What Does the Bible Mean by the Wages of Sin Is Death?

The Short Answer

Romans 6:23 means that sin leads to death while God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ. Paul uses the language of wages and gift to show two very different outcomes.

The verse sits at the end of a chapter about slavery, allegiance and the direction of a life. Paul has been contrasting service to sin with service to God. The word death therefore carries the full seriousness of sin’s outcome within that argument.

The second half of the verse is essential. Eternal life is presented as God’s gift in Christ. Paul’s purpose is to call believers away from sin and toward the life God gives.

Romans 6:23 in Its Full Context

The verse is often quoted alone in evangelism, and its immediate context adds important depth. Romans 6 addresses people who have been united with Christ and asks how they should now live.

Paul rejects the idea that grace gives permission to continue serving sin. He wants believers to understand that the master they serve shapes the destination of their lives.

Related free study: Is One Sin Enough to Send Someone to Hell?.

Study This Question in More Depth

For a complete study connected with What Does the Bible Mean by the Wages of Sin Is Death?, see AM I GOING TO HELL? What the Bible Really Says About Sin, Judgment and Eternal Destiny (available to our members also).

The Extra Study below takes What Does the Bible Mean by the Wages of Sin Is Death? further through the main Bible passages, their context and the response they call for in Christian faith.