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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 4:23 Now the words "it was credited to him" were written not only for Abraham,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/4-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/45_Rom_04_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 4:23 - Abraham Receives the Promise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the words it was credited to him were written not only for Abraham," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/4-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/4-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/4-22.htm" title="Romans 4:22">◄</a> Romans 4:23 <a href="/romans/4-24.htm" title="Romans 4:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The words &#8220it was credited to him&#8221 were written not for him alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now it was not written on account of him alone that "it was credited to him,"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now not for his sake only was it written THAT IT WAS COUNTED TO HIM,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now not for his sake alone was it written that it was credited to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />just as we read in the Scriptures. But these words were not written only for Abraham. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the words "his faith was regarded as God's approval of him" were written not only for him<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The words "he was accepted as righteous" were not written for him alone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the words "it was credited to him" were written not only for him <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the words ?it was credited to him? were written not only for Abraham,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the statement it was credited to him was not written only for Abraham's sake,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now it was not written that it was credited to him for his sake alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Nor was the fact of its being placed to his credit put on record for his sake only;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it was not written on his account alone that it was reckoned to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now it was not written on account of him alone that "it was credited to him,"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it was not written on his account alone, that it was reckoned to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was not written for him alone, that it was reckoned to him;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now it is not written only for him, that it was reputed to him unto justice, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now this has been written, that it was reputed to him unto justice, not only for his sake,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But it was not for him alone that it was written that “it was credited to him”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />That his faith was given for righteousness, was not written for his sake alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And this was not written for his sake alone that his faith was accounted for righteousness,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But that it was counted to him, was not written for his sake alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And it was not written on account of him alone, that it was imputed to him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake only, that it was imputed to him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />now this saying, "that it was accounted to him," was not written for his sake alone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Nor was the fact of its being placed to his credit put on record for his sake only;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned to him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now it was not written on his account only, that it was imputed to him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/4-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=1055" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Abraham Receives the Promise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">the words</a> <a href="/greek/3049.htm" title="3049: Elogisthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. ">“it was credited</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to him”</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: egraphē (V-AIP-3S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">were written</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">only</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">for</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Abraham,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a></span><br />Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6</a></span><br />So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-23.htm">James 2:23</a></span><br />And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">1 Corinthians 10:11</a></span><br />Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8-12</a></span><br />By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. / By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. / For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-8.htm">Galatians 3:8-9</a></span><br />The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17-19</a></span><br />By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a></span><br />After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-31.htm">John 20:31</a></span><br />But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a></span><br />Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-13.htm">Hebrews 6:13-15</a></span><br />When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, / saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.” / And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Galatians 3:29</a></span><br />And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></b></br> For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">1 Corinthians 9:10</a></b></br> Or saith he <i>it</i> altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, <i>this</i> is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">1 Corinthians 10:6,11</a></b></br> Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Accounted</a> <a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Credited</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Imputed</a> <a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/acts/20-26.htm">Record</a> <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Words</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Accounted</a> <a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Credited</a> <a href="/romans/7-3.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Imputed</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Record</a> <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/romans/9-8.htm">Words</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/4-10.htm">before he was circumcised.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/4-13.htm">By faith only he and his seed received the promise.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Abraham is the father of all who believe.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Our faith also shall be credited to us as righteousness.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now the words “it was credited to him”</b><br>This phrase refers to <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a>, where God credits righteousness to Abraham because of his faith. The concept of crediting righteousness is foundational in understanding justification by faith. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, covenants and promises were often sealed by faith and trust, rather than by works or deeds. This sets a precedent for the New Testament teaching that righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Christ, not by adherence to the law.<p><b>were written not only for Abraham,</b><br>This indicates that the account of Abraham's faith was recorded for a purpose beyond his own life. The historical context shows that the Jewish people revered Abraham as the patriarch of their faith, and his example was meant to instruct future generations. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative that God's promises and actions are not limited to one individual or time but have implications for all believers. It also aligns with the New Testament teaching that the Old Testament scriptures were written for our instruction (<a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a>), showing that the principles of faith and righteousness apply universally.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>A key figure in the Bible, known as the father of faith. His belief in God's promises was credited to him as righteousness, setting a precedent for faith-based righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, who wrote to the believers in Rome to explain the principles of faith and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a></b><br>The city to which Paul addressed his letter, a center of early Christianity and a place where believers were grappling with the integration of Jewish and Gentile Christians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_foundation_of_righteousness.htm">Faith as the Foundation of Righteousness</a></b><br>Abraham's example shows that righteousness comes through faith, not works. This principle is foundational for understanding salvation in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_the_gospel.htm">The Universality of the Gospel</a></b><br>The promise to Abraham extends to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/scripture's_relevance_for_today.htm">Scripture's Relevance for Today</a></b><br>The words "it was credited to him" were written not just for Abraham's sake but for ours, underscoring the timeless relevance of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_by_faith.htm">Living by Faith</a></b><br>Just as Abraham trusted God’s promises, believers today are called to live by faith, trusting in God's promises through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_understanding_faith.htm">The Role of Scripture in Understanding Faith</a></b><br>Studying the Bible helps us understand the nature of faith and how it applies to our lives, encouraging us to trust in God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_say_not_to_call_anyone_'father'.htm">Why does Jesus tell people not to call anyone 'father' (Matthew 23:9), yet the Bible refers to Abraham as 'our father' (Romans 4:16)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_romans_4_16_unite_faith,_grace,_law.htm">In Romans 4:16, how can Paul unite faith, grace, and law under Abraham's example without dismissing the importance of the Mosaic Law elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_abraham's_faith_'righteousness'.htm">In Romans 4:3, how can Abraham's faith be considered 'righteousness' when James 2:21-24 suggests a different view of his justification?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23-25) Application of the foregoing. The history of Abraham is a type of the dispensation of grace; his faith, the imputation of righteousness to him, and his reward, each severally a type of the same things in the Christian. Even in details the resemblance holds. Abraham put faith in a God "who quickeneth the dead," and in like manner the Christian must put faith in God as the Author of a scheme of salvation attested by the resurrection of Christ. The death of Christ was the ground of that scheme, the resurrection of Christ its proof, without which it would not have been brought home to man.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/4-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Now</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the words]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“it was credited</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἐλογίσθη</span> <span class="translit">(Elogisthē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3049.htm">Strong's 3049: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him”</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῷ</span> <span class="translit">(autō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were written</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγράφη</span> <span class="translit">(egraphē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">Οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(Ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only</span><br /><span class="grk">μόνον</span> <span class="translit">(monon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">δι’</span> <span class="translit">(di’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Abraham],</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/4-23.htm">NT Letters: Romans 4:23 Now it was not written that it (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/4-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 4:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 4:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/4-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 4:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 4:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>