Romans 6:23 Meaning of for the Wages of Sin Is Death

Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Explanation and Commentary of Romans 6:23

God said to Adam that he was not to eat of the tree that was in the midst of the Garden, that of the knowledge of good and evil, that the day he did eat of it, he would surely die (Gen 2:17). But he did eat of it when the serpent tempted his wife and she gave him some as well. Their eyes were opened. They understood they were naked and they were very ashamed, hiding from each other and from God. They didn’t drop dead immediately, but these creatures who were intended to live forever were now facing a countdown to their physical death one day, decaying every minute. They also faced spiritual death, now needing a savior to one day come and redeem them from their sin.

All humans are born in Adam under his curse on the earth, and so in Adam, all die (1 Cor 15:22). This means not only do we physically die, but we are spiritually dead “in our trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1). This is why from an early age we may realize that our hearts are inclined towards evil. Our appetites are for the flesh. Our members are slaves to sin (Ro 6:13). Being spiritually dead is pain and hardship, emotionally and spiritually.

But the Bible also says that in Christ, shall all be made alive (1 Cor 15:22)! It is not that God has left us in the state with no hope in the world. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ to call sinners to repent and accept his free gift of life, bought by the blood he shed when he died on the cross for us after living a perfect life, suffering a mock trial, rejection by his friends, and even temporary separation from his Father in heaven. By this, he has brought life and life abundantly to any who would believe and accept this gift. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life!

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 6:23

#1 “For the wages of sin is death,”
Sadly, our death is earned not only by our father Adam’s rebellion but by our own. We are sinners, and so we sinned against God, earning the just wrath of a holy God for our sin against him and his kingdom.

#2 “but the gift of God is eternal life…”
Eternal life is a free gift. We are simply unable to earn it in our sinful nature. God knows and has made a way for not only our eternal life with him in heaven but also for us to begin to change in this life, becoming like Jesus, living an abundant life in Christ, instead of eternal death in Adam.

#3 “…in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
All the life that we have, we have in Jesus. We died in him and with him. We were raised in him and with him, and by him will be raised at the end of this age when he returns. We live out the abundant life he’s called us to by abiding in him (Jn 15), if possible, every minute of every day, seeking in him the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We walk in him by his Holy Spirit and glorify him by our lives.

Bible Study on Romans 6:23

Expert Overview of Romans Ch. 5-16

Biblical Translations of Romans 6:23

NIV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

NLT
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

ESV
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

NKJV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.