What does Romans 5:14 mean?

Explanation

Romans 5:14 speaks about the reign of death from Adam to Moses, emphasizing the universal experience of death because of sin.

The verse suggests that even those who had not sinned in the same direct way as Adam (by breaking a specific command of God) still experienced death.

This introduces the concept of original sin, where Adam's transgression led to a state of sinfulness that affected all his descendants, causing death to reign even before the Law given through Moses made specific demands on human behavior.

The latter part of the verse refers to Adam as a "figure" or type of Christ, indicating that Adam's role in bringing sin into the world prefigures Christ's role in bringing salvation.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans around A.D. 57, during his third missionary journey.

This was a time when the Christian faith was spreading throughout the Roman Empire, and Paul was addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.

Culturally, Jews held to the Mosaic Law as a central part of their identity and moral compass, while Gentiles had diverse beliefs from the Greco-Roman world.

Historically, the period is marked by Pax Romana, bringing relative peace and an open exchange of ideas, but also a struggle for early Christians to define their beliefs amidst diverse religious backgrounds.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints provide varied insights into Romans 5:14:

• Original Sin: This verse is key to the doctrine of original sin, suggested by the idea that all humans are born in a state of sin inherited from Adam.
• Federal Headship: The concept of Adam as representative for all humanity is discussed, where Adam's action affected the entire human race.
• Christ as the Second Adam: The comparison of Adam and Christ introduces the belief that just as Adam brought sin and death, Christ brings righteousness and life.
• Covenant Theology: Some interpret this verse from a covenantal perspective, seeing Adam as a covenant head, whose disobedience impacted all who are in covenant with him, contrasting with the new covenant in Christ.

Practical Applications

• Acknowledgment of Sin: The verse reminds individuals to recognize the reality of sin and its consequences in their own lives.
• Reflection on Mortality: It encourages contemplation on the inevitability of physical death and the need for spiritual salvation.
• Hope in Redemption: By understanding Adam as a figure of Christ to come, believers find hope that though sin entered through one man, grace and life are offered through Christ.
• Unity of Humanity: The verse suggests that all humans share a common heritage and problem (sin), pointing to the universal need for salvation.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 15:22: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
• Romans 5:12: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."
• 1 Corinthians 15:45: "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
• Genesis 2:17: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Language Study

The Greek word "τύπος" (typos) translated as "figure" can be understood as a pattern, model, or type.

It represents Adam as a precursor or foreshadowing of Christ.

Another key term is "ἐβασίλευσεν" (ebasileusen), translated as "reigned," which is indicative of the pervasive and supreme nature of death from Adam to Moses.

The verse contrasts the idea of conscious transgression with "παράβασις" (parabasis) to the universality of sin's effect.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The verse can be contrasted with other ancient myths where a single act brings negative consequences to humanity, such as Pandora's box in Greek mythology.

In terms of religious comparisons, Adam's actions in the Bible can be compared to figures like Enkidu in the Epic of Gilgamesh, who also experiences a fall from a state of innocence.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of death reigning from Adam to Moses could be analyzed from a scientific perspective by exploring human mortality and the biological processes involved in death.

While science can address the physical aspects of death, the theological implications of sin and spiritual death are outside the purview of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various expert commentaries on Romans 5:14 highlight its significance:

• John Stott emphasizes the universal reign of death due to sin, pointing out that it is not the severity of the sin but its reality that brings death.
• N.T.

Wright discusses how through one person sin entered the world, so through another person (Jesus) comes the gift of righteousness.

• Douglas Moo comments on the typology of Adam as a precursor to Christ, highlighting Paul's use of contrast to illustrate the work of redemption.
• Matthew Henry discusses the distinction between Adam's transgression, a clear violation of a known command, and the sins of his descendants, which, while not identical, still result in death, indicating the pervasive nature of sin.