Romans 5:17
What does Romans 5:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 5:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 5:17 means
If death took the throne through one man’s trespass, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. The imagery shifts from being ruled by death to sharing in a new dominion of life. Receiving grace and righteousness is the key—they are gifts, not earnings. “Reign in life” points to both present participation in Christ’s life and the future consummation. The supremacy of Christ’s work is clear: His single obedience empowers multitudes to live under a new order where grace, not death, has the last word.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For, if by the wrongdoing of one, death was ruling through the one, much more will those to whom has come the wealth of grace and the giving of righteousness, be ruling in life through the one, even Jesus Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for if by the offence of the one the death did reign through the one, much more those, who the abundance of the grace and of the free gift of the righteousness are receiving, in life shall reign through the one--Jesus Christ.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For if by one man's offence death reigned through one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift and of justice shall reign in life through one, Jesus Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For if by the offence of the one death reigned by the one, much rather shall those who receive the abundance of grace, and of the free gift of righteousness, reign in life by the one Jesus Christ:)
Context
This climactic contrast caps the trio (vv15–17). Having shown that grace abounds and results in justification, Paul now describes its effect as reigning in life through Jesus Christ. With this established, he will present summary statements in vv18–19 using parallel “as/so” constructions to tie together condemnation through Adam and justification through Christ. From there, he will explain the purpose of the law in the story—to make trespass abound—and the even greater superabundance of grace leading to eternal life (vv20–21).
v.16And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification.
v.17This passage
v.18So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men to condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
- Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 5:20
And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:
- Revelation 1:6
and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- Revelation 22:5
And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
- Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Endurance
Scripture teaches that endurance, or patient steadfastness, is a vital Christian virtue enabling believers to persevere through trials and maintain faith.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Love of God
Exploring God's boundless love for humanity, a central theme woven throughout all of Scripture, offering comfort and hope.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Unworthy of Love
When you don't think you deserve love — what scripture says you actually are.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.