Romans 4:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Now the account of someone who is working is credited not on the ground of grace but on the ground of what is owed him.

Berean Standard Bible:

Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.

American Standard Version:

Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Now^{G1161} to him that worketh^{G2038} is^{G3049} the reward^{G3408} not^{G3756} reckoned^{G3049} of^{G2596} grace^{G5485}, but^{G235} of^{G2596} debt^{G3783}.

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Commentary for Romans 4:4

Romans 4:4 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians, which addresses the nature of justification—how one is made right with God. This verse is situated within a larger discussion on the example of Abraham, whom Paul uses to illustrate that righteousness comes through faith, not works. The historical context is the early Christian church grappling with the relationship between Jewish law and the newly emergent Christian faith.

The theme of Romans 4:4 centers on the concept of grace versus works. Paul argues that when a person works to earn their salvation, the reward they receive is not a gift of grace but something they have earned, like a wage. In other words, if salvation were based on law and adherence to it, then it would be a matter of obligation for God to reward individuals based on their works. This verse underscores the principle that grace cannot be earned; it is a free gift from God.

By contrasting grace and debt, Paul emphasizes that God's acceptance is not something that can be claimed on the basis of human achievement. This understanding of grace was revolutionary for both Jews and Gentiles of the time. For Jews, it challenged the notion that keeping the Law of Moses was the path to righteousness. For Gentiles, it offered hope outside of Jewish law and customs. Romans 4:4, therefore, is a cornerstone in the doctrine of justification by faith, a foundational principle of Christian theology that asserts believers are justified by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by their own efforts or adherence to the law.

*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: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G2038
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐργάζομαι
   Transliteration: ergázomai
   Pronunciation: er-gad'-zom-ahee
   Description: middle voice from ἔργον; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.:--commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3049
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λογίζομαι
   Transliteration: logízomai
   Pronunciation: log-id'-zom-ahee
   Description: middle voice from λόγος; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).
   
4. Strong's Number: G3408
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μισθός
   Transliteration: misthós
   Pronunciation: mis-thos'
   Description: apparently a primary word; pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad:--hire, reward, wages.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
6. 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.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5485
   There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: χάρις
   Transliteration: cháris
   Pronunciation: khar'-ece
   Description: from χαίρω; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
   
8. Strong's Number: G235
   There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀλλά
   Transliteration: allá
   Pronunciation: al-lah'
   Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
   
9. Strong's Number: G3783
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὀφείλημα
   Transliteration: opheílēma
   Pronunciation: of-i'-lay-mah
   Description: from (the alternate of) ὀφείλω; something owed, i.e. (figuratively) a due; morally, a fault:--debt.