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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 4:4 Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/45_Rom_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 4:4 - Abraham Justified by Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.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/4-3.htm" title="Romans 4:3">◄</a> Romans 4:4 <a href="/romans/4-5.htm" title="Romans 4:5">►</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 />Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now to the <i>one</i> working, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now to the one who works, his wage is not counted according to grace, but according to what is due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now to a laborer, his wages are not credited as a favor <i>or</i> a gift, but as an obligation [something owed to him].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Money paid to workers isn't a gift. It is something they earn by working. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When people work, their pay is not regarded as a gift but something they have earned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now to someone who works, wages are not considered a gift but an obligation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now to the one who works, the pay is not counted as gift, but as an obligation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh, is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But in the case of a man who works, pay is not reckoned a favour but a debt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and to him who is working, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now to the <i>one</i> working, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and to him who is working, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to him working, the reward is not reckoned according to favor, but according to debt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But for he who works, wages are not accounted according to grace, but according to debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But to him who works, wages are not considered as a favor but as that which is due to him.<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 />But the wages of one who labors are not accounted to him as a favor, but as that which is owed to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Now to him that works, the reward is not counted as a favor, but as a debt:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh, the reward is not brought to account as a favour, but as a debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the reward is not counted as a favour to him that has done good actions, but as a debt:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But in the case of a man who works, pay is not reckoned a favour but a debt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Now to him that works the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now to him that worketh the reward is not reckoned as a favor, but as a debt:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/4-4.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=856" 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 Justified by Faith</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- 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/3408.htm" title="3408: misthos (N-NMS) -- (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.">wages</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazomenō (V-PPM/P-DMS) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">the worker</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3049.htm" title="3049: logizetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. ">are not credited</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).">as</a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charin (N-AFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">a gift,</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/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">as</a> <a href="/greek/3783.htm" title="3783: opheilēma (N-ANS) -- A debt, offense, sin. From opheilo; something owed, i.e. a due; morally, a fault.">an obligation.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.…<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="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a></span><br />know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-6.htm">Romans 11:6</a></span><br />And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10-12</a></span><br />All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” / The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18-26</a></span><br />But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. / You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. / O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Luke 17:10</a></span><br />So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">1 Corinthians 1:29-31</a></span><br />so that no one may boast in His presence. / It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. / Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<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="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a></span><br />Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32</a></b></br> Wherefore? Because <i>they sought it</i> not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/11-6.htm">Romans 11:6,35</a></b></br> And if by grace, then <i>is it</i> no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if <i>it be</i> of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a></b></br> For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man <i>that is</i> an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/3-6.htm">Case</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Credited</a> <a href="/romans/1-14.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/romans/1-27.htm">Due</a> <a href="/acts/25-9.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/acts/27-12.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/romans/1-14.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-10.htm">Wage</a> <a href="/john/12-5.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/romans/2-10.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/romans/2-10.htm">Working</a> <a href="/romans/4-2.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Case</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Credited</a> <a href="/romans/8-12.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Due</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/romans/5-15.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/romans/8-12.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Wage</a> <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Working</a> <a href="/romans/4-6.htm">Works</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 wages of the worker</b><br>In the context of the Roman Empire, workers were typically paid for their labor, and this payment was considered their due. The concept of wages is used here to illustrate a principle of justice and fairness. Biblically, this idea is echoed in <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a>, which emphasizes the importance of paying workers their due wages. Theologically, this sets up a contrast between human effort and divine grace.<p><b>are not credited as a gift</b><br>The term "credited" is an accounting term, suggesting a transaction or reckoning. In the cultural context of Paul's time, a gift (Greek: "charis") was something given freely, without expectation of repayment. This phrase highlights the distinction between earning something through work and receiving something freely. This is a key theme in Paul's letters, particularly in <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>, where salvation is described as a gift from God, not a result of works.<p><b>but as an obligation</b><br>The word "obligation" implies a debt or duty that must be fulfilled. In the Roman legal system, obligations were binding and enforceable. This phrase underscores the idea that if salvation were based on works, it would be something owed, not freely given. This contrasts with the biblical teaching of grace, where God’s favor is unmerited. Theologically, this points to the futility of trying to earn God's favor through human effort, as seen in <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a>, which states that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological writings. Romans is one of his epistles, written to the believers in Rome.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_rome.htm">The Church in Rome</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the capital of the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in <a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4</a>, Abraham is a central figure in the surrounding context of <a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Romans 4</a>. Paul uses Abraham as an example of faith and righteousness apart from works.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_justification.htm">Understanding Justification</a></b><br><a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4</a> states, "Now to the one who works, his wages are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation." This highlights the distinction between earning wages through works and receiving righteousness as a gift through faith. Justification is not something we earn; it is a gift from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_grace.htm">The Nature of Grace</a></b><br>The Greek word for "gift" (charis) underscores the unmerited favor of God. Believers are called to live in the freedom of grace, recognizing that their standing before God is not based on their own efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works.htm">Faith and Works</a></b><br>While works are not the basis of our justification, they are the evidence of a living faith. Believers are encouraged to pursue good works as a response to the grace they have received, not as a means to earn God's favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_salvation.htm">Humility in Salvation</a></b><br>Understanding that salvation is a gift should lead to humility. Believers are reminded that they cannot boast in their own righteousness but should boast in the Lord who justifies the ungodly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_gratitude.htm">Living in Gratitude</a></b><br>The realization of grace should lead to a life of gratitude and worship. Believers are encouraged to live in a way that reflects their thankfulness for the gift of salvation.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) This, then (the righteousness attributed to Abraham), was an act of grace on the part of God, and not of merit on the part of man. It therefore carries with it no ground of boasting.<p>The proposition is put in a general form. Those who base their claim on works have a right to their reward. It is not conceded to them by any sort of imputation, but is their <span class= "ital">desert.</span> On the other hand (<a href="/romans/4-5.htm" title="But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.">Romans 4:5</a>), those who rely only upon faith, even though ungodly themselves, have righteousness imputed to them. This latter was Abraham's case, and not the former. (The specific application to Abraham is not expressed, but implied.)<p><span class= "bld">The reward.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">his wages.</span> The relation between what he receives and what he does is that of wages for work done. He can claim it, if need be, in a court of law. There is in it no element of grace, or favour, or concession.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4, 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt</span> (literally, <span class="accented">according to grace, but according to the debt, i.e.</span> according to what is due). <span class="cmt_word">But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness</span>. The expression, "him that worketh" (<span class="greek">τῷ</span> <span class="greek">ἐργαζομένῳ</span>), evidently means him that works with a view to a reward which he can claim; or, as Luther explains it, "one who deals in works;" or, as we might say with the same signification, "the worker." (For a like use of the present participle, cf. <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">Galatians 5:3</a>, <span class="greek">τῷ</span> <span class="greek">περιτεμνομένῳ</span>.) So also in ver. 5, <span class="greek">τῷ μὴ</span> <span class="greek">ἐργαζομένῳ</span> means one who does <span class="accented">not</span> so work. Thus there is here no denial of the necessity of good works. <span class="accented">It is the principle only of justification</span> that is in view. "Neque enim fideles vult esse ignavos; sed tantum mercenarias esse vetat, qui a Deo quicquam reposcant quasi jure debitum" (Calvin). One view of the meaning of <span class="greek">τῷ ἐργαζομένῳ</span> is that it is equivalent to <span class="greek">τῷ ἐργάτῃ</span>, being meant as an illustration, thus: The workman's wage is due to him, and not granted as a favour (so Afford). But this notion does not suit the <span class="greek">τῷ μὴ ἐργαζομένῳ</span> in the following verse. The strong word <span class="greek">ἀσεβῆ</span> ("ungodly") is not to be understood as designating Abraham himself, the proposition being a general one. Nor does it imply that continued <span class="greek">ἀσέβεια</span> is consistent with justification; only that even the <span class="greek">ἀσεβεῖς</span> are justified through faith on their repentance and amendment (cf. <a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Romans 5:6</a>, <span class="greek">ὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν ἀπέθανε</span>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/4-4.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</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wages</span><br /><span class="grk">μισθὸς</span> <span class="translit">(misthos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3408.htm">Strong's 3408: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">Τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] worker</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐργαζομένῳ</span> <span class="translit">(ergazomenō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">are not credited</span><br /><span class="grk">λογίζεται</span> <span class="translit">(logizetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or 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">as</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a gift,</span><br /><span class="grk">χάριν</span> <span class="translit">(charin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> </span><span class="str2">From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an obligation.</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀφείλημα</span> <span class="translit">(opheilēma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3783.htm">Strong's 3783: </a> </span><span class="str2">A debt, offense, sin. From opheilo; something owed, i.e. a due; morally, a fault.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/4-4.htm">NT Letters: Romans 4:4 Now to him who works the reward (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 4:5" /></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>