Romans 6:23 Commentary
In-depth Romans 6:23 commentary covering historical setting, original Greek/Hebrew, theology, and pastoral application.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
— Romans 6:23 (KJV)
Exposition
Paul contrasts what we earn (death through sin) with what God freely gives (eternal life through Christ). Salvation cannot be earned; it must be received.
Historical Setting
Paul wrote this around AD 57. In Roman society, 'wages' (opsōnia) was a military term for a soldier's pay or rations. Paul uses the economic metaphor: sin pays its employees with death, while God gives an unearned gift of life. The contrast between earning and receiving is the essence of the gospel.
Original Language Notes
'Opsōnion' means wages, pay, or compensation—originally a soldier's rations. Sin is personified as an employer who pays its workers with death. This is contrasted with 'charisma' (free gift)—God gives what cannot be earned. The wordplay is devastatingly clear.
Pastoral Application
Sin pays a wage we don't want; God gives a gift we don't deserve. Eternal life isn't earned by good works but received through faith in Christ.
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