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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> As it is written: &#8220I have made you a father of many nations.&#8221 He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. <a href="/nlt/romans/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. <a href="/esv/romans/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. <a href="/bsb/romans/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As 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. <a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> as it has been written: "I have made you a father of many nations."--before God whom he believed, the One giving life to the dead and calling into being the things not even existing, <a href="/kjv/romans/4.htm">King James Bible</a> (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. <a href="/nkjv/romans/4.htm">New King James Version</a> (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations” ) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; <a href="/nasb_/romans/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> (as it is written: “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, that is, God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that do not exist. <a href="/nasb/romans/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> (as it is written, &#8220A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU&#8221) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. <a href="/nasb77/romans/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. <a href="/lsb/romans/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”—in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. <a href="/amp/romans/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> (as it is written [in Scripture], “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. <a href="/csb/romans/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations — in the presence of the God in whom he believed, the one who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist. <a href="/hcsb/romans/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> in God&#8217s sight. As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations. He believed in God, who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist. <a href="/asv/romans/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. <a href="/cev/romans/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Scriptures say that Abraham would become the ancestor of many nations. This promise was made to Abraham because he had faith in God, who raises the dead to life and creates new things. <a href="/erv/romans/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. <a href="/gwt/romans/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> as Scripture says: "I have made you a father of many things." Abraham believed when he stood in the presence of the God who gives life to dead people and calls into existence nations that don't even exist. <a href="/gnt/romans/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> as the scripture says, "I have made you father of many nations." So the promise is good in the sight of God, in whom Abraham believed--the God who brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist. <a href="/isv/romans/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> As it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations." Abraham acted in faith when he stood in the presence of God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that don't yet exist. <a href="/msb/romans/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As 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. <a href="/net/romans/4.htm">NET Bible</a> (as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"). He is our father in the presence of God whom he believed--the God who makes the dead alive and summons the things that do not yet exist as though they already do. <a href="/nheb/romans/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations." This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were. <a href="/wbt/romans/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, even God, who reviveth the dead, and calleth those things which are not, as though they were. <a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> so that the promise should be made sure to all Abraham's true descendants; not merely to those who are righteous through the Law, but to those who are righteous through a faith like that of Abraham. Thus in the sight of God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and makes reference to things that do not exist, as though they did, Abraham is the forefather of all of us. As it is written, "I have appointed you to be the forefather of many nations." <a href="/web/romans/4.htm">World English Bible</a> As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> who is father of us all (according as it has been written: “A father of many nations I have set you,”) before Him whom he believed—God, who is quickening the dead, and is calling the things that are not as being. <a href="/blb/romans/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> as it has been written: "I have made you a father of many nations."--before God whom he believed, the One giving life to the dead and calling into being the things not even existing, <a href="/ylt/romans/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> who is father of us all (according as it hath been written -- 'A father of many nations I have set thee,') before Him whom he did believe -- God, who is quickening the dead, and is calling the things that be not as being. <a href="/slt/romans/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> (As it has been written, That have set thee father of many nations,) over against him who believed God, making alive the dead, and calling things not being as being.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> (As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations,) before God, whom he believed, who quickeneth the dead; and calleth those things that are not, as those that are. <a href="/cpdv/romans/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> in whom he believed, who revives the dead and who calls those things that do not exist into existence. For it is written: “I have established you as the father of many nations.” <a href="/nabre/romans/4.htm">New American Bible</a> as it is written, “I have made you father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> As it is written, I have made you a father of many peoples, in the presence of the God in whom you have believed, who quickens the dead, and who invites those who are not yet in being, as though they were present. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> According to what is written: “I have appointed you a father to the multitude of the nations, before God, in whom you believed, who gives life to the dead, and he calls those who are not as though they are.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> (as it is written: I have made you a father of many nations,) in the sight of him in whom he believed, even God, who makes the dead alive, and calls those things which are not, as though they were.<CM> <a href="/godbey/romans/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> as it has been written, That I have constituted thee the father of many nations, before God whom he believed, who quickens the dead, and calls things which are not as really existing: <a href="/haweis/romans/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> (as it is written ?that I have constituted thee father of many nations,?)<RX 1.17.5> before God, in whom he trusted, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not as if existing. <a href="/mace/romans/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> " I have made thee a father of many nations," then existing in the sight of God, whom he believed, who gives life to the dead, and calls forth things that are not, as if they were: <a href="/wey/romans/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> so that the promise should be made sure to all Abraham's true descendants; not merely to those who are righteous through the Law, but to those who are righteous through a faith like that of Abraham. Thus in the sight of God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and makes reference to things that do not exist, as though they did, Abraham is the forefather of all of us. As it is written, "I have appointed you to be the forefather of many nations." <a href="/worrell/romans/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> (as it has been written, "A father of many nations have I made you"), before God Whom he believed, Who maketh alive the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were; <a href="/worsley/romans/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> (as it is written, "I have made thee a father of many nations,") in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not as if they were: <a href="/parallel/romans/4-17.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=995" 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> …16Therefore, 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. 17<a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">As</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegraptai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">it is written:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: tetheika (V-RIA-1S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">“I have made</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Patera (N-AMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">a father</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollōn (Adj-GNP) -- Much, many; often. ">of many</a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnōn (N-GNP) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">nations.”</a> <a href="/greek/2713.htm" title="2713: katenanti (Prep) -- Opposite, in front (of), over against. From kata and enanti; directly opposite.">He is our father in the presence of</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hou (RelPro-GMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">in whom</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: episteusen (V-AIA-3S) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">he believed,</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 God who</a> <a href="/greek/2227.htm" title="2227: zōopoiountos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To make that which was dead to live, cause to live, quicken. From the same as zoon and poieo; tovitalize.">gives life</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3498.htm" title="3498: nekrous (Adj-AMP) -- (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.">dead</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: kalountos (V-PPA-GMS) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">calls</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-ANP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">into being</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">does not</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">yet</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-ANP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">exist.</a> 18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”…<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/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5</a> 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="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Hebrews 11:19</a> Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. <a href="/isaiah/41-8.htm">Isaiah 41:8</a> “But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— <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="/john/5-21.htm">John 5:21</a> For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28</a> He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-9.htm">2 Corinthians 1:9</a> Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1</a> And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Hebrews 11:12</a> And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. <a href="/1_peter/1-21.htm">1 Peter 1:21</a> Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God. <a href="/2_kings/5-7.htm">2 Kings 5:7</a> When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” <a href="/ezekiel/37-3.htm">Ezekiel 37:3-5</a> Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” / And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life. <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. <a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5</a> And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” <a href="/jeremiah/32-17.htm">Jeremiah 32:17</a> “Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>(As it is written, I have made you a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who vivifies the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were.I have.<a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Genesis 17:4,5,16,20</a> As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations… <a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">Genesis 25:1-34</a> Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah… <a href="/genesis/28-3.htm">Genesis 28:3</a> And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;before him.<a href="/romans/3-29.htm">Romans 3:29</a> Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:who quickeneth.<a href="/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2</a> For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.<a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Romans 8:11</a> But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.<a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Matthew 3:9</a> And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.calleth.<a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29,30</a> For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren… <a href="/romans/9-26.htm">Romans 9:26</a> And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.<a href="/isaiah/43-6.htm">Isaiah 43:6</a> I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Abraham's</a> <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/acts/2-39.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Forefather</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/romans/3-30.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/romans/4-2.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/john/6-63.htm">Quickeneth</a> <a href="/john/6-63.htm">Reviveth</a> <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/romans/3-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Writings</a> <a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Abraham's</a> <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/romans/5-13.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Forefather</a> <a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/romans/5-5.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/romans/4-25.htm">Life</a> <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/romans/4-20.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Quickeneth</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-7.htm">Reviveth</a> <a href="/romans/4-25.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/romans/8-36.htm">Writings</a> <a href="/romans/4-23.htm">Written</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'; 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It emphasizes the authority of Scripture as the foundation for the argument being made. The phrase often introduces a direct quotation from the Hebrew Scriptures, highlighting the importance of the written word in Jewish and early Christian tradition.“I have made you a father of many nations.” This is a direct quote from <a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5</a>, where God changes Abram's name to Abraham, signifying his role as the progenitor of many nations. This promise is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant, which is central to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. It underscores the idea that God's promises transcend ethnic and national boundaries, pointing to a spiritual lineage that includes all who share Abraham's faith.He is our father in the presence of God, Abraham is considered the spiritual father of all believers, not just the biological ancestor of the Jewish people. This phrase highlights the intimate relationship between Abraham and God, suggesting that his faith was recognized and affirmed in God's presence. It also implies that true kinship is based on faith rather than mere ancestry, aligning with the New Testament theme of spiritual adoption.in whom he believed, Abraham's faith is central to his righteousness and his role as the father of many nations. His belief in God is portrayed as unwavering and is the basis for his justification. This sets a precedent for the New Testament teaching that righteousness comes through faith, not works, as seen in <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Romans 4:3</a> and <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6-9</a>.the God who gives life to the dead This phrase reflects the power of God to bring life from death, a theme that resonates with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also alludes to the miraculous birth of Isaac, born to Abraham and Sarah when they were beyond childbearing years, symbolizing God's ability to fulfill His promises against all odds. This concept is foundational to Christian hope in the resurrection and eternal life.and calls into being what does not yet exist. This highlights God's creative power, reminiscent of the creation account in Genesis, where God speaks the universe into existence. It underscores the idea that God's word is powerful and effective, capable of bringing about His purposes. This creative authority is also seen in the prophetic declarations throughout Scripture, where God announces future events as though they are already accomplished, affirming His sovereignty and faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The central figure in this verse, Abraham is recognized as the father of many nations. His faith in God is a model for believers. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The one who made the promise to Abraham and who has the power to give life to the dead and call into existence things that do not exist. 3. <a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a> Refers to the many descendants and spiritual offspring of Abraham, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles who share in the faith of Abraham. 4. <a href="/topical/p/promise.htm">Promise</a> The covenant God made with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and that he would be the father of many nations. 5. <a href="/topical/f/faith.htm">Faith</a> The key theme of this passage, highlighting Abraham's belief in God's promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Just as Abraham believed in God's promise despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness, we are called to trust in God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible. <a href="/topical/g/god's_creative_power.htm">God's Creative Power</a> The phrase "calls into being what does not yet exist" reminds us of God's creative power, similar to the creation account in Genesis. We can trust God to bring about His will in our lives, even from nothing. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_heritage.htm">Spiritual Heritage</a> As believers, we are part of the spiritual lineage of Abraham. This connection calls us to live by faith and embrace our identity as children of God. <a href="/topical/l/life_from_death.htm">Life from Death</a> The reference to God giving life to the dead can be seen as a foreshadowing of the resurrection. It encourages us to have hope in God's power over life and death. <a href="/topical/u/universal_scope_of_the_gospel.htm">Universal Scope of the Gospel</a> The promise to Abraham that he would be a father of many nations points to the inclusivity of the Gospel, which is for all people, regardless of ethnic background.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Before him.--Rather, in the presence of. These words are to be connected closely with those which precede the parenthesis: "Who stands as the father of us all in the presence of that God in whom he believed." Abraham is regarded as (so to speak) confronting the Almighty, as he had done when the promise was first given to him.Who quickeneth.--"Who gives life to that which is dead, and issues His fiat to that which is not as though it were." The words have reference, in the first instance, to the dealings of God with Abraham, described in the verses that follow--(1) to the overruling of the laws of nature indicated in <a href="/romans/4-19.htm" title="And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:">Romans 4:19</a>; (2) to the declaration, "So shall thy seed be." There is, however, also an undercurrent of reference to the calling of the Gentiles: "I will call them My people which were not My people, and her beloved which was not beloved." <a href="/commentaries/romans/4-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>As καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. it is written: γέγραπται (gegraptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. “I have made τέθεικά (tetheika) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. a father Πατέρα (Patera) Noun - Accusative 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 many πολλῶν (pollōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. nations.” ἐθνῶν (ethnōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one. [He is our father] in the presence of κατέναντι (katenanti) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2713.htm">Strong's 2713: </a> Opposite, in front (of), over against. From kata and enanti; directly opposite. God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. in whom οὗ (hou) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. he believed, ἐπίστευσεν (episteusen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. the [God who] 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. gives life ζωοποιοῦντος (zōopoiountos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2227.htm">Strong's 2227: </a> To make that which was dead to live, cause to live, quicken. From the same as zoon and poieo; tovitalize. to the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <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. dead νεκροὺς (nekrous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3498.htm">Strong's 3498: </a> (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. calls καλοῦντος (kalountos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. [into] being ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural <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. what τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <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. {does} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. yet ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. exist. ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural <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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">NT Letters: Romans 4:17 As it is written I have made (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/4-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 4:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 4:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/4-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 4:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 4:18" /></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>