Romans 4:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Romans 4:18 presents a profound paradox at the heart of Abraham's faith: he believed in hope despite the absence of any human reason for it. This verse encapsulates the extraordinary nature of Abraham's trust in God's promise to make him the father of many nations, a promise that defied biological limitations and human expectation. It stands as a pivotal example of faith that relies solely on the power and faithfulness of God, serving as a foundational text for understanding justification by faith for all believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 4:18 is situated within Paul's extensive theological argument in [Romans 4](/romans/4 "Romans 4 - Justification by Faith") that justification, or being declared righteous by God, is by faith alone, not by works of the law. Paul strategically employs Abraham, the revered patriarch of Israel, as the prime example to demonstrate this truth. He first establishes in [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness") (quoting [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham Believed the Lord")) that Abraham's faith was "counted to him as righteousness" long before the Mosaic Law was given or circumcision was instituted. Romans 4:18 then elaborates on the *quality* and *object* of this faith, specifically highlighting its extraordinary nature in the face of impossible circumstances, thereby underscoring that Abraham's righteousness was a gift received through belief, not earned through performance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abraham lived in the ancient Near East, a culture where lineage, progeny, and the continuation of a family name were paramount. To be childless, especially in old age, was considered a great personal tragedy and often a sign of divine disfavor. At the time of the promise in [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abraham"), Abraham and Sarah were well past childbearing age ([Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Genesis 17:17 - Abraham's Age and Sarah's Barrenness")). Sarah was barren ([Genesis 11:30](/genesis/11-30 "Genesis 11:30 - Sarah's Barrenness")). Thus, the promise that Abraham would be the "father of many nations" was biologically impossible from a human perspective. Paul's Roman audience, familiar with concepts of ancestry and the importance of a strong family line, would have understood the profound challenge Abraham faced and the radical nature of his trust in a God who could make the impossible possible.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Romans and the broader biblical narrative. The central theme is the nature of Abraham's faith, which was not based on favorable conditions or human possibility. The phrase "against hope believed in hope" captures this tension, contrasting human, natural hope (which was absent) with a divine, theological hope rooted purely in God's character and promise. Abraham's hope was anchored in the absolute reliability of God's spoken word, specifically the promise reiterated in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram to Abraham, Father of Many Nations") that he would be the "father of many nations." This highlights that true faith is not a blind leap but a confident expectation based on God's revealed truth. The explicit reference to "according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be" (a direct allusion to [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abraham")) underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Abraham's faith was a response to and reliance upon God's specific, powerful declaration. By demonstrating such faith, Abraham became the spiritual prototype and father not merely of physical Israel, but of all who would subsequently be justified by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, as Paul further develops in [Romans 4:11-12](/romans/4-11-12 "Romans 4:11-12 - Abraham, Father of the Circumcised and Uncircumcised Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** (G1680) This word appears twice in the verse. The first instance, "against hope," refers to human, natural expectation or possibility, which in Abraham's case was non-existent due to his and Sarah's advanced age and barrenness. The second instance, "believed in hope," signifies a theological hope—a confident, divinely-rooted expectation or assurance that transcends human limitations and is grounded solely in God's character and promises. Abraham's faith was not a denial of reality, but a transcendence of it by clinging to God's reality.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** (G4100) To have faith, to credit, or to entrust oneself to a person or thing. Here, it denotes Abraham's active and unwavering trust in God's ability and willingness to fulfill His seemingly impossible promise. It is a commitment of one's spiritual well-being and future to God's word, demonstrating a deep conviction in God's power and faithfulness.
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** (G1484) Primarily meaning a race or tribe, this term specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish peoples, often with the implication of being pagan. In the context of Abraham, the promise to be the "father of many nations" carries profound theological weight, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan through faith, a central theme of Paul's letter to the Romans.
* **spoken (Greek, _eréō'_):** (G2046) To utter, speak, or say. This highlights the verbal, declarative nature of God's promise to Abraham. Abraham's faith was not based on an internal feeling or a vague hope, but on a specific, audible, and authoritative word from God. His belief was a direct response to God's clear and unambiguous declaration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who against hope believed in hope":** This phrase captures the profound paradox of Abraham's faith. "Against hope" refers to the absence of any natural or human basis for hope—Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children. Yet, "believed in hope" signifies that Abraham's hope was not extinguished but rather redirected and firmly placed in God's supernatural ability and faithfulness, transcending all human obstacles.
* **"that he might become the father of many nations":** This clause states the specific content of the divine promise that Abraham believed. It refers to God's covenantal declaration to Abraham in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram to Abraham, Father of Many Nations"), signifying an innumerable progeny that would extend beyond physical descendants to encompass a spiritual lineage of believers from all ethnic backgrounds.
* **"according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be":** This final part explicitly grounds Abraham's faith in God's direct, verbal promise found in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abraham"). It emphasizes that Abraham's belief was a direct, obedient response to a specific divine revelation, underscoring the reliability and power of God's word to accomplish what it declares.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 4:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the striking phrase "against hope believed in hope." This juxtaposition highlights the tension between human impossibility and divine possibility, emphasizing that Abraham's faith was not a logical deduction but a supernatural reliance on God's character despite contrary evidence. There is also clear **Allusion** to the Old Testament, specifically to [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abraham") and [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram to Abraham, Father of Many Nations"), grounding Paul's argument in the foundational narratives of Israel. The **Repetition** of the word "hope" further underscores its dual meaning and the transformative nature of Abraham's faith, shifting from human expectation to divine assurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 4:18 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of saving faith and God's faithfulness. Abraham's belief in the face of human impossibility serves as the ultimate paradigm for all who are justified by faith, demonstrating that righteousness is not earned through human effort or adherence to law, but freely given by God to those who trust in His promises. This verse powerfully illustrates that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, and His word is utterly reliable, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. It also lays the groundwork for the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, as Abraham's promise was to be the "father of many nations," not just one. This expansive vision of God's redemptive plan, embracing all who believe, is central to Paul's gospel.

* [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham Believed the Lord, and it was Counted to him as Righteousness")
* [Galatians 3:6-9](/galatians/3-6-9 "Galatians 3:6-9 - Abraham's Faith and the Blessing for All Nations")
* [Hebrews 11:8-12](/hebrews/11-8-12 "Hebrews 11:8-12 - Abraham's Faith in God's Promise and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's faith in Romans 4:18 provides a timeless and profound lesson for every believer. In a world that often demands tangible evidence and logical pathways, Abraham's life calls us to a radical trust in the invisible God. When we face situations that appear humanly impossible—be it a chronic illness, a broken relationship, financial ruin, or a seemingly insurmountable obstacle to our calling—this verse reminds us that true faith is not a denial of reality, but a confident expectation rooted in God's unfailing character and His powerful promises, rather than in our limited circumstances. It challenges us to surrender our "against hope" scenarios to the God who specializes in the impossible, enabling us to persevere with a hope that defies logic and honors God's omnipotence. This kind of faith allows God to work in ways we could never imagine, fulfilling His word in His perfect timing and demonstrating His glory through our dependence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life are you currently facing that challenge your natural hope?**
* **How does Abraham's example encourage you to place your hope not in circumstances, but solely in God's promises?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a faith that "believes in hope" even when all human hope is gone?**
* **How might your reliance on God's power in impossible situations bring glory to Him and encourage others?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Abraham "against hope believed in hope"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a profound paradox of faith. The first "hope" refers to natural, human expectation or possibility. Given Abraham's and Sarah's advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, there was no human reason or "hope" for them to have children. The second "hope" refers to a theological, divinely-grounded hope—a confident expectation and assurance that is rooted purely in the character, power, and promises of God. So, "against hope believed in hope" means that despite the complete absence of any natural reason to expect a child, Abraham nevertheless placed his unwavering trust and confident expectation in God's supernatural ability to fulfill His promise, thereby transcending human limitations and relying solely on divine power. It highlights that true faith often operates beyond the realm of human logic and visible circumstances.

**How does Abraham's faith in Romans 4:18 relate to Christian faith today?**

Answer: Abraham's faith serves as the quintessential model for Christian faith today. Paul uses Abraham to demonstrate that justification—being declared righteous by God—is not achieved through works of the law, but through faith alone ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness")). Just as Abraham believed God's promise for a son despite impossible circumstances, so too are believers today called to place their faith in God's promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, even though it defies human understanding (e.g., the resurrection of the dead). Abraham's faith, which looked forward to a future fulfillment, mirrors the Christian's faith, which looks back to Christ's finished work on the cross and forward to His return and the consummation of all things. It teaches us that God honors faith that trusts in His power to do the impossible.

**Why is Abraham called the "father of many nations"?**

Answer: The promise that Abraham would be the "father of many nations" ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram to Abraham, Father of Many Nations")) has both a physical and a spiritual dimension. Physically, it refers to the numerous descendants that would come from him, including not only Israel but also other peoples. Spiritually, and more importantly for Paul's argument in Romans, it signifies that Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile. Through faith, people from "many nations" are grafted into the family of God, becoming spiritual descendants of Abraham ([Romans 4:11-12](/romans/4-11-12 "Romans 4:11-12 - Abraham, Father of the Circumcised and Uncircumcised Believers")). This promise underscores God's universal plan of salvation, extending beyond ethnic boundaries to encompass all who respond to Him in faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 4:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Abraham's extraordinary faith, believing in hope against all natural hope, perfectly foreshadows the ultimate "impossible" act of God: the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Just as Abraham believed God could bring life from a "dead" womb, so too do believers trust in the God "who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist" ([Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Who Gives Life to the Dead")). The promise that Abraham would become the "father of many nations" finds its spiritual culmination in Christ, who, through His atoning work, breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Hostility")). The "seed" promised to Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed, is ultimately Christ Himself ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). Therefore, Abraham's faith is not merely an ancient example, but a living testament to the God who, in Christ, has fulfilled all His promises, making a way for people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation to become spiritual children of Abraham through faith in the resurrected Son ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justification by Faith and Access to Grace")). All of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:24

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

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

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

Romans 5:5

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

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

Proverbs 13:12

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

Mark 5:35

¶ 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?