Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
- King James Version

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:
- American Standard Version (1901)

And the law came in addition, to make wrongdoing worse; but where there was much sin, there was much more grace:
- Basic English Bible

But law came in, in order that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded grace has overabounded,
- Darby Bible

Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
- Webster's Bible

Now Law was brought in later on, so that transgression might increase. But where sin increased, grace has overflowed;
- Weymouth Bible

The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;
- World English Bible

And the lawe entride, that gilt schulde be plenteuouse; but where gilt was plenteuouse,
- Wycliffe Bible

And law came in, that the offence might abound, and where the sin did abound, the grace did overabound,
- Youngs Literal Bible

Wesley's Notes for Romans 5:20

5:20 The law came in between - The offence and the free gift. That the offence might abound - That is, the consequence (not the design) of the law's coming in was, not the taking away of sin, but the increase of it. Yet where sin abounded, grace did much more abound - Not only in the remission of that sin which Adam brought on us, but of all our own; not only in remission of sins, but infusion of holiness; not only in deliverance from death, but admission to everlasting life, a far more noble and excellent life than that which we lost by Adam's fall.

People's Bible Notes for Romans 5:20

Ro 5:20 Moreover law entered. Not the law, but law. The reference is not only to the law of Moses, but to all divine law, the law written in the hearts of the Gentiles. The effect of its entrance was that offenses abounded. Law was continually broken. The reference here is not to Adam's sin, but to the personal sins of each man. Grace did much more abound. The grace of the gospel offers a free pardon to all who have broken law if they will come to God through Christ.