Equitable Financial Life Insurance POS AM Prospectus update (post-effective amendment)

Exhibit 5

	DODIE KENT
	Vice President
	and Associate General Counsel
	(212) 314-3970
	(212) 707-1791
[AXA EQUITABLE — MEMBER OF THE GLOBAL AXA GROUP LOGO]	LAW DEPARTMENT
	August 31, 2012

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company

1290 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10104

Dear Sirs:

This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing by AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (“AXA Equitable”) of a Form S-3 Registration Statement of AXA Equitable (File No. 333-180899) for the purpose of registering Interests in the Structured Investment Option^® (“Interests”) under the Securities Act of 1933.

I have examined such corporate records of AXA Equitable and provisions of the New York insurance law as are relevant to authorization and issuance of the Interests and such other documents and laws as I consider appropriate. On the basis of such examination, it is my opinion that:

1. AXA Equitable is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of New York.

2. The Interests are duly authorized and when issued in accordance with applicable regulatory approvals will represent validly issued and binding obligations of AXA Equitable.

I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Dodie Kent

Dodie Kent

cc: Christopher E. Palmer, Esq.