Romans 4:18

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Who {G3739} against {G3844} hope {G1680} believed {G4100} in {G1909} hope {G1680}, that {G1519} he {G846} might become {G1096} the father {G3962} of many {G4183} nations {G1484}, according {G2596} to that which was spoken {G2046}, So {G3779} shall {G2071} thy {G4675} seed {G4690} be {G2071}.

For he was past hope, yet in hope he trusted that he would indeed become a father to many nations, in keeping with what he had been told, “So many will your seed be.”

Against 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.”

Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Commentary

Romans 4:18 beautifully encapsulates the nature of Abraham's faith – a faith that defied human logic and rested solely on God's divine promise. This verse highlights the foundation of Abraham's belief, which serves as a powerful example for all who seek justification by faith.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended argument in Romans 4 demonstrating that justification comes through faith, not works of the law. Paul uses Abraham, the revered father of the Jewish nation, as the prime example. He shows that Abraham was counted righteous by God long before the law was given and based purely on his belief in God's promise. Verses like Romans 4:3 (quoting Genesis 15:6) establish this point. Romans 4:18 then elaborates on the extraordinary quality of that faith, particularly regarding the promise of descendants.

Key Themes

  • Faith Against Circumstance: The phrase "against hope believed in hope" captures the human impossibility of Abraham having a child at his age and Sarah's barrenness, contrasted with his unwavering hope in God's ability to fulfill His promise.
  • Hope in God's Promise: Abraham's hope was not based on favorable circumstances but on the absolute reliability of God's spoken word, specifically the promise that he would be the father of many nations.
  • Fulfillment of God's Word: The verse explicitly references the fulfillment of God's statement, "So shall thy seed be," emphasizing that Abraham's faith was a response to and reliance upon God's specific declaration.
  • Abraham as the Father of Believers: By believing in this way, Abraham became the prototype and spiritual father not just of physical Israel, but of all who would later be justified by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, as Paul argues elsewhere in this chapter (Romans 4:11).

Linguistic Insights

The King James rendering "against hope believed in hope" effectively captures the tension. The first "hope" refers to natural, human hope based on observation and possibility (of which there was none). The second "hope" refers to a theological hope, a confident expectation rooted purely in the character and promise of God. Abraham's faith transcended the absence of natural hope by clinging to divine hope.

Reflection and Application

Abraham's example in Romans 4:18 is a powerful lesson for believers today. It teaches us that true faith is not dependent on our circumstances looking favorable. When faced with situations that seem impossible from a human perspective, we are called to place our hope and trust not in the visible reality ("against hope"), but in the invisible God and His unfailing promises ("believed in hope"). This kind of faith honors God because it relies entirely on His power and faithfulness, enabling us to persevere and see His word fulfilled in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:24 (12 votes)

    For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

  • Genesis 15:5 (9 votes)

    And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

  • Genesis 15:6 (9 votes)

    And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

  • Romans 5:5 (9 votes)

    And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

  • Acts 27:25 (8 votes)

    Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

  • Proverbs 13:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.

  • Mark 5:35 (5 votes)

    ¶ While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?