What does Romans 5:20 mean?

A strange verse!

Romans 5:20
The law was added so that the trespass might increase.

I think this is what it means.

God gave us the Law so that we might begin to see the extent of our sinfulness and fallen nature. Without the Law, we won't even know what sin is, and what kind of standards God expects of a perfect man.

If God had not given us the Law, we will not understand the extent of his grace towards us. We won't think as much of Jesus's sacrifice, or God's love for us when we were yet heinous sinners who offended Him greatly.

So the Law was added, so that we might see our great failure, and utter sinfulness. It's as if God took out our cataracts and enabled us to see ourselves more clearly, according to His standards.

So that the glory of God will be more revealed through his grace towards us, when He gives us the gift of eternal life through the death of Jesus.