Romans 6:23 Explained

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." — Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Romans 6:23 contrasts what we earn with what we are given — one of the gospel's sharpest summaries in a single sentence.

Read it in context: Romans 6 · The Book of Romans. Also gathered under verses about salvation.

Romans 6:23 in context

What does Romans 6:23 mean?

The contrast is deliberate and exact. 'Wages' is what you earn — sin pays you death, and you have earned every cent. 'Gift' (charisma) is unearned — eternal life cannot be worked for, only received. The asymmetry is the gospel: we earn death, we are given life, and the bridge is 'through Jesus Christ our Lord.'

What is the context of Romans 6:23?

Paul has been arguing that grace does not license sin (Romans 6). He ends the chapter with a stark contrast between two masters and two outcomes: sin pays death; God gives life.

How do I pray Romans 6:23?

Pray this verse honestly about your own sin — own the wage you have earned. Then receive the gift you have not. The verse refuses both despair (death is real) and pride (life is gift).

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