Romans 5:16

By one that sinned. Literally, “through one having sinned.” Paul is saying that there is no comparison between “the gift” of Christ and the results of Adam’s sin.

Judgment. Greek krima, “the decision rendered,” “the sentence.” Adam’s sin resulted in the sentence of condemnation.

By one. Literally, “from one.” “One” may be understood as meaning “one man,” thus referring to “the one having sinned,” or it may be understood as referring to “one trespass,” in view of the parallel with “many offences.” Paul’s line of reasoning is clear either way.

Condemnation. Adam had received a specific law: “Thou shalt not eat.” And that law had a penalty attached: “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). His sin, therefore, was a distinct transgression of law, and it was immediately “imputed,” or taken into account (see on Romans 5:13). The sentence of condemnation was justly pronounced upon him. But the sentence there pronounced upon the first man has extended, in its effects, to all his descendants.

Free gift. Greek charisma “a gift of favor or grace,” from charis, “grace” (see on chapter 3:24). The free gift is defined in chapter 5:17 as “the gift of righteousness.”

Of many offences. Literally, “from many offenses.” Adam’s one offense was followed by many offenses, of his and of those who followed him, and each of these offenses was deserving of condemnation. But each was an occasion for a revelation of God’s unmerited favor and forgiveness, and thus the free gift was “from many offenses unto justification,” for those who accepted the gift.

Justification. Greek dikaidma, generally “an act of righteousness,” “a requirement,” “a decree” (see on chapter 2:26). However, here Paul seems to be using dikaioma for dikaiosis, “justification” (see on chapter 4:25). A possible reason for the use of dikaidma is suggested by the Greek. The words for “gift,” “judgment,” “condemnation,” “free gift,” “offences,” all end in ma. It is not unlikely that Paul used dikaidma simply as a literary device.