Romans 4:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then what should we say Avraham, our forefather, obtained by his own efforts?

Berean Standard Bible:

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, has discovered?

American Standard Version:

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

What^{G5101} shall we say^{G2046} then^{G3767} that Abraham^{G11} our^{G2257} father^{G3962}, as pertaining^{G2596} to the flesh^{G4561}, hath found^{G2147}?

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Commentary for Romans 4:1

Romans 4:1 is a pivotal verse in the Apostle Paul's argument about justification by faith, not by works of the Law. In this verse, Paul raises a rhetorical question to address the status of Abraham, who is considered the patriarch of the Jewish faith and is often esteemed for his obedience and righteousness. The historical context is crucial: Paul is writing to a Roman Christian community that includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. They are grappling with the relationship between the Jewish Law and the new covenant in Christ.

The verse specifically asks, "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?" This question sets the stage for Paul to discuss the nature of Abraham's righteousness. Paul is preparing to argue that Abraham's justification came before his circumcision, which was a sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. By doing so, Paul emphasizes that Abraham's faith, not his adherence to the Law or his physical descent (the flesh), was credited to him as righteousness (as referenced in Genesis 15:6 and later expounded in Romans 4:3).

In the verses that follow, Paul will use Abraham as an example to demonstrate that righteousness is granted by faith, apart from the works of the Law. This is a radical shift for Jewish understanding, which traditionally saw the Law as central to righteousness. Paul's argument is inclusive, showing that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith, and it lays a foundation for the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which became a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation centuries later.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5101
   There are 483 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τίς
   Transliteration: tís
   Pronunciation: tis
   Description: probably emphatic of τὶς; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2046
   There are 71 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐρέω
   Transliteration: eréō
   Pronunciation: er-eh'-o
   Description: probably a fuller form of ῥέω; an alternate for ἔπω in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say:--call, say, speak (of), tell.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3767
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὖν
   Transliteration: oûn
   Pronunciation: oon
   Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
   
4. Strong's Number: G11
   There are 3442 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἀβραάμ
   Transliteration: Abraám
   Pronunciation: ab-rah-am'
   Description: of Hebrew origin (אַבְרָהָם); Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch:--Abraham. (In Acts 7:16 the text should probably read Jacob.)
   
5. Strong's Number: G2257
   There are 365 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἡμῶν
   Transliteration: hēmōn
   Pronunciation: hay-mone'
   Description: genitive case plural of ἐγώ; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3962
   There are 372 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πατήρ
   Transliteration: patḗr
   Pronunciation: pat-ayr'
   Description: apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote):--father, parent.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2596
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατά
   Transliteration: katá
   Pronunciation: kat-ah'
   Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4561
   There are 130 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σάρξ
   Transliteration: sárx
   Pronunciation: sarx
   Description: probably from the base of σαρόω; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such):--carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
   
9. Strong's Number: G2147
   There are 168 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εὑρίσκω
   Transliteration: heurískō
   Pronunciation: hyoo-reh'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of a primary , which (together with another cognate form) is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively):--find, get, obtain, perceive, see.