Bible Verse

Romans 6:23

Paul explains the contrast between slavery to sin and slavery to righteousness, showing the end result of each path.

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

— Romans 6:23 (NIV)

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Other Translations

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

— ESV

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

— KJV

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

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Romans 6 addresses whether Christians should sin freely since we're under grace. Paul argues that we've died to sin and are now slaves to righteousness.

Historical Background

Written around 57 AD to explain the gospel systematically. This verse summarizes the contrast between sin's payment and God's gift.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"For the wages of sin is death"

'Wages' (Greek: opsonia) means payment earned, compensation for work. Sin pays what's earned—death. This includes spiritual death (separation from God), physical death, and eternal death. Sin's paycheck is always death.

"but the gift of God"

'But' shows stark contrast. Unlike wages (earned), this is 'gift' (charisma)—unearned, free, gracious. We don't work for it or deserve it. God gives what we could never earn.

"is eternal life"

'Eternal life' (zoe aionios) is not just endless existence but quality of life—knowing God (John 17:3), experiencing His presence forever. It's the opposite of death—life abundant and everlasting.

"in Christ Jesus our Lord"

Eternal life is found only 'in Christ'—through union with Jesus. 'Jesus' is His human name, 'Christ' His title (Messiah), 'Lord' His authority. All salvation is in Him alone, accessible through Him.

Key Themes

Wages of sinGift of eternal lifeDeath versus lifeGrace not worksSalvation in Christ

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Recognize that sin always leads to death—don't minimize sin's serious consequences.

  2. 2

    Receive eternal life as God's gift, not something you can earn through good works.

  3. 3

    Thank God regularly that eternal life is a gift, not wages you earned.

  4. 4

    Share this verse when explaining the gospel—it clearly contrasts sin's payment with God's gift.

  5. 5

    Live from the security of having eternal life as a gift, not working to earn it.

Questions for Reflection

  • Do you truly understand that you can't earn eternal life—it's only God's gift?
  • How does recognizing sin's wages change your view of sin's seriousness?
  • Have you received God's gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus?
  • Are you trying to earn what God freely offers as a gift?

Related Scripture

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works."

John 10:28

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

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