sharp contrast between what people earn by sinning and what God gives freely through faith in Jesus.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome, is explaining the consequences of living under sin versus living under God’s grace. He uses the language of work and payment to show that sin leads to spiritual death, while God’s “gift” is not earned but given, offering life that lasts forever through Jesus.

The Greek behind Romans 6:23

  • “Wages” (ὀψώνια, opsōnia): This word refers to a soldier’s pay or earned wages. Paul uses it to show that death is not just a random result but something sin “pays out” as what is deserved.
  • “Gift” (χάρισμα, charisma): This is a word for a gracious, undeserved gift. It highlights that eternal life is not something people can earn, but something God gives freely.
  • “Eternal” (αἰώνιος, aiōnios): This word means everlasting or without end. The life God gives is not temporary but continues forever.
  • “Death” (θάνατος, thanatos): This word can mean physical death but often points to spiritual separation from God. Here, it’s the ultimate outcome of sin.

Why Romans 6:23 matters

  • Romans 6:23 clears up the idea that people can earn their way to life with God; it shows that eternal life is a gift, not a paycheck.
  • The verse sums up the main point of the surrounding passage: sin leads to death, but God’s grace changes everything for those who trust in Jesus.
  • This verse helps explain why the message of Jesus is called “good news”—because it offers something people cannot achieve on their own.

Where else these words appear

“wages” Greek G3800 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
  • 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

“gift” Greek G5486 · used in 17 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

“eternal” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“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.