For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
For {G1063} if {G1487} they which are of {G1537} the law {G3551} be heirs {G2818}, faith {G4102} is made void {G2758}, and {G2532} the promise {G1860} made of none effect {G2673}:
For if the heirs are produced by legalism, then trust is pointless and the promise worthless.
For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless,
For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect:
-
Philippians 3:9
¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: -
Galatians 3:18
For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. -
Galatians 3:24
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. -
Romans 3:31
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. -
Hebrews 7:28
For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. -
Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. -
Hebrews 7:19
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Romans 4:14 (KJV): "For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:"
Context
In Romans chapter 4, the Apostle Paul uses the example of Abraham to demonstrate that salvation and inheritance are received through faith, not through adherence to the Mosaic Law or circumcision. He argues that Abraham was declared righteous by God because he believed God's promise (Genesis 15:6), long before the Law was given or he was circumcised. This verse, Romans 4:14, is a strong statement within this argument, outlining the logical consequence if the inheritance were based on law-keeping rather than faith.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "they which are of the law" (Greek: ek nomou) refers to those who identify themselves and base their relationship with God primarily on their adherence to the Mosaic Law. "Made void" (Greek: kenoo) means emptied or rendered ineffective. "Made of none effect" (Greek: katargeo) means annulled, abolished, or deprived of force. These strong terms emphasize that if the law is the requirement for inheritance, faith becomes pointless, and the promise itself is invalidated.
Related Scriptures
This verse powerfully articulates Paul's consistent message that righteousness and inheritance come by faith. He develops this theme extensively, particularly in his letter to the Galatians, where he states that if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise. The promise made to Abraham, foundational to this verse, is further explained as fulfilled in Christ, through whom believers become heirs according to the promise by faith.
Reflection
Romans 4:14 serves as a critical reminder that God's plan of salvation is centered on grace received through faith, not on human effort or law-keeping. If inheriting God's promises depended on perfectly fulfilling the law, then faith would be unnecessary, and the promise itself, which is freely given, would be nullified. This verse underscores the exclusivity of faith as the means by which believers are connected to Abraham's spiritual lineage and receive the blessings God has promised.