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Romans 4

BSB·25 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1WhatΤίTi — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → shall we sayἐροῦμενeroumen — to say, speak, or declareG2046 — Full Word Study → that Abraham, ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → forefatherπροπάτοραpropatora — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →, has discoveredεὑρηκέναιheurēkenai — to find, discover, or obtainG2147 — Full Word Study →? 2Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → AbrahamἈβραὰμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study → was indeed justifiedἐδικαιώθηedikaiōthē — to declare righteous; to justifyG1344 — Full Word Study → byἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → worksἔργωνergōn — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study →, he hadἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → something to boast aboutκαύχημαkauchēma — that which is boasted in; grounds for boasting or prideG2745 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → beforeπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 3Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → whatτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → does the Scriptureγραφὴgraphē — Writing, scripture, sacred textG1124 — Full Word Study → sayλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →? “AbrahamἈβραὰμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study → believedἘπίστευσενEpisteusen — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → it was creditedἐλογίσθηelogisthē — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → to himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → asεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → righteousnessδικαιοσύνηνdikaiosynēn — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study →.” 4Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wagesμισθὸςmisthos — Wages, reward, or payment for laborG3408 — Full Word Study → ofΤῷTō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → the worker are not creditedλογίζεταιlogizetai — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → asκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → a giftχάρινcharin — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → asκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → an obligationὀφείλημαopheilēma — A debt or obligation owedG3783 — Full Word Study →. 5Howeverδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study →, to the one who does not workἐργαζομένῳergazomenō — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → believesπιστεύοντιpisteuonti — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → inἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → Him whoτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → justifiesδικαιοῦνταdikaiounta — to declare righteous; to justifyG1344 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wicked, hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → faithπίστιςpistis — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → is creditedλογίζεταιlogizetai — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → asεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → righteousnessδικαιοσύνηνdikaiosynēn — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study →. 6Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → DavidΔαυὶδDauid — BelovedG1138 — Full Word Study → speaksλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → likewiseκαθάπερkathaper — just as, even as, in the same way asG2509 — Full Word Study → of theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → blessednessμακαρισμὸνmakarismon — Blessedness, the state of being blessedG3108 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → manἀνθρώπουanthrōpou — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → to whomhō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → creditsλογίζεταιlogizetai — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → righteousnessδικαιοσύνηνdikaiosynēn — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study → apart fromχωρὶςchōris — without; apart from; separatelyG5565 — Full Word Study → worksἔργωνergōn — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study →: 7BlessedΜακάριοιMakarioi — Blessed; happy; favored by GodG3107 — Full Word Study → are they whose lawless actsἀνομίαιanomiai — violation of God's law; lawlessnessG458 — Full Word Study → are forgivenἀφέθησανaphethēsan — to release, forgive, or send awayG863 — Full Word Study →, whoseὧνhōn — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → sinsἁμαρτίαιhamartiai — transgression, violation of God's law; wrongdoingG266 — Full Word Study → are coveredἐπεκαλύφθησανepekalyphthēsan — to cover over; to conceal or hideG1943 — Full Word Study →. 8Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never countλογίσηταιlogisētai — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → against himοὗhou — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study →.” 9Is this blessingμακαρισμὸςmakarismos — Blessedness, the state of being blessedG3108 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study →ly on theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → circumcisedπεριτομὴνperitomēn — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → uncircumcisedἀκροβυστίανakrobystian — Uncircumcision; the state of being uncircumcisedG203 — Full Word Study →? We have been sayingλέγομενlegomen — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → thathē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Abraham’sἈβραὰμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study → faithπίστιςpistis — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → wasεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → credited to him as righteousnessδικαιοσύνηνdikaiosynēn — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study →. 10In what contextπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → was it creditedἐλογίσθηelogisthē — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study →? Was it after his circumcisionπεριτομῇperitomē — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → before? It was not after, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → before. 11AndΚαὶKai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he receivedἔλαβενelaben — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → the sign of circumcisionπεριτομῆςperitomēs — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study → as a seal of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → righteousnessδικαιοσύνηςdikaiosynēs — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study → that he had byτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → while he was still uncircumcised. So thenεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study →, heαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → isεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the father of allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → believeπιστευόντωνpisteuontōn — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → but are not circumcisedἀκροβυστίαςakrobystias — Uncircumcision; the state of being uncircumcisedG203 — Full Word Study →, in order thatεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → righteousnessδικαιοσύνηνdikaiosynēn — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study → might be creditedλογισθῆναιlogisthēnai — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → to themαὐτοῖςautois — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 12Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he is also the father of the circumcisedπεριτομῆςperitomēs — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study → whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → onlyμόνονmonon — only, alone, solelyG3440 — Full Word Study → are circumcisedπεριτομῆςperitomēs — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → walkστοιχοῦσινstoichousin — to walk in line with, to follow orderlyG4748 — Full Word Study → in theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → footstepsἴχνεσινichnesin — footstep, track, or mark left behindG2487 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → that ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → fatherπατρὸςpatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → AbrahamἈβραάμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study → had before he was circumcisedἀκροβυστίᾳakrobystia — Uncircumcision; the state of being uncircumcisedG203 — Full Word Study →. 13Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → promiseἐπαγγελίαepangelia — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study → to AbrahamἈβραὰμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study → and hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → offspringσπέρματιspermati — seed; offspring; descendantG4690 — Full Word Study → thatτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → heαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → would beεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → heirκληρονόμονklēronomon — one who inherits; an heirG2818 — Full Word Study → of the world was notΟὐOu — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → given through the law, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → the righteousness that comes by faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. 14Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → thoseοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → who live by the law are heirs, faithπίστιςpistis — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → is uselessκεκένωταιkekenōtai — To empty, nullify, or drain of powerG2758 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → promiseἐπαγγελίαepangelia — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study → is worthlessκατήργηταιkatērgētai — to abolish, nullify, or render ineffectiveG2673 — Full Word Study →, 15becauseγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lawνόμοςnomos — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study → bringsκατεργάζεταιkatergazetai — to work out, accomplish, produceG2716 — Full Word Study → wrathὀργὴνorgēn — Divine or human anger; wrathG3709 — Full Word Study →. Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → whereοὗhou — where, whither, to which placeG3757 — Full Word Study → there isἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → noοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → lawνόμοςnomos — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study →, there is no transgressionπαράβασιςparabasis — Violation of law; breaking of a commandG3847 — Full Word Study →. 16ThereforeΔιὰDia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study →, the promise comes byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → it may rest onκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → graceχάρινcharin — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → and may be guaranteedβεβαίανbebaian — firm, sure, steadfast, confirmedG949 — Full Word Study → to allπαντὶpanti — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → Abraham’s offspringσπέρματιspermati — seed; offspring; descendantG4690 — Full Word Study →notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → onlyμόνονmonon — only, alone, solelyG3440 — Full Word Study → to those who areτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lawνόμουnomou — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to those who areτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → the faith of AbrahamἈβραάμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study →. He isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the father of usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →. 17Asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → it is writtenγέγραπταιgegraptai — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study →: “I have madeτέθεικάtetheika — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → youσεse — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → a fatherΠατέραPatera — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → of manyπολλῶνpollōn — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → nationsἐθνῶνethnōn — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study →.” He is our father in the presence of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, in whomοὗhou — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → he believedἐπίστευσενepisteusen — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study →, the God who gives lifeζωοποιοῦντοςzōopoiountos — To make alive; to give life; to quickenG2227 — Full Word Study → to theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → deadνεκροὺςnekrous — dead, lifeless, corpseG3498 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → callsκαλοῦντοςkalountos — to call, summon, or nameG2564 — Full Word Study → into being whatτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → does not yetὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → existὄνταonta — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study →. 18Againstπαρ’par’ — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → all hopeἐλπίδαelpida — confident expectation; hope; trust in God's promisesG1680 — Full Word Study →, Abraham inἐπ’ep’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → hopeἐλπίδιelpidi — confident expectation; hope; trust in God's promisesG1680 — Full Word Study → believedἐπίστευσενepisteusen — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → and soεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → becameγενέσθαιgenesthai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → the father of manyπολλῶνpollōn — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → nationsἐθνῶνethnōn — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study →, just asκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → he had been toldεἰρημένονeirēmenon — to say, speak, or declareG2046 — Full Word Study →, “SoΟὕτωςHoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → shall your offspringσπέρμαsperma — seed; offspring; descendantG4690 — Full Word Study → beἔσταιestai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study →.” 19Withoutμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → weakeningἀσθενήσαςasthenēsas — to be weak, to lack strength, to be sickG770 — Full Word Study → in his faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, he acknowledgedκατενόησενkatenoēsen — To observe carefully; to perceive with attentionG2657 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → decrepitnessνενεκρωμένονnenekrōmenon — to put to death, mortify, deadenG3499 — Full Word Study → of hisἑαυτοῦheautou — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study → (since he wasὑπάρχωνhyparchōn — to be, exist, or be presentG5225 — Full Word Study → aboutπουpou — somewhere, in some placeG4225 — Full Word Study → a hundred years oldἑκατονταετήςhekatontaetēs — A person of advanced age, specifically one hundred years oldG1541 — Full Word Study →) andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lifelessnessνέκρωσινnekrōsin — Death, deadness, or the state of being deadG3500 — Full Word Study → of Sarah’sΣάρραςSarras — Princess, noblewomanG4564 — Full Word Study → wombμήτραςmētras — womb; the female reproductive organG3388 — Full Word Study →. 20Yetδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → he did not waverδιεκρίθηdiekrithē — to distinguish, judge, or doubt between optionsG1252 — Full Word Study → through disbeliefἀπιστίᾳapistia — Lack of faith; disbelief or unbeliefG570 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → promiseἐπαγγελίανepangelian — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → was strengthenedἐνεδυναμώθηenedynamōthē — to strengthen, empower, make strongG1743 — Full Word Study → in hisτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → and gave gloryδόξανdoxan — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study → to GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, 21being fully persuaded thatπληροφορηθεὶςplērophorētheis — to fully assure or convince completelyG4135 — Full Word Study → God was ableδυνατόςdynatos — Able, capable, powerful, mightyG1415 — Full Word Study → to doποιῆσαιpoiēsai — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → whatho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → He had promisedἐπήγγελταιepēngeltai — to promise, profess, or claim openlyG1861 — Full Word Study →. 22This is whyδιὸdio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study →it was creditedἘλογίσθηElogisthē — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → to himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → asεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → righteousnessδικαιοσύνηνdikaiosynēn — Righteousness; right standing with GodG1343 — Full Word Study →.” 23Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → the words “it was creditedἘλογίσθηElogisthē — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → to himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →were writtenἐγράφηegraphē — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → notΟὐκOuk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → onlyμόνονmonon — only, alone, solelyG3440 — Full Word Study → forδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → Abraham, 24butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → forδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, to whomοἷςhois — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → righteousness will be credited—for us whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → believeπιστεύουσινpisteuousin — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → inἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → Him whoτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → raisedἐγείρανταegeiranta — To raise up, arise, or awakenG1453 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → the dead. 25He was delivered over to deathπαρεδόθηparedothē — to hand over; to deliver up; to betrayG3860 — Full Word Study → forδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → trespassesπαραπτώματαparaptōmata — A deliberate transgression or breach of covenantG3900 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → was raised to lifeἠγέρθηēgerthē — To raise up, arise, or awakenG1453 — Full Word Study → forδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → justificationδικαίωσινdikaiōsin — Justification; the act of being declared righteousG1347 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Romans 4
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In this chapter, Paul demonstrates that justification—being declared righteous before God—has always been by faith, not by works of the law. He uses Abraham as the supreme biblical example, showing that even the father of the faithful was justified through believing God, not through his own efforts. Paul then addresses Jewish believers who might wonder whether circumcision and the law give them special standing, clarifying that Abraham's righteousness came before circumcision and that all who believe—both Jew and Gentile—inherit the same promise through faith. This chapter is foundational to understanding the gospel and refutes the false notion that we earn God's favor through moral achievement.

Verses 1–5: Abraham Justified by Faith, Not Works

Paul opens by asking what Abraham "found" regarding justification based on fleshly effort (v. 1). The answer is simple: if Abraham had been justified by works, he would have grounds for boasting—but not before God (v. 2). Scripture settles the matter decisively in verse 3: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (citing Genesis 15:6). Paul then establishes a crucial principle (vv. 4–5): when someone works, wages are owed as a debt, not grace. But when someone stops trying to earn favor and instead believes on Him that justifieth the ungodly, that faith is counted for righteousness. This is the heart of the gospel—we are saved not by achievement but by trust in God's gracious declaration.

Verses 6–8: David Confirms the Blessing of Imputed Righteousness

To reinforce his point, Paul cites King David, who describes the blessedness of the person to whom God imputes righteousness without works (v. 6). The psalm quotation (Psalm 32:1–2) speaks of forgiveness and the non-imputation of sin—God actively choosing not to count our transgressions against us. This is not merely the absence of judgment; it is the positive gift of Christ's righteousness credited to our account. Both Abraham and David, giants of the Old Testament, were justified by faith and the grace of God, not by their own righteousness.

Verses 9–12: The Blessing Extends to All Who Believe

Paul then asks whether this blessing belongs only to circumcised Jews (v. 9). His answer: Abraham's faith was reckoned for righteousness while he was uncircumcised (vv. 10–11). Circumcision came afterward as a seal of the righteousness he already possessed through faith. This is crucial: the sign followed the reality. Abraham became the father of all believers—circumcised and uncircumcised alike—who walk in faith (v. 12). The physical covenant sign does not create righteousness; faith does.

Verses 13–22: The Promise Comes Through Faith, Not Law

The promise that Abraham would be heir of the world came through faith, not through law (v. 13). If the inheritance depended on law-keeping, faith would be emptied of meaning and God's promise nullified (v. 14). The law actually produces wrath by exposing our sin (v. 15). Therefore, the promise comes by faith and grace so that it might be sure for all of Abraham's spiritual descendants (v. 16). Paul then demonstrates Abraham's faith in action: he believed God for a son despite his age and his wife's barrenness (vv. 18–21). Abraham did not stagger at God's promise through unbelief but was strong in faith, giving glory to God—and this faith was imputed to him for righteousness (v. 22).

Verses 23–25: The Same Faith Applied to Jesus Christ

Paul concludes by bringing the application home: Abraham's story was recorded not only for him but for us also (v. 23). Our righteousness is imputed when we believe on Him who raised Jesus from the dead (v. 24). Christ was delivered for our offenses and raised for our justification—completing what Abraham's faith anticipated.

Application for Today

Just as Abraham's righteousness came through faith alone, our standing before God rests entirely on believing in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. We cannot earn or maintain our salvation through works; we receive it as a gift through trusting in God's promise. Whether you struggle with perfectionism or legalism, remember: God declares you righteous not because of what you do, but because of whom you trust. Rest in that grace today.

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