CINXE.COM

<!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 4:2 If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/4-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/45_Rom_04_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 4:2 - Abraham Justified by Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God." /><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/4-2.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/4-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/4-1.htm" title="Romans 4:1">◄</a> Romans 4:2 <a href="/romans/4-3.htm" title="Romans 4:3">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/romans/4.htm">New International Version</a> If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. <a href="/nlt/romans/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. <a href="/esv/romans/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has ground of boasting, but not toward God. <a href="/kjv/romans/4.htm">King James Bible</a> For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. <a href="/nkjv/romans/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/nasb_/romans/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. <a href="/nasb/romans/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/nasb77/romans/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. <a href="/lsb/romans/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God! <a href="/amp/romans/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For if Abraham was justified [that is, acquitted from the guilt of his sins] by works [those things he did that were good], he has something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/csb/romans/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God. <a href="/hcsb/romans/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God. <a href="/asv/romans/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. <a href="/cev/romans/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If he became acceptable to God because of what he did, then he would have something to brag about. But he would never be able to brag about it to God. <a href="/erv/romans/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. <a href="/gwt/romans/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If Abraham had God's approval because of something he did, he would have had a reason to brag. But he could not brag to God about it. <a href="/gnt/romans/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about--but not in God's sight. <a href="/isv/romans/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by actions, he would have had something to boast about—though not before God. <a href="/msb/romans/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/net/romans/4.htm">NET Bible</a> For if Abraham was declared righteous by the works of the law, he has something to boast about--but not before God. <a href="/nheb/romans/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. <a href="/wbt/romans/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God. <a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For if he was held to be righteous on the ground of his actions, he has something to boast of; but not in the presence of God. <a href="/web/romans/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For if Abraham was declared righteous by works, he has to boast—but not before God; <a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has ground of boasting, but not toward God. <a href="/ylt/romans/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for if Abraham by works was declared righteous, he hath to boast -- but not before God; <a href="/slt/romans/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has boasting; but not toward God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God. <a href="/cpdv/romans/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he would have glory, but not with God. <a href="/nabre/romans/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For if Abraham were justified by works, he had reason to be proud; but not before God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For if Abraham were declared righteous by works, he would have had pride; but not in the presence of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he has cause for boasting, but not before God. <a href="/godbey/romans/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For if Abraham were justified by works, he has glorification; but not before God. <a href="/haweis/romans/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath cause for glorying; though not before God. <a href="/mace/romans/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for if Abraham was justified by works, he had matter of pretension, whereas he had no such claim from God. <a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For if he was held to be righteous on the ground of his actions, he has something to boast of; but not in the presence of God. <a href="/worrell/romans/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For, if Abraham was justified by works, he has ground of boasting, but not toward God. <a href="/worsley/romans/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something to boast of; but this he hath not before God: <a href="/parallel/romans/4-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=838" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Abraham Justified by Faith</a> 1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, has discovered? 2<a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-NMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">Abraham</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1344.htm" title="1344: edikaiōthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From dikaios; to render just or innocent.">was indeed justified</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">he had</a> <a href="/greek/2745.htm" title="2745: kauchēma (N-ANS) -- A boasting; a ground of boasting (glorying, exultation). From kauchaomai; a boast in a good or a bad sense.">something to boast about,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">before</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a> Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6</a> So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” <a href="/james/2-21.htm">James 2:21-23</a> Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? / You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. / 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. <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8-10</a> 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. <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a> Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” <a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1-5</a> When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. / I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” / Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, ... <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">Galatians 3:9</a> So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Galatians 3:29</a> And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. <a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17-19</a> 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. <a href="/genesis/22-15.htm">Genesis 22:15-18</a> And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, / saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, / I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. ... <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a> For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast. <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. <a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a> He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a> He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a> Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.Abraham.<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20-28</a> Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin… <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:he hath.<a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Romans 3:27</a> Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.<a href="/romans/15-17.htm">Romans 15:17</a> I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.<a href="/ezekiel/8-9.htm">Ezekiel 8:9</a> And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.but.<a href="/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12,13,18,20</a> Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive… <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9-13</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done… <a href="/joshua/24-2.htm">Joshua 24:2</a> And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/romans/2-23.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/romans/2-25.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/romans/3-30.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Held</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/3-30.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/3-30.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Something</a> <a href="/acts/28-19.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/romans/4-25.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/4-20.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/romans/15-23.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Held</a> <a href="/romans/5-1.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/romans/5-1.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Something</a> <a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 4</div>1. <a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness;</a> 10. <a href="/romans/4-10.htm">before he was circumcised.</a> 13. <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">By faith only he and his seed received the promise.</a> 16. <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Abraham is the father of all who believe.</a> 24. <a href="/romans/4-24.htm">Our faith also shall be credited to us as righteousness.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>If Abraham was indeed justified by works, The concept of justification by works refers to the idea that a person can be declared righteous based on their actions or adherence to the law. In the Jewish tradition, Abraham is often seen as a model of faith and obedience. <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a> states, "Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness." This verse is foundational in understanding that Abraham's righteousness was based on faith, not works. The Apostle Paul uses Abraham as an example to argue against the notion that human efforts can achieve justification. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes faith over works, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>.he had something to boast about, Boasting in the biblical context often refers to taking pride in one's own achievements or status. In the Greco-Roman world, boasting was a common practice, especially among those who achieved honor or status through their deeds. However, the biblical narrative consistently points out that true righteousness and justification come from God, not human effort. <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a> warns against boasting in wisdom, might, or riches, but rather in understanding and knowing God. Paul emphasizes that if justification were by works, it would allow for human boasting, which contradicts the humility required before God.but not before God. This phrase underscores the idea that human standards of righteousness and boasting do not apply in the divine realm. God's standards are perfect and holy, and human efforts fall short of His glory, as stated in <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>. The cultural context of the time placed significant emphasis on honor and status, but Paul redirects the focus to God's perspective, where human boasting is irrelevant. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and reliance on God's grace, as seen in the Beatitudes (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3-12</a>). The ultimate example of this is Jesus Christ, who, though He had every reason to boast, humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> A key patriarch in the Bible, Abraham is often referred to as the "father of faith." His life and faith journey are central to understanding the concept of justification by faith. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a pivotal figure in the early Christian church. His writings often address the relationship between faith, works, and grace. 3. <a href="/topical/j/justification.htm">Justification</a> A theological term referring to being declared righteous before God. In this context, it is discussed in terms of faith versus works. 4. <a href="/topical/w/works.htm">Works</a> Actions or deeds performed in adherence to the law. Paul contrasts these with faith to highlight the basis of justification. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate judge of righteousness, before whom human boasting is irrelevant if based on works.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/justification_by_faith_alone.htm">Justification by Faith Alone</a> Abraham's example demonstrates that justification comes through faith, not by human effort or adherence to the law. This principle is foundational to Christian doctrine and emphasizes reliance on God's grace. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_boasting.htm">The Futility of Boasting</a> Human achievements or adherence to the law do not provide grounds for boasting before God. True righteousness is a gift from God, not a result of personal merit. <a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_basis_of_relationship_with_god.htm">Faith as the Basis of Relationship with God</a> Like Abraham, believers are called to trust in God's promises. This faith establishes a relationship with God that is not contingent on human works. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_role_of_works.htm">Understanding the Role of Works</a> While works do not justify, they are evidence of genuine faith. Believers are encouraged to live out their faith through actions that reflect their trust in God. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_salvation.htm">Humility in Salvation</a> Recognizing that justification is by faith fosters humility, as it acknowledges that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 4</a> <a href="/q/why_pay_latecomers_like_early_workers.htm">Why should latecomers receive equal pay as early workers?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_gal._2_16_with_jas._2_24.htm">Galatians 2:16 – How do we reconcile Paul’s teaching on faith alone for justification with James 2:24, which emphasizes works, without dismissing one or the other? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'sola_fide'_mean.htm">What does "Sola Fide" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_abraham_rebuked_in_genesis_20.htm">How does Genesis 20 reconcile Abraham’s repeated deception about Sarah being his sister without clear rebuke or consequence to Abraham? </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>(2) We know that he obtained justification. If that justification had been earned by his own works it would then have been something to be proud of; it would be a pride that he might fairly hold both towards men and towards God; for to men he could point to the privileged position that he had gained, and in the sight of God he would be able to plead a certain merit of his own. But he has not this merit. His justification was not earned, but it was bestowed upon him, not for the sake of his works, but of his faith. This is the express statement of Scripture. And hence it follows that though his privileged position in the sight of men remains, he has nothing to boast of before God.But not before God.--This is an instance of the rapid and eager dialectic of the Apostle. If the whole train of thought had been given it would probably have run much as above, but the greater part of it is suppressed, and the Apostle strikes straight at the one point which he intended to bring into relief. (Whatever there might be before men) there is no boasting before God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - For if Abraham was justified by works, be hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Many commentators take this verse to imply that, even if he was justified by works, he still had no ground of glorying before God, though he might have before men. But the drift of the whole argument being to show that he was not justified by works at all, this interpretation can hardly stand. "Not before God" must therefore have reference to the whole of the preceding sentence, in the sense, "It was not so in the sight of God." Before God (as appears from the text to be quoted) he had not whereof to glory on the ground of being justified by works, and therefore it follows that it was not by works that he was justified. <a href="/commentaries/romans/4-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. Abraham Ἀβραὰμ (Abraam) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. was indeed justified ἐδικαιώθη (edikaiōthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1344.htm">Strong's 1344: </a> From dikaios; to render just or innocent. by ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. works, ἔργων (ergōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. he had ἔχει (echei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. something to boast about, καύχημα (kauchēma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2745.htm">Strong's 2745: </a> A boasting; a ground of boasting (glorying, exultation). From kauchaomai; a boast in a good or a bad sense. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. before πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. God. Θεόν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/4-2.htm">NT Letters: Romans 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 4:3" /></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>