Romans 5
English Standard Version
Peace with God Through Faith
5 (A)Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, (B)we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also (C)obtained access by faith[b] into this grace (D)in which we stand, and (E)we[c] rejoice[d] in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we (F)rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering (G)produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and (H)hope does not put us to shame, because God's love (I)has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6 For (J)while we were still weak, at the right time (K)Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but (L)God shows his love for us in that (M)while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, (N)we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from (O)the wrath of God. 10 For if (P)while we were enemies (Q)we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by (R)his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received (S)reconciliation.
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
12 Therefore, just as (T)sin came into the world through one man, and (U)death through sin, and (V)so death spread to all men[e] because (W)all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but (X)sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not (Y)like the transgression of Adam, (Z)who was a type of (AA)the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for (AB)many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For (AC)the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought (AD)justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness (AE)reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
18 Therefore, as one trespass[f] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness[g] leads to justification and life for (AF)all men. 19 For as by the one man's (AG)disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's (AH)obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now (AI)the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, (AJ)grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, (AK)as sin reigned in death, (AL)grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Footnotes
- Romans 5:1 Some manuscripts let us
- Romans 5:2 Some manuscripts omit by faith
- Romans 5:2 Or let us; also verse 3
- Romans 5:2 Or boast; also verses 3, 11
- Romans 5:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women; also twice in verse 18
- Romans 5:18 Or the trespass of one
- Romans 5:18 Or the act of righteousness of one
Romans 5
New King James Version
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
5 Therefore, (A)having been justified by faith, [a]we have (B)peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 (C)through whom also we have access by faith into this grace (D)in which we stand, and (E)rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but (F)we also glory in tribulations, (G)knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; 4 (H)and perseverance, [c]character; and character, hope. 5 (I)Now hope does not disappoint, (J)because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Christ in Our Place
6 For when we were still without strength, [d]in due time (K)Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But (L)God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified (M)by His blood, we shall be saved (N)from wrath through Him. 10 For (O)if when we were enemies (P)we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved (Q)by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also (R)rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Death in Adam, Life in Christ(S)
12 Therefore, just as (T)through one man sin entered the world, and (U)death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but (V)sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, (W)who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the [e]offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded (X)to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many [f]offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s [g]offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore, as through [h]one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through (Y)one[i] Man’s righteous act the free gift came (Z)to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by (AA)one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
20 Moreover (AB)the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace (AC)abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Footnotes
- Romans 5:1 Some ancient mss. let us have
- Romans 5:3 endurance
- Romans 5:4 approved character
- Romans 5:6 at the right time
- Romans 5:15 trespass or false step
- Romans 5:16 trespasses
- Romans 5:17 trespass
- Romans 5:18 Or one trespass
- Romans 5:18 Or one righteous act
Romans 5
New American Standard Bible
Results of Justification
5 (A)Therefore, having been justified by faith, [a](B)we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we also have (C)obtained our introduction by faith into this grace (D)in which we stand; and [b]we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. 3 (E)And not only this, but [c]we also (F)celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about (G)perseverance; 4 and (H)perseverance, (I)proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope (J)does not disappoint, because the love of God has been (K)poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For while we were still (L)helpless, (M)at the right time (N)Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous person; [d]though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. 8 But God (O)demonstrates (P)His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, (Q)Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified [e](R)by His blood, we shall be saved (S)from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were (T)enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved [f](U)by His life. 11 (V)And not only this, but [g]we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received (W)the reconciliation.
12 Therefore, just as through (X)one man sin entered into the world, and (Y)death through sin, and (Z)so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned— 13 for [h]until the Law sin was in the world, but (AA)sin is not [i]counted against anyone when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned (AB)in the likeness of the [j]violation committed by Adam, who is a [k](AC)type of Him who was to come.
15 But [l]the gracious gift is not like the offense. For if by the offense of (AD)the one (AE)the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by (AF)the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many. 16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand (AG)the judgment arose from one offense, [m]resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, [n]resulting in justification. 17 For if by the offense of the one, death reigned (AH)through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness (AI)reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
18 So then, as through (AJ)one offense [o]the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one (AK)act of righteousness [p]the result was (AL)justification of life to all mankind. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience (AM)the many (AN)were made sinners, so also through (AO)the obedience of the One (AP)the many will be made righteous. 20 [q](AQ)The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, (AR)grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as (AS)sin reigned in death, so also (AT)grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Footnotes
- Romans 5:1 Two early mss let’s have
- Romans 5:2 Lit we boast; or let’s
- Romans 5:3 Lit we also boast; or let’s also boast
- Romans 5:7 Lit for
- Romans 5:9 Or in
- Romans 5:10 Or in
- Romans 5:11 Lit also boasting
- Romans 5:13 Or until law
- Romans 5:13 Lit credited to
- Romans 5:14 I.e., of God’s command
- Romans 5:14 Or foreshadowing
- Romans 5:15 Lit not as the offense, so also is the gracious gift
- Romans 5:16 Lit to condemnation
- Romans 5:16 Lit to an act of righteousness
- Romans 5:18 Lit to condemnation
- Romans 5:18 Lit to justification
- Romans 5:20 Or law
Romans 5
New Living Translation
Faith Brings Joy
5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Adam and Christ Contrasted
12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Footnotes
- 5:1 Some manuscripts read let us have peace.
Romans 5
The Message
Developing Patience
5 1-2 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
3-5 There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
6-8 Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.
9-11 Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we’re at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!
The Death-Dealing Sin, the Life-Giving Gift
12-14 You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we’re in—first sin, then death, and no one exempt from either sin or death. That sin disturbed relations with God in everything and everyone, but the extent of the disturbance was not clear until God spelled it out in detail to Moses. So death, this huge abyss separating us from God, dominated the landscape from Adam to Moses. Even those who didn’t sin precisely as Adam did by disobeying a specific command of God still had to experience this termination of life, this separation from God. But Adam, who got us into this, also points ahead to the One who will get us out of it.
15-17 Yet the rescuing gift is not exactly parallel to the death-dealing sin. If one man’s sin put crowds of people at the dead-end abyss of separation from God, just think what God’s gift poured through one man, Jesus Christ, will do! There’s no comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving gift. The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence. If death got the upper hand through one man’s wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, absolute life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?
18-19 Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right.
20-21 All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson