Romans 4:2

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.

For {G1063} if {G1487} Abraham {G11} were justified {G1344} by {G1537} works {G2041}, he hath {G2192} whereof to glory {G2745}; but {G235} not {G3756} before {G4314} God {G2316}.

For if Avraham came to be considered righteous by God because of legalistic observances, then he has something to boast about. But this is not how it is before God!

If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.

For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

Romans 4:2 (KJV): "For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God."

Context

This verse is part of Paul's detailed argument in the book of Romans explaining the doctrine of justification by faith. Having established that all people, Jews and Gentiles, are under sin and cannot be justified by works of the law (Romans 3:20), Paul now turns to Abraham, a revered figure in Jewish tradition, to demonstrate that even he was not justified by his own actions but by his faith. Verse 1 introduces Abraham, and verse 2 sets up a hypothetical scenario to highlight the consequence if works were the basis for righteousness.

Key Themes

  • Justification by Faith vs. Works: The core contrast is between being declared righteous through personal effort or through faith in God. Paul uses Abraham to show that the latter is the biblical pattern.
  • Boasting Excluded: If justification were by works, individuals would have grounds for boasting or taking pride in their own achievements before others.
  • God's Perspective is Paramount: While one might have cause for human glorying based on works, such boasting is irrelevant and invalid "before God," whose standard for righteousness is different.
  • Abraham's Example: Abraham serves as the primary historical example proving that faith, not works, is the basis of righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated 'justified' is dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning to be declared righteous, acquitted, or vindicated. It is a legal term signifying a favorable verdict. 'Works' comes from ergon (ἔργον), referring to deeds or actions, particularly adherence to the Law in this context. 'To glory' is from kauchēma (καύχημα), meaning a ground of boasting or pride, emphasizing the potential for self-commendation.

Reflection

Paul's point in Romans 4:2 is powerful: any righteousness achieved through human effort ("works") might give a person reason to boast in the eyes of others, but it holds no standing "before God." God's standard is perfect righteousness, which no human can achieve on their own. This verse reinforces the theme introduced earlier in Romans that boasting is excluded when justification is by faith (as a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law). Abraham, the father of faith, is presented not as someone who earned his righteousness through works, but as someone whose faith was credited as righteousness (Romans 4:3). This remains a foundational truth: salvation and righteousness are gifts received through faith, leaving no room for human pride before God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:31

    That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:30

    If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

  • 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:

  • Ephesians 2:9

    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

  • Galatians 6:13

    For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

  • Galatians 6:14

    But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
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