There are a lot of biblical phrases that have found their way into mainstream conversation. One of those phrases is “the wages of sin is death”. While some phrases have a straightforward meaning, others need to be explained. This is one such phrase. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase the wages of sin is death is from the bible, as such, the meaning can be left up to interpretation. For many, the phrase means that the punishment for sinning is death. For others, it means that when you sin or commit wrongdoings, there will be a punishment in the afterlife. For any action that is against the laws laid down in the bible, there will be a payment in blood or spirit.
The phrase can also mean that those who die after living a life full of sin will pay the price of eternal damnation. Most who follow the Christian faith believe that in order to avoid the consequences of sin, one must repent and be “saved”. By doing so, instead of having the wages of sin being death, there is a possibility of eternal life in heaven. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“You should always be mindful of your actions, the wages of sin is death and death is eternal”.
“Never worry about evil people getting their due, the wages of sin is death and god sees it all”.
“Verily, the wages of sin is death, so live life in a way that pleases the lord”.
“Consider accepting the faith, for the wages of sin is death and eternal damnation”.
Origin
The phrase the wages of sin is death comes from the bible. Specifically, Romans 6:23. The full scripture is "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." All throughout the bible, there are lessons that cover moral behavior and the eventual afterlife. The point of the phrase was to teach believers that their sins could only be erased by accepting the faith and repenting from their behaviors.
Phrases Similar to The Wages of Sin is Death
- Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
- Ezekiel 18:20 - The soul that sinneth, it shall die.
- Genesis 3:19 - For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
- Romans 5:21 - That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so, might grace reign through righteousness.
Phrases Opposite to The Wages of Sin is Death
- There are no relevant phrases that oppose this text.
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Ways People May Incorrectly Say The Wages of Sin is Death
Some ways that The Wages of Sin is Death is used incorrectly are:
- Since the wages of sin is death, you might as well live life to the fullest.
- In order to pay for his life, you have to give your own, after all, the wages of sin is death.
- The son should be punished in his father’s steed, the wages of sin is death and it applies to all.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase The Wages of Sin is Death
Some ways that The Wages of Sin is Death is used correctly are:
- No one lives forever, the wages of sin are death and your mistakes in life will follow you to the grave.
- No matter how famous you become, the wages of sin is death and the deity above keeps a firm accounting of all.
- In order to understand the passage that says the wages of sin are death, you should read the previous chapter.