Romans 5:21

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 5:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That as sin hath reigned unto death, etc..] This is another end of the law's entrance, or rather an illustration of the grace of God, by comparing the reigns of sin and grace together: sin has such a power over man in a state of nature, as amounts to a dominion; it has not only an enticing, ensnaring power, to draw into a compliance with it, and an obstructive power to hinder that which is good, and an operative one of that which is evil, and a captivating, enslaving one to the same; but it has a kingly, governing, and commanding power: its dominion is universal as to men, and with respect both to the members of the body, and faculties of the soul; it is supported by laws, which are its…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That as sin--Observe, the word "offense" is no more used, as that had been sufficiently illustrated; but--what better befitted this comprehensive summation of the whole matter--the great general term sin. hath reigned unto death--rather, "in death," triumphing and (as it were) revelling in that complete destruction of its victims. even so might grace reign--In Rom 5:14, Rom 5:17 we had the reign of death over the guilty and condemned in Adam; here it is the reign of the mighty causes of these--of SIN which clothes Death a Sovereign with venomous power (Co1 15:56) and with awful authority (Rom 6:23), and of GRACE, the grace which originated the scheme of salvation, the grace which "sent the…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That as sin hath reigned - Note, Romans 5:14. Unto death - Producing or causing death. Even so - In like manner, also. The provisions of redemption are in themselves ample to meet all the ruins of the fall. Might grace reign - Might mercy be triumphant; see John 1:17, “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Through righteousness - Through, or by means of, God’s plan of justification; Note, Romans 1:17. Unto eternal life - This stands opposed to “death” in the former part of the verse, and shows that there the apostle had reference to eternal death. The result of God’s plan of justification shall be to produce eternal life. The triumphs of the gospel here celebrated cannot refer to the number…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That as sin had reigned - so grace also might reign - Which could not reign before the fall; before man had sinned. Through righteousness to eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord - Here is pointed out the source of all our blessings, the rich and free grace of God. The meritorious cause; not any works of righteousness of man, but the alone merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. The effect or end of all; not only pardon, but life; divine life, leading to glory. Next: Romans Chapter 6”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“That: Rom 5:14, Rom 6:12, Rom 6:14, Rom 6:16 grace: Joh 1:16, Joh 1:17; Tit 2:11; Heb 4:16; Pe1 5:10 through: Rom 5:17, Rom 4:13, Rom 8:10; Pe2 1:1 unto: Rom 6:23; Joh 10:28; Jo1 2:25, Jo1 5:11-13 Next: Romans Chapter 6”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification