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He is the father of us all. <a href="/nlt/romans/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. <a href="/esv/romans/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. <a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, for the promise to be sure to all the seed, not only to that of the Law, but also to that of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us of all-- <a href="/kjv/romans/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, <a href="/nkjv/romans/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all <a href="/nasb_/romans/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/nasb/romans/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/nasb77/romans/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/lsb/romans/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be according to grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all— <a href="/amp/romans/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, [inheriting] the promise depends entirely on faith [that is, confident trust in the unseen God], in order that it may be given as an act of grace [His unmerited favor and mercy], so that the promise will be [legally] guaranteed to all the descendants [of Abraham]—not only for those [Jewish believers] who keep the Law, but also for those [Gentile believers] who share the faith of Abraham, who is the [spiritual] father of us all— <a href="/csb/romans/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants —not only to the one who is of the law but also to the one who is of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all. <a href="/hcsb/romans/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of Abraham&#8217s faith. He is the father of us all <a href="/asv/romans/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all <a href="/cev/romans/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Everything depends on having faith in God, so that God's promise is assured by his gift of undeserved grace. This promise isn't only for Abraham's descendants who have the Law. It is for all who are Abraham's descendants because they have faith, just as he did. Abraham is the ancestor of us all. <a href="/erv/romans/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all <a href="/gwt/romans/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Therefore, the promise is based on faith so that it can be a gift. Consequently, the promise is guaranteed for every descendant, not only for those who are descendants by obeying Moses' Teachings but also for those who are descendants by believing as Abraham did. He is the father of all of us, <a href="/gnt/romans/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> And so the promise was based on faith, in order that the promise should be guaranteed as God's free gift to all of Abraham's descendants--not just to those who obey the Law, but also to those who believe as Abraham did. For Abraham is the spiritual father of us all; <a href="/isv/romans/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, the promise is based on faith, so that it may be a matter of grace and may be guaranteed for all of Abraham's descendants—not only for those who were given the Law, but also for those who share the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. <a href="/msb/romans/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. <a href="/net/romans/4.htm">NET Bible</a> For this reason it is by faith so that it may be by grace, with the result that the promise may be certain to all the descendants--not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who have the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all <a href="/nheb/romans/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the descendants, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. <a href="/wbt/romans/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all; <a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> All depends on faith, and for this reason--that acceptance with God might be an act of pure grace, <a href="/web/romans/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Because of this [it is] of faith, that [it may be] according to grace, for the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that which [is] of the Law only, but also to that which [is] of the faith of Abraham, <a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, for the promise to be sure to all the seed, not only to that of the Law, but also to that of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us of all-- <a href="/ylt/romans/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Because of this it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, for the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that which is of the law only, but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham, <a href="/slt/romans/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore of faith, that according to grace; the promise to be firm to all the seed; not to that of the law only, but also to that of the faith of Abraham; who is father of us all,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/cpdv/romans/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Because of this, it is from faith according to grace that the Promise is ensured for all posterity, not only for those who are of the law, but also for those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all before God, <a href="/nabre/romans/4.htm">New American Bible</a> For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, <a href="/nrsvce/romans/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore it is by faith that we will be justified by grace; so that the promise might be sure to all his seed; not only to him who is of the law, but also to him who is of the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Because of this, he would be justified by faith, which is by grace, and The Promise would be sure to all his seed, not to the one who is of The Written Law only, but also to the one who is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, the inheritance is by faith, that it may be according to grace, in order that the promise may be sure to all his posterity, not to those only who are of the law, but to those, also, who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/godbey/romans/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore it is by faith, in order that it may be by grace; that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not only of the law, but also of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, <a href="/haweis/romans/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Therefore it is by faith, that it might be of grace; in order that the promise might be secured to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, <a href="/mace/romans/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> therefore the inheritance is of faith, that it might be meerly of favour, to the end the promise might be assured to all his posterity, not to that part only who have the law, but to that also who have the faith of Abraham, the father of us all, as it is written, <a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> All depends on faith, and for this reason--that acceptance with God might be an act of pure grace, <a href="/worrell/romans/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all <a href="/worsley/romans/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace, that so the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, <a href="/parallel/romans/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=976" 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 Receives the Promise</a> …15because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. 16<a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: Dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">Therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">the promise comes</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelian (N-AFS) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">it</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">may rest on</a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charin (N-AFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">grace</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">and may be</a> <a href="/greek/949.htm" title="949: bebaian (Adj-AFS) -- Firm, steadfast, enduring, sure, certain. From the base of basis; stable.">guaranteed</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panti (Adj-DNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">to all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Abraham’s</a> <a href="/greek/4690.htm" title="4690: spermati (N-DNS) -- From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.">offspring—</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/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">only</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those who are</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those who are</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">the faith</a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-GMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">of Abraham.</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">He</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patēr (N-NMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">the father</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">of us</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all.</a> 17As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.…<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="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-9</a> Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / 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. <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Galatians 3:14-18</a> He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. / Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. / The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. ... <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="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8-12</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/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a> Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. <a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Genesis 17:4-5</a> “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. / No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. <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/6-13.htm">Hebrews 6:13-15</a> 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. <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/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17-18</a> 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. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” <a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28</a> Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of 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="/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. <a href="/acts/13-32.htm">Acts 13:32-33</a> And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers / He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’ <a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">2 Corinthians 1:20</a> For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,of faith.<a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Romans 3:24-26</a> Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: … <a href="/romans/5-1.htm">Romans 5:1</a> Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:<a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-12,22</a> Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham… the promise.<a href="/hebrews/6-13.htm">Hebrews 6:13-19</a> For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, … <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10</a> Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:but to.<a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11</a> And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:the father.<a href="/romans/9-8.htm">Romans 9:8</a> That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.<a href="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a> Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/romans/4-9.htm">Abraham's</a> <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Acceptance</a> <a href="/romans/2-2.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Act</a> <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Adherents</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">End</a> <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Guaranteed</a> <a href="/romans/4-15.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/20-26.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/romans/4-2.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/acts/8-21.htm">Share</a> <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Abraham's</a> <a href="/romans/11-15.htm">Acceptance</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/romans/5-18.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">Adherents</a> <a href="/romans/5-12.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">End</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Guaranteed</a> <a href="/romans/5-13.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/romans/5-21.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Share</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/romans/4-21.htm">Word</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/romans/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Therefore, the promise comes by faith This phrase emphasizes the foundational Christian doctrine that the promises of God, particularly the promise of salvation, are accessed through faith. The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis," which conveys trust, belief, and confidence. Historically, this reflects the shift from the Jewish law-based righteousness to a faith-based righteousness, as Paul addresses both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. The promise is not earned by works but is a gift received through faith, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of grace.so that it may rest on grace The word "grace" in Greek is "charis," meaning unmerited favor. This highlights the nature of God's promise as a gift, not something that can be earned. In the historical context of the early church, this was a radical departure from the prevailing Jewish thought that emphasized adherence to the law. Grace ensures that the promise is available to all, regardless of their ability to fulfill the law, underscoring the inclusivity of the Gospel.and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring The term "guaranteed" suggests a certainty and assurance that is rooted in God's faithfulness. The promise is not just for the physical descendants of Abraham but for all who share in the faith of Abraham. This reflects the Abrahamic covenant, which was not limited to ethnic Israel but extended to all nations, as seen in <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>. The historical context here is crucial, as Paul is addressing a diverse audience in Rome, emphasizing the unity of believers.not only to those who are of the law This phrase refers to the Jewish people who were given the Mosaic Law. Paul acknowledges their place in God's redemptive history but clarifies that the promise is not confined to them. The historical context is the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church, where Paul seeks to bridge the gap by highlighting the universal scope of God's promise.but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham Here, Paul expands the scope of God's promise to include Gentiles who share Abraham's faith. The "faith of Abraham" is a faith that trusts in God's promises despite circumstances, as Abraham did when he believed God's promise of a son. This phrase underscores the spiritual lineage that transcends ethnic boundaries, uniting all believers under the same promise.He is the father of us all This concluding phrase reinforces the idea of spiritual kinship among believers. Abraham is the "father" not just of the Jewish nation but of all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (<a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Genesis 17:4-5</a>). In the early church, this was a powerful message of unity and inclusion, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging among diverse believers.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Therefore it is of faith.--The words "it is" have to be supplied. "It" stands for the Messianic inheritance, or, in common phrase, salvation. Faith on man's part is correlative with grace on the part of God, and salvation being thus dependent upon grace is as wide and universal as grace itself. It knows no restriction of law.Not to that only which is of the law.--Not only to that part of the human race which belongs to the dispensation of the Law, but also to that which is in a spiritual sense descended from Abraham by imitating his faith.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16, 17. - Therefore it is of faith, that it may be according to grace (κατὰ χάριν, as in ver. 4); to the end the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the Law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all, (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee,) before him whom he believed, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth the things that are not as though they were. Ver. 16 introduces no new thought, being but a summing up of what has been said, except that, in ver. 17, the text <a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5</a> is adduced in support of the extended sense in which "the seed of Abraham" has been understood. In ver. 17, too, the thought is introduced of how Abraham evinced his faith; and this with a view of showing it to have been in essence the same as the justifying faith of Christians. <a href="/commentaries/romans/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore, Διὰ (Dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the promise comes] τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. by ἐκ (ek) 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. faith, πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. [it] ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. may rest on κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). grace χάριν (charin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. [and] may be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. guaranteed βεβαίαν (bebaian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_949.htm">Strong's 949: </a> Firm, steadfast, enduring, sure, certain. From the base of basis; stable. to all παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [Abraham’s] τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. offspring— σπέρματι (spermati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4690.htm">Strong's 4690: </a> From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant. 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. only μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. to those who are τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of ἐκ (ek) 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. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law, νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to those who are τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of ἐκ (ek) 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. [the] faith πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. of Abraham. Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) Noun - Genitive 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. [He] ὅς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] father πατὴρ (patēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. of us ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. all. πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">NT Letters: Romans 4:16 For this cause it is of faith (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 4:17" /></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>