In Romans 5:16, Paul deepens the contrast between Adam and Christ by carefully juxtaposing legal and gracious outcomes. The verse — καὶ οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος τὸ δώρημα· τὸ μὲν γὰρ κρίμα ἐξ ἑνὸς εἰς κατάκριμα, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων εἰς δικαίωμα — uses parallel syntax, particles of contrast, and genitive modifiers to show that the gift of grace far surpasses the condemnation brought by one man’s sin.
The Greek Text in Focus
καὶ οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος τὸ δώρημα· τὸ μὲν γὰρ κρίμα ἐξ ἑνὸς εἰς κατάκριμα, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων εἰς δικαίωμα (Romans 5:16)
“And the gift is not like the result of the one who sinned; for the judgment came from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but the gracious gift came from many transgressions, resulting in justification.”
Grammatical Highlights
- οὐχ ὡς — negation + comparative particle; “not as / not like.”
- δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος — genitive singular masculine + aorist participle; “through one who sinned.”
- τὸ δώρημα — nominative neuter singular; “the gift,” subject of the comparison.
- τὸ μὲν… τὸ δὲ — correlative contrastive pair; “on the one hand… on the other hand.”
- κρίμα — nominative neuter singular; “judgment,” subject of the first clause.
- ἐξ ἑνὸς — preposition + genitive; “from one [offense or person].”
- εἰς κατάκριμα — preposition + accusative; “unto condemnation.”
- χάρισμα — nominative neuter singular; “gracious gift,” subject of the second clause.
- ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων — preposition + genitive plural; “from many transgressions.”
- εἰς δικαίωμα — preposition + accusative; “unto justification / acquittal.”
Elliptical Comparison: οὐχ ὡς… τὸ δώρημα
The phrase οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος τὸ δώρημα is an elliptical construction. The verb (e.g., “was” or “is”) is understood. The point is that the gift (τὸ δώρημα) does not correspond to the transgression of the one sinner. The comparison is between cause and effect — but they are not equal. The grammar emphasizes incomparability even within a parallel structure.
Contrasting Correlatives: τὸ μὲν… τὸ δὲ
Paul sets up a grammatical and theological contrast using the correlative particles τὸ μὲν and τὸ δὲ. This formal structure invites direct comparison:
- τὸ μὲν κρίμα — “the judgment” came from one offense to condemnation.
- τὸ δὲ χάρισμα — “the gift” came from many sins to justification.
The symmetry enhances the contrast — not just in origin (ἐξ ἑνὸς vs. ἐκ πολλῶν), but in outcome (κατάκριμα vs. δικαίωμα).
Directional Prepositions: ἐξ… εἰς…
Both clauses use ἐξ (“from”) to express the source, and εἰς (“unto”) to express the outcome:
– ἐξ ἑνὸς… εἰς κατάκριμα: one offense → condemnation.
– ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων… εἰς δικαίωμα: many transgressions → justification.
The grammar serves the theological point: judgment arose from one; justification overflowed despite many.
| Word / Phrase | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| οὐχ ὡς… τὸ δώρημα | Comparative Phrase | Contrast Introduction | Not as the sin is the gift |
| δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος | Genitive + Aorist Participle | Agent or cause | Through the one who sinned |
| τὸ μὲν κρίμα… εἰς κατάκριμα | Nominative + Prepositional Phrase | Cause → Judgment → Condemnation | Judgment from one to condemnation |
| τὸ δὲ χάρισμα… εἰς δικαίωμα | Nominative + Prepositional Phrase | Grace → Outcome | Gift from many to justification |
The Grammar of Greater Grace
Romans 5:16 illustrates Paul’s masterful use of Greek grammar to reveal theological paradox: a single sin brings condemnation, but a multitude of sins invites overwhelming grace. The grammar — symmetrical yet inverted — does not merely mirror logic; it magnifies mercy. Even in sentence structure, grace triumphs over guilt.
