Romans 5:21 (GNV)

Passage

That as sinne had reigned vnto death, so might grace also reigne by righteousnesse vnto eternall life, through Iesus Christ our Lord.

Nearby Context

Romans 5:19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners, so by that obedience of that one shall many also be made righteous.

Romans 5:20 Moreouer the Law entred thereupon that the offence shoulde abound: neuerthelesse, where sinne abounded, there grace abounded much more:

Romans 5:21 That as sinne had reigned vnto death, so might grace also reigne by righteousnesse vnto eternall life, through Iesus Christ our Lord.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "grace", "sinne", "reigned", "vnto", "death", "might", and "righteousnesse". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "grace" and "sinne", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "Moreouer the Law entred thereupon that the...", giving immediate footing for "grace" and "sinne". In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "grace" and "sinne" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.