Wrong Verses Right: Romans 5:20 KJV

“… where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.:”

[20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: ~Romans 5:20 KJV

Wrong Interpretation:

Now many pastors have preached that “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” leaving the hearer thinking that grace increases where sin abounds. This is especially confirmed through bad translations like the NIV:

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, ~Romans 5:20 NIV

Right Interpretation:

The word abounded is in the past tense telling us where sin used to abound.

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:…”

Therefore, the understanding is “…but where sin used to abound, grace did much more abound in its place.”

Paul is not saying that “sin makes grace abound” because grace reigns through righteousness. This is the scripture immediately following:

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. ~Romans 5:21 KJV

Therefore, Paul was making the point that sin abounded because the law was introduced, but grace abounds more in the place where sin abounded because righteousness through Christ is introduced.

Sin had to exist in order for the gift of grace to come.1In Romans chapter 6 the Apostle Paul continued, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” He answered his rhetorical question by saying, “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”  However, it is inaccurate to say that sin makes God’s favor increase in your life. Cite this article: Please update the Accessed or Retrieved date (September 13, 2015).