Romans 4:20

KJV

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} He staggered {G1252} not {G3756} at {G1519} the promise {G1860} of God {G2316} through unbelief {G570}; but {G235} was strong {G1743} in faith {G4102}, giving {G1325} glory {G1391} to God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

He did not by lack of trust decide against God’s promises. On the contrary, by trust he was given power as he gave glory to God,

Berean Standard Bible

Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

American Standard Version

yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 4:20 celebrates Abraham's profound and unwavering faith in God's promise, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable natural obstacles. Rather than succumbing to doubt or disbelief, Abraham's conviction in God's power and faithfulness grew stronger, culminating in an act of worship as he gave glory to God for the certainty of His word. This verse highlights faith as an active, God-honoring trust that transcends human limitations and circumstances, serving as a foundational example for all who seek justification by faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 4 is a pivotal chapter in Paul's theological argument for justification by faith, a concept he introduces and develops from [Romans 3:21-31](/romans/3-21-31 "Romans 3:21-31 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Paul uses Abraham, the revered patriarch of Israel, as his prime example, demonstrating that Abraham was declared righteous by God not through adherence to the Mosaic Law (which came centuries later) or by circumcision (which occurred after his justification), but purely through his belief in God's promise. Verses [Romans 4:18-19](/romans/4-18-19 "Romans 4:18-19 - Abraham's Hope Against Hope") specifically set the stage for verse 20 by emphasizing the human impossibility of the promise (Abraham's advanced age and Sarah's barrenness), thereby magnifying the extraordinary nature of Abraham's faith. This immediate context underscores that Abraham's faith was not a naive optimism but a resolute trust in God's supernatural ability to fulfill what He had promised, despite all natural evidence to the contrary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and the continuation of a family line were paramount, often seen as a divine blessing and a guarantee of legacy. For a man like Abraham, already old and married to a barren woman, the promise of countless descendants would have been culturally astounding and biologically impossible. The Jewish people, to whom Paul was writing (among others), held Abraham in the highest esteem as their physical and spiritual father, often believing that their descent from him and their adherence to the Law secured their standing with God. Paul's argument in Romans 4 directly challenges this prevailing view, asserting that Abraham's primary identity as a justified individual was rooted in his faith, not his ethnicity or works. This reinterpretation was revolutionary, emphasizing God's universal plan of salvation through faith, accessible to both Jew and Gentile, as foreshadowed by Abraham's pre-circumcision justification (cf. [Romans 4:10-12](/romans/4-10-12 "Romans 4:10-12 - Abraham Justified Before Circumcision")).
* **Key Themes:** Romans 4:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Romans and beyond. Central is the theme of **Justification by Faith**, where Abraham's experience provides the historical and theological bedrock for Paul's assertion that righteousness is a gift received through belief, not earned through human effort or legalistic observance, as articulated in [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith"). The verse also highlights the **Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating that God's promises are utterly dependable, regardless of human limitations, echoing the truth that "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:9](/1_corinthians/1-9 "1 Corinthians 1:9 - God's Faithfulness")). Furthermore, the contrast between "unbelief" and "strong in faith" underscores the **Nature of True Faith** as an active, unwavering trust that glorifies God, rather than a passive assent or a wavering doubt. Abraham's response exemplifies that genuine faith is not merely intellectual agreement but a profound reliance on God's character and power, which in turn brings Him glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **staggered (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** From the root meaning "to separate thoroughly," this word implies to distinguish, judge, or decide. When used reflexively or in the middle voice, it can mean to hesitate, waver, or doubt. The negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_) preceding it emphatically states that Abraham did not waver in his judgment or doubt God's ability to fulfill His promise. His belief was firm and resolute, not characterized by internal conflict or indecision regarding God's word.
* **strong (Greek, _endynamóō'_):** Derived from "en" (in) and "dynamoo" (to empower), this verb means "to empower," "to strengthen," or "to be made strong." It suggests an active empowerment or an increase in strength. In Abraham's case, his faith was not merely present but was actively strengthened or made powerful, enabling him to overcome the natural reasons for doubt. This strength was not inherent but was likely derived from his focus on God's character and ability.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From a root meaning "to seem," "to think," or "to have an opinion," _dóxa_ refers to glory, honor, praise, or dignity. It signifies a manifestation of inherent worth or splendor, often associated with God's visible presence or renown. Abraham's act of "giving glory to God" through his strong faith means that his unwavering trust served to magnify God's character, power, and truthfulness, publicly acknowledging God's worthiness of praise and honor. His faith itself became an act of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief":** This clause presents a powerful negation, highlighting Abraham's steadfastness. The "promise of God" refers specifically to God's covenant with Abraham regarding his numerous descendants ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Descendants to Abraham")), despite his and Sarah's advanced age and Sarah's barrenness. The phrase "through unbelief" (Greek, _apistía_) specifies the *means* by which one might stagger—a lack of faith or faithfulness. Abraham's distinction was precisely his refusal to allow such unbelief to cause him to waver or doubt God's word. His mind was settled, his conviction firm, in the face of all human impossibility.
* **"but was strong in faith, giving glory to God":** This contrasting clause reveals the positive outcome of Abraham's refusal to stagger. Instead of weakness or doubt, his faith was "strong," indicating an active, robust, and empowered conviction. This strength was not self-generated but was a result of his focus on God's omnipotence and faithfulness. The ultimate result of this strong faith was "giving glory to God." This means that Abraham's unwavering trust in God, even against hope, served to honor God's character, power, and truthfulness. It was an act of worship, demonstrating that God alone is capable of fulfilling His promises, regardless of the circumstances. His faith affirmed God's absolute reliability and magnified His name.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 4:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting Abraham's unwavering faith directly against the potential for "unbelief." This sharp juxtaposition emphasizes the active choice involved in faith and highlights the qualitative difference between a human-centric perspective (which would doubt due to circumstances) and a God-centric one (which trusts in divine power). There is also an element of **Antithesis** in the structure of the verse itself, with "staggered not... through unbelief" being directly opposed by "but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, underscoring the positive outcome of faith as opposed to the negative consequence of doubt. Furthermore, the phrase "was strong in faith" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, attributing an active, dynamic quality to the abstract concept of faith, suggesting it is not merely a static belief but a vibrant, empowering force within the believer. Finally, the entire verse functions as an **Exemplum**, presenting Abraham as a model for all believers, demonstrating how genuine faith operates and what its ultimate result should be: the glorification of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's unwavering faith in Romans 4:20 serves as a theological cornerstone, illustrating that true righteousness before God is not earned but received through a trusting reliance on His promises. This concept transcends mere intellectual assent, embodying a profound conviction in God's character and power that actively dismisses doubt and magnifies His glory. Abraham's experience demonstrates that faith is the appropriate human response to divine revelation, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and ability to perform what He has promised, even when human reason or natural circumstances deem it impossible. His faith, therefore, was not a blind leap but an informed trust in the faithful God, setting a pattern for all believers who are called to live by faith, not by sight.

* [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [James 2:22](/james/2-22 "James 2:22 - Faith and Works Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's example in Romans 4:20 offers a profound challenge and encouragement to believers today. In a world often dominated by what is seen, measured, and logically explained, Abraham's faith calls us to trust in a God who operates beyond human limitations. When faced with seemingly impossible situations—whether personal struggles, global crises, or delayed answers to prayer—we are prone to "stagger through unbelief." This verse reminds us that true faith is not the absence of questions or difficulties, but the active choice to cling to God's promise and character, even when circumstances scream otherwise. Our faith is strengthened not by our own efforts, but by fixing our gaze on the reliability of the Promiser. When we choose to believe God's word over our doubts, we are, like Abraham, "giving glory to God." This act of faith becomes an act of worship, affirming His power, faithfulness, and truthfulness. It empowers us to live with hope and courage, knowing that the God who made the promise is utterly capable of fulfilling it, and in doing so, He is magnified through our trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "promises of God" am I currently struggling to believe due to challenging circumstances or perceived impossibilities?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I prone to "stagger through unbelief," and what steps can I take to strengthen my faith in those areas?**
* **How does my response to difficult situations either give glory to God or diminish His perceived power in my life?**
* **What practical actions can I take this week to intentionally focus on God's character and past faithfulness to bolster my present faith?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Abraham "staggered not"?**

Answer: To "stagger" (Greek: _diakrínō_) in this context means to waver, doubt, or be undecided. The phrase "staggered not" emphatically declares that Abraham did not hesitate, question, or doubt God's ability or intention to fulfill His promise, despite the overwhelming natural evidence against it (his old age, Sarah's barrenness). His faith was firm, resolute, and unwavering, demonstrating a settled conviction in God's word that transcended human reasoning. It signifies a profound inner stability and trust.

**How can Abraham's faith be "strong" when his circumstances were so weak?**

Answer: Abraham's faith was "strong" not because of his own inherent power or the favorable nature of his circumstances, but because it was rooted in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God. His strength in faith (Greek: _endynamóō_) implies that his faith was empowered, made robust, or invigorated by its object—God Himself. He looked beyond his own physical limitations and the "deadness" of Sarah's womb ([Romans 4:19](/romans/4-19 "Romans 4:19 - Abraham's Body and Sarah's Womb")) to 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")). This strength was a divine enablement, allowing him to maintain confidence in God's ability to do the impossible.

**Why is "giving glory to God" so important in the context of faith?**

Answer: "Giving glory to God" is the natural and highest outcome of genuine faith. When we believe God's promises, especially when they seem impossible, we are acknowledging His supreme power, trustworthiness, and sovereignty. Our faith validates His character and demonstrates that He is worthy of all praise and honor. It shows that we trust Him more than our circumstances, our logic, or our fears. This act of faith, therefore, becomes a profound act of worship, magnifying God's name and revealing His greatness to the world. It aligns our will with His, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all truth and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 4:20, by highlighting Abraham's unwavering faith and its outcome of glorifying God, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate object and fulfillment of such faith. Abraham's belief in God's promise of a "seed" ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - All Nations Blessed Through Abraham's Seed")) ultimately finds its complete realization in Jesus Christ, through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed. Just as Abraham's faith was "counted to him for righteousness" ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness")), so too is righteousness imputed to those who believe in Jesus, "who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification" ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Death and Resurrection for Justification")). Abraham's faith, which looked forward to a supernatural birth, foreshadows the spiritual rebirth available through Christ ([John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - Born Again")). Moreover, the "glory to God" that Abraham gave through his faith is supremely manifested in Christ, who is "the radiance of the glory of God" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Our faith, like Abraham's, is not merely in a promise, but in the person of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith")), through whom we too are enabled to live lives that bring ultimate glory to God.

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

Luke 1:45

And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

2 Timothy 2:1

¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 7:9

And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.