| Audio Cross Study Comm Greek Verse (Click for Chapter)New International VersionThe law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,New Living TranslationGod’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.English Standard VersionNow the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,Berean Standard BibleThe law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,Berean Literal BibleNow the Law entered so that trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace overabounded,King James BibleMoreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:New King James VersionMoreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,New American Standard BibleThe Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,NASB 1995The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,NASB 1977 And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,Legacy Standard Bible Now the Law came in so that the transgression would increase, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,Amplified BibleBut the Law came to increase and expand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed it and increased all the more,Christian Standard BibleThe law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even moreHolman Christian Standard BibleThe law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even moreAmerican Standard VersionAnd the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:Contemporary English VersionThe Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen. Yet where sin was powerful, God's gift of undeserved grace was even more powerful. English Revised VersionAnd the law came in beside, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:GOD'S WORD® TranslationLaws were added to increase the failure. But where sin increased, God's kindness increased even more.Good News TranslationLaw was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God's grace increased much more. International Standard VersionNow the Law crept in so that the offense would increase. But where sin increased, grace increased even more, NET BibleNow the law came in so that the transgression may increase, but where sin increased, grace multiplied all the more,New Heart English BibleThe law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;Webster's Bible TranslationMoreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:Weymouth New TestamentNow Law was brought in later on, so that transgression might increase. But where sin increased, grace has overflowed;Majority Text TranslationsMajority Standard BibleThe law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,World English BibleThe law came in that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly, Literal TranslationsLiteral Standard VersionAnd law came in, that the offense might abound, and where sin abounded, grace hyper-abounded,Berean Literal BibleNow the Law entered so that trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace overabounded,Young's Literal Translation And law came in, that the offence might abound, and where the sin did abound, the grace did overabound,Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the law entered, that the fall might abound. And where sin abounded, grace superabounded:Catholic TranslationsDouay-Rheims BibleNow the law entered in, that sin might abound. And where sin abounded, grace did more abound. Catholic Public Domain VersionNow the law entered in such a way that offenses would abound. But where offenses were abundant, grace was superabundant.New American BibleThe law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more,New Revised Standard VersionBut law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,Translations from AramaicLamsa BibleThe introduction of the law caused sin to increase, and when sin had increased, grace became abundant.Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut there was the introduction to The Written Law that sin would increase, and wherever sin increased, there grace superabounded.NT TranslationsAnderson New TestamentBut, besides the first offense, law was introduced, in order that offenses might abound: but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:Godbey New TestamentBut the law came, that the transgression might abound; but where sin did abound, there did grace superabound:Haweis New TestamentBut the law was introduced, that the offence might be more abundant. But where sin had abounded, there hath grace abounded more exceedingly:Mace New Testamentthe law was introduc'd, that the greatness of the fall might fully appear; but the more sin display'd its enormity, the divine favour was so much the more transcendent.Weymouth New TestamentNow Law was brought in later on, so that transgression might increase. But where sin increased, grace has overflowed;Worrell New TestamentAnd the law entered, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did super-abound;Worsley New TestamentNow the law made some entrance, that the offence might appear to abound; but where sin abounded, grace hath superabounded; that as sin had reigned in death,Additional Translations ...Audio BibleContextDeath in Adam, Life in Christ…19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. 20 The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.…Berean Standard Bible · DownloadCross ReferencesGalatians 3:19Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.1 Timothy 1:14And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.Galatians 3:24So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.2 Corinthians 3:7-9Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!John 1:16-17From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. / For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.Galatians 5:13For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.Ephesians 2:8-9For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.Titus 2:11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.Hebrews 7:19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.Galatians 2:21I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.2 Corinthians 12:9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.Galatians 5:4You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.Hebrews 10:1For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.Isaiah 53:5But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.Treasury of Scripture Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: the law. Romans 3:19,20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God… Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. But. Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 Chronicles 33:9-13 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel… Psalm 25:11 For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. Jump to PreviousAbound Abounded Added Addition Besides Entered Exceedingly Grace Increase Increased Law Moreover Offence Offense Overabound Overflowed Sin Transgression Trespass Worse WrongdoingJump to NextAbound Abounded Added Addition Besides Entered Exceedingly Grace Increase Increased Law Moreover Offence Offense Overabound Overflowed Sin Transgression Trespass Worse WrongdoingRomans 51. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God;2. and joy in our hope;8. that since we were reconciled by his blood, when we were enemies;10. we shall much more be saved, being reconciled.12. As sin and death came by Adam;17. so much more righteousness and life by Jesus Christ.20. Where sin abounded, grace did superabound.| Study Bible | Book ◦ Chapter |
The law came in so that the trespass would increase;The introduction of the law refers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel. Historically, this law was given at Mount Sinai, a significant event in Jewish history. The purpose of the law was to reveal sin, making people aware of their transgressions. In a cultural context, the law served as a moral and ethical guide for the Israelites, setting them apart from surrounding nations. Biblically, this aligns with Galatians 3:19, which states that the law was added because of transgressions. Theologically, the law highlights humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on their own, pointing to the need for a Savior.but where sin increased,This phrase acknowledges the reality of sin's pervasive nature. Historically, as the law highlighted sin, it also revealed the depth of human depravity. The increase of sin can be seen throughout the Old Testament, where despite the law, Israel repeatedly fell into sin. This is echoed in 1 Timothy 1:14, where Paul speaks of grace being more abundant than sin. Theologically, this sets the stage for understanding the magnitude of God's grace, which is not limited by the extent of human sinfulness. grace increased all the more,This phrase emphasizes the superabundance of God's grace. In the context of the New Testament, grace is central to the message of the Gospel. Theologically, this reflects the concept of "grace upon grace" as mentioned in John 1:16. The idea is that no matter how great the sin, God's grace is greater, offering redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. This is a key theme in Paul's writings, underscoring the transformative power of grace that not only covers sin but also empowers believers to live righteously. This grace is a type of Christ's sacrificial atonement, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant bearing the sins of many.Persons / Places / Events1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological writings.2. The LawRefers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which includes the commandments and regulations found in the first five books of the Old Testament.3. SinThe transgressions and moral failures of humanity, which separate people from God.4. GraceThe unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity, especially as manifested in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.5. The Roman ChurchThe original audience of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.Teaching PointsThe Purpose of the LawThe Law was given to reveal sin and make humanity aware of their need for a Savior. It acts as a mirror, showing us our shortcomings and driving us to Christ.The Abundance of GraceGod's grace is always greater than our sin. No matter how much sin increases, God's grace is sufficient to cover and redeem it.Living Under GraceAs believers, we are called to live in the freedom of grace, not using it as a license to sin, but as empowerment to live righteously.The Transformative Power of GraceGrace not only forgives but also transforms. It changes our hearts and enables us to live in a way that pleases God.The Assurance of SalvationThe increase of grace assures us that our salvation is secure in Christ, not dependent on our ability to keep the Law perfectly.Bible Study Questions and Answers1. What is the meaning of Romans 5:20?2. How does Romans 5:20 illustrate the relationship between law and grace?3. In what ways can we see "grace increased all the more" today?4. How does Romans 5:20 connect to Ephesians 2:8-9 on salvation by grace?5. What personal sins can you surrender to experience God's abundant grace?6. How can understanding Romans 5:20 deepen your appreciation for God's mercy?7. How does Romans 5:20 explain the relationship between sin and grace?8. Why did God allow the law to increase sin according to Romans 5:20?9. What does "where sin increased, grace increased all the more" mean in Romans 5:20?10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 5?11. Does grace abound in all aspects of life?12. What does "grace abounded more than sin" mean?13. What does 'grace abounded more than sin' mean?14. Does the law empower sin?What Does Romans 5:20 MeanThe law came in God did not leave humanity guessing about right and wrong. At Sinai He stepped in with clear commands that mirror His holy character (Exodus 20:1-17). Romans 3:20 reminds us, “Through the law we become conscious of sin,” and Galatians 3:19 adds that it “was added because of transgressions.” • The law functions like a floodlight. It turns on and shows every speck of dust in the room of our hearts. • It also sets a fixed standard, so sin can be measured, not merely sensed. • By revealing God’s righteous requirements, the law removes any notion that we can invent our own morality (Psalm 19:7-9). so that the trespass would increase When that floodlight shines, evil doesn’t disappear; it shows up in high definition. Paul testifies, “I would not have known what coveting was if the law had not said, ‘Do not covet’ … sin sprang to life and I died” (Romans 7:7-10). • Increased trespass is not the law’s fault; it is the heart’s reaction. The moment a line is drawn, fallen humanity steps over it (1 Corinthians 15:56). • As sin becomes unmistakable, every mouth is silenced and the whole world stands accountable to God (Romans 3:19). • This exposure prepares the way for the only remedy strong enough to meet the crisis—grace. but where sin increased History and personal experience confirm what Scripture states: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). • From Eden’s exile (Genesis 3:6-7) to the violence preceding the flood (Genesis 6:5), sin has expanded like a stain. • Even Israel, with covenant privileges, repeatedly broke the law and succumbed to idolatry (Nehemiah 9:26-30). • Humanity’s multiplying sin underscores our total inability to self-rescue (Ephesians 2:1-3). grace increased all the more God’s response is not a trickle of mercy but a flood that outmatches the deluge of sin. “But the gift is not like the trespass” (Romans 5:15); “how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace … reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). • At the cross mercy triumphed over judgment (James 2:13). Christ “became sin for us” so that we might become God’s righteousness in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Grace doesn’t merely cancel guilt; it overflows, creating new life (Ephesians 2:4-5) and empowerment to live righteously (Titus 2:11-12). • Paul exults, “The grace of our Lord overflowed to me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14). No sinner can out-sin that supply. summary Romans 5:20 teaches that God introduced the law to expose and quantify sin, making our need undeniable. As sin multiplied, God’s grace super-multiplied through Jesus Christ. The verse reassures believers that divine grace not only meets but overwhelms human rebellion, securing forgiveness and imparting power for a transformed life.Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20, 21) The Apostle had already (Romans 5:13-14) alluded to the intervention of the Law. Now he returns to the topic, and in order to complete his historical view of the origin of sin through Adam, and its atonement through Christ, he considers what was its effect upon the former, and how that effect was met and neutralised by the latter. Mankind had already been led into sin by Adam. The Law came in to make matters still worse. It substituted conscious sin for unconscious, and so heightened its guilt. But all this is more than retrieved by grace. (20) Entered.--A graphic metaphorical expression: "Came in to the side of" the sin already existing; "took its place," as it were, "by the side of" sin, and joined forces with it, thus greatly adding to its extent and power. Abound.--This word should be reserved for the last of the three places in this verse in which it appears in the Authorised version. The original in the other two places is different, and has the force of "Might be multiplied," or "increased"--i.e., made more and made worse. Pulpit CommentaryVerses 20, 21. - Moreover Law entered (rather, came in besides), that the trespass might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (or, did abound exceedingly): that as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Here νόμος (though without the article; see under ver. 13) refers to the Mosaic Law, the purpose of which in the economy of redemption is thus intimated, so as to complete the view. It was God's purpose from the first that grace should in the end triumph over sin; but in the mean time law came in (cf. προσετέθη in the cognate passage, Galatians 3:19). For what end? Not in itself to accomplish the purpose, not to interfere with its accomplishment, but as an intervening dispensation to prepare for its accomplishment, by convincing of sin, and making it exceeding sinful, and so establishing the need of, and exciting a craving for, redemption. This intervening preparatory office of the Mosaic Law is set forth more at length in Galatians 3:19-26; and the working of the principle of law to this end in the human consciousness is analyzed in ch. 7. of this Epistle. Additional Note on ver.12The significance of the words "life" and "death," as used in St. Paul's Epistles and elsewhere, demands peculiar attention. They evidently bear a sense in many places different from that of ordinary use; and this in accordance with our Lord's own recorded language, as, for instance, in his memorable words to Martha, given in John 11:25, 26. The following considerations may aid our comprehension of what is meant. The mysterious principle or potency of life, even in the common acceptation of the term, varies not only in degree, but in kind; and the same living organism may be at the same time alive with respect to its own mode of vitality, and dead with respect to some higher one which vivifies others. The plant, while alive with respect to its own kind of life, is dead to the higher life of sentient beings. The brute beast, while alive with respect to mere animal life, is dead, as it were, to the higher life of intelligent man. A whole world of environing influences to which the mind of man responds, so as to live in them, are to the brute as nothing; it may be said to be dead to them. Now, Scripture teaches, and we believe, that there is a spiritual sphere of things above and beyond this visible sphere, which man is capable of apprehending, being influenced by, and living a still higher life than his natural life therein. He is thus capable through the higher and diviner part of his mysterious being, called by St. Paul his πνεῦμα (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ καὶ τὸ σῶμα), when in touch with the Divine πνεῦμα. For man to be in vital correspondence with his spiritual environments is spiritual life; to be out of correspondence with them is spiritual death. And so, as the plant is dead to sentient life, though alive in its own life; or as the brute may be said to be dead to the higher life of man, though alive in mere animal life; so man may be dead as to spiritual life, though alive as to psychical life; and thus "dead while he liveth" (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:14, "The natural man (ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." In other words, he is dead to them). Further, this spiritual life, unlike the psychical life, is ever spoken of as eternal. For it consists in intercommunion of man's immortal part with the spiritual sphere of things which is eternal. Nor does natural death interrupt it; for it is not dependent for its continuance, as is psychical life, on environments from which we are severed by the body's death, but on such as are eternal. Thus, too, we see how it is that eternal life is regarded, not as one that will have its commencement after death, but as one to be enjoyed at present, and to which we are to rise in Christ even now. This idea is notably expressed in our Lord's words above referred to: "I am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believeth in me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:25, 26). Doubtless we are bidden to look forward to a fulness and perfection of the eternal life, of which our present enjoyment of it is but an earnest, in the σῶμα πνευματικόν (1 Corinthians 15:44) in store for us hereafter - cf. "Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet manifested what we shall be," etc. (1 John 3:2) - but still this is regarded as but the consummation of a life already begun. On the other hand, whatever penal consequences of a state of spiritual death may be spoken of as in store hereafter for the wicked, it is regarded as being itself but the continuance of a state of death in which they are before they pass away (cf. Revelation 22:11). In Romans 5:12, etc., to which this note refers, the above view of what is often meant by "death" ought to be kept before us. For, though the apostle seems evidently to be speaking of the natural death that comes to all, he must be taken as regarding it as but the symbol and evidence of the sway of that spiritual death to which all men are now, in their fallen nature, liable. The thoughts embodied in the above note have been derived from, or suggested by, 'Natural Law in the Spiritual World,' by Henry Drummond, F.R.S.E., F.G.S. (Hodder and Stoughton: 1888). Parallel Commentaries ...Greek[The] LawΝόμος (Nomos)Noun - Nominative Masculine SingularStrong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.was givenπαρεισῆλθεν (pareisēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person SingularStrong's 3922: From para and eiserchomai; to come in alongside, i.e. Supervene additionally or steathily.so thatἵνα (hina)ConjunctionStrong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.theτὸ (to)Article - Nominative Neuter SingularStrong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.trespassπαράπτωμα (paraptōma)Noun - Nominative Neuter SingularStrong's 3900: A falling away, lapse, slip, false step, trespass, sin. From parapipto; a side-slip, i.e. error or transgression.would increase;πλεονάσῃ (pleonasē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person SingularStrong's 4121: From pleion; to do, make or be more, i.e. Increase; by extension, to superabound.butδὲ (de)ConjunctionStrong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.whereοὗ (hou)AdverbStrong's 3757: Where, whither, when, in what place. Genitive case of hos as adverb; at which place, i.e. Where.sinἁμαρτία (hamartia)Noun - Nominative Feminine SingularStrong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.increased,ἐπλεόνασεν (epleonasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person SingularStrong's 4121: From pleion; to do, make or be more, i.e. Increase; by extension, to superabound.graceχάρις (charis)Noun - Nominative Feminine SingularStrong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.increased all the more,ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν (hypereperisseusen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person SingularStrong's 5248: (a) intrans: I abound exceedingly, (b) dep: I overflow. From huper and perisseuo; to super-abound.LinksRomans 5:20 NIVRomans 5:20 NLTRomans 5:20 ESVRomans 5:20 NASBRomans 5:20 KJVRomans 5:20 BibleApps.comRomans 5:20 Biblia ParalelaRomans 5:20 Chinese BibleRomans 5:20 French BibleRomans 5:20 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 5:20 The law came in besides that (Rom. Ro) |
