Could “all mankind” in Romans 5:18 mean not literally all, but “very many” (:19)?

When “all mankind” in the first part of Romans 5:18 truly means all mankind, then “all mankind” in the second part must mean the same. Otherwise, the comparison is not sound. And when “the many” in the first part of Romans 5:19 includes all mankind, then we have no reason whatsoever to assume that the second “the many” in the same verse would suddenly not mean all mankind.

In the Greek text, by the way, it does not say “very many,” but “hoi polloi,” which literally means “the many.” Which many? “The many” of verse 18, namely “all mankind.”

“All mankind” means that there are no exceptions. “The many” points to the great number.

Romans 5:18 and 19 (literally translated):

18 Consequently, then, as it was through one offense
for all mankind for condemnation,
thus also it is through one just award
for all mankind for life’s justifying.

19 For even as, through the disobedience of the one man,
the many were constituted sinners,
thus also, through the obedience of the One,
the many shall be constituted just.

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