Romans 4:21

KJV

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} being fully persuaded {G4135} that {G3754}, what {G3739} he had promised {G1861}, he was {G2076} able {G1415} also {G2532} to perform {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for he was fully convinced that what God had promised he could also accomplish.

Berean Standard Bible

being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.

American Standard Version

and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 4:21 encapsulates the unwavering nature of Abraham's faith, which was credited to him as righteousness. It highlights his profound and absolute conviction that God, who had made an extraordinary promise, possessed not only the will but also the omnipotent power to bring that promise to complete fulfillment, even when all natural circumstances seemed to contradict its possibility. This verse serves as a climactic statement of Abraham's exemplary trust in God's faithfulness and ability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 4 is Paul's foundational argument for justification by faith, using Abraham as the prime Old Testament example. Paul meticulously demonstrates that Abraham's righteousness was reckoned to him not by works of the law or by circumcision, but solely through his faith (as stated in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness")). Prior to [Romans 4:21](/romans/4-21 "Romans 4:21 - Abraham's Full Persuasion"), verses [Romans 4:19-20](/romans/4-19-20 "Romans 4:19-20 - Abraham's Unwavering Faith Despite Circumstances") detail the humanly impossible circumstances Abraham faced: his own body was "as good as dead" (being about a hundred years old) and Sarah's womb was barren. Despite these overwhelming physical realities, Abraham "did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God." Verse 21 then climactically states the nature of this unshakeable faith – it was rooted in the absolute certainty of God's ability to perform what He had promised.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abraham lived in a pre-Mosaic covenant era, long before the Law was given at Sinai. His faith, therefore, could not be based on adherence to a legal code. The promise given to him by God was extraordinary: that he, an old man, and his barren wife, Sarah, would have countless descendants, becoming the father of many nations ([Genesis 17:5-6](/genesis/17-5-6 "Genesis 17:5-6 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). In the ancient Near East, lineage and progeny were paramount, and barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor. For a couple well past childbearing age to be promised a biological heir was not merely improbable; it was naturally impossible. Abraham's cultural context would have reinforced the futility of such a promise from a human perspective. His faith, therefore, was a radical departure from conventional wisdom, relying entirely on the supernatural power and faithfulness of a God who creates out of nothing and gives life to the dead ([Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Who Gives Life to the Dead")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Faith in God's Promises**, demonstrating that genuine faith is not a vague hope but a firm conviction in the specific, often seemingly impossible, promises of God. Abraham's faith was not in his own ability or favorable circumstances, but entirely in God's word. Secondly, it highlights **God's Omnipotence and Faithfulness**. Abraham's persuasion rested on the character of God – that He is both willing and supremely **able** to perform what He says. This speaks to God's absolute power over creation and natural laws. Thirdly, the phrase "fully persuaded" emphasizes **Full Assurance** as a hallmark of saving faith. It implies a complete lack of doubt, a deep-seated certainty that leaves no room for wavering, which is crucial for understanding the nature of the faith that justifies. Finally, this verse reinforces the theme of **Justification by Faith**, as this very quality of faith – believing in God's power to fulfill His word – is the basis upon which God "credited it to him as righteousness" ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Credited as Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fully persuaded (Greek, _plērophoréō'_):** From G4135 (πληροφορέω), meaning "to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e. completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish." This word signifies a complete and utter conviction, a deep-seated certainty that leaves no room for doubt or wavering. It's not merely intellectual assent but a profound inner assurance, a faith that has been "filled up" to its maximum capacity. In Abraham's case, it means his belief in God's promise was total, despite the overwhelming physical evidence to the contrary.
* **promised (Greek, _epangéllō'_):** From G1861 (ἐπαγγέλλω), meaning "to announce upon (reflexively), i.e. (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself." This term refers to a solemn declaration or a binding commitment made by God. It emphasizes that God's word is not a mere suggestion or possibility, but a divine pledge, a covenantal oath that He Himself is bound to uphold. Abraham's faith was directed precisely to this divine, self-attesting promise.
* **able (Greek, _dynatós'_):** From G1415 (δυνατός), meaning "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible." This word speaks directly to God's inherent power and capability. Abraham's conviction was not just that God would fulfill the promise, but that God possessed the necessary power to overcome all obstacles, including the laws of nature and human limitations, to bring it to pass. It highlights God's omnipotence as the bedrock of Abraham's faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And being fully persuaded that":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the profound depth of Abraham's conviction. The Greek "plērophoréō" (fully persuaded) denotes a state of complete assurance, a faith that has been brought to full measure and leaves no room for doubt. It implies a settled and unwavering certainty in the mind and heart of Abraham, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances of his old age and Sarah's barrenness.
* **"what he had promised":** This clause refers specifically to God's covenantal promise to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants and becoming the father of many nations. It underscores that Abraham's faith was not a vague spirituality but was anchored to the concrete, specific declarations of God. The divine promise is presented as the object of his unwavering persuasion, highlighting God's initiative and faithfulness in making the commitment.
* **"he was able also to perform":** This is the crucial theological core of the verse. Abraham's full persuasion rested not merely on the fact that God had promised, but on the absolute conviction that God possessed the power and capability to bring that promise to fruition. The word "able" (dynatós) emphasizes God's omnipotence. It means that Abraham believed God was not limited by human frailty, biological impossibility, or the passage of time. His faith was a testament to God's sovereign power to act supernaturally and fulfill His word, regardless of any natural impediment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Emphasis** is achieved through the strong phrasing "fully persuaded," highlighting the completeness and unwavering nature of Abraham's faith. This isn't a hesitant belief but a settled conviction. There's an implicit **Antithesis** at play, contrasting human inability and natural impossibility (Abraham's old age, Sarah's barrenness, as mentioned in [Romans 4:19](/romans/4-19 "Romans 4:19 - Abraham's Physical State")) with divine omnipotence and faithfulness. The verse asserts that God's ability transcends all human limitations. Furthermore, the simplicity and directness of the statement contribute to its **Clarity** and **Impact**, delivering a powerful theological truth about the nature of God and the faith that pleases Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 4:21 profoundly illustrates the nature of saving faith, which is not a mere intellectual assent or a vague hope, but a deep, unwavering conviction in God's character and His power to fulfill His promises. Abraham's faith served as a paradigm for all who would be justified by faith, demonstrating that true righteousness comes from trusting in God's ability to do what seems impossible from a human perspective. This conviction in God's omnipotence and faithfulness is foundational to the Christian life, assuring believers that God is not only willing but also fully capable of accomplishing His redemptive purposes, both in the grand sweep of salvation history and in the personal lives of His people. It underscores that our hope is not in our own strength or circumstances, but in the unchangeable power and integrity of God.

* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [2 Timothy 1:12](/2_timothy/1-12 "2 Timothy 1:12 - Paul's Confidence in God's Power")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's "fully persuaded" faith in Romans 4:21 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. In a world often characterized by doubt, anxiety, and a reliance on human capability, Abraham's example calls us to fix our gaze on God's unchanging character and infinite power. Just as he faced seemingly insurmountable odds regarding the promise of a son, we too encounter circumstances that appear impossible – whether it's a desperate personal situation, a seemingly unanswerable prayer, or a daunting call to obedience. This verse reminds us that the quality of our faith is not measured by the absence of obstacles, but by our unwavering conviction in God's ability to transcend them. Our spiritual growth is often directly proportional to our trust in God's power to perform what He has promised in His Word, including His promises for salvation, sanctification, provision, and ultimate glorification. To be "fully persuaded" means to rest in the certainty that God is faithful to His word and mighty to act, allowing His promises to shape our perspective more than our problems.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific promises of God am I currently struggling to be "fully persuaded" about in my life?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a deep conviction in God's ability to perform what He has promised, even in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what areas am I relying more on my own understanding or human limitations than on God's omnipotent power?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "fully persuaded" faith like Abraham's, especially when circumstances seem to contradict God's word?**

### FAQ
**What does "fully persuaded" truly mean in the context of Abraham's faith?**

Answer: "Fully persuaded" (Greek: _plērophoréō_) means Abraham had an absolute, complete, and unwavering conviction in God's promise and ability. It implies a deep-seated certainty that left no room for doubt or hesitation, even when all natural circumstances (his old age and Sarah's barrenness, as described in [Romans 4:19](/romans/4-19 "Romans 4:19 - Abraham's Physical State")) made the promise seem impossible from a human perspective. His faith was not a fragile hope, but a robust and settled assurance in God's faithfulness and omnipotence.

**How does Abraham's faith in Romans 4:21 relate to our faith as Christians today?**

Answer: Abraham's faith serves as the quintessential model for Christian faith. Just as Abraham was justified by believing in God's promise and power, so too are believers today justified by faith in God's ultimate promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ ([Romans 4:24-25](/romans/4-24-25 "Romans 4:24-25 - Our Faith and Righteousness")). His "fully persuaded" conviction in God's ability to bring life out of death (in his body and Sarah's womb) foreshadows our faith in God's ability to raise Jesus from the dead and to grant spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead in sin. It teaches us that true faith looks beyond human limitations to God's infinite power.

**Is this verse implying that human effort is irrelevant if God is "able to perform"?**

Answer: This verse strongly emphasizes God's ability and faithfulness, not human effort. Paul's entire argument in [Romans 4](/romans/4 "Romans 4 - Justification by Faith") is to establish that righteousness comes by faith, not by works of the law. Abraham's faith was credited to him *because* he believed God was able to perform, not because of anything he did to earn it. While faith is an active response, its object is God's power and promise, not human merit. It highlights that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, received through a trusting reliance on His omnipotence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 4:21, with its emphasis on Abraham's unwavering conviction in God's ability to perform His promises, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "promise" to Abraham was ultimately a promise of a seed through whom all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). This seed is Christ, and the blessing is salvation. Abraham believed God could bring life from a "dead" body and a barren womb; this foreshadows God's ultimate act of bringing life from death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The very power that raised Christ from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of God Who Raised Jesus")) is the power that Abraham trusted and the power that justifies believers today. Our faith, like Abraham's, is credited as righteousness because we believe in God "who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" ([Romans 4:24-25](/romans/4-24-25 "Romans 4:24-25 - Our Faith and Righteousness")). Christ is the embodiment of God's performed promise, the ultimate demonstration that God is indeed "able also to perform" all that He has declared, from the promise of a spiritual lineage to the final redemption of all creation ([Ephesians 3:20-21](/ephesians/3-20-21 "Ephesians 3:20-21 - God's Power to Do Immeasurably More")). In Christ, every divine promise finds its "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), confirming God's absolute faithfulness and limitless power.

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 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Hebrews 11:19

Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

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.

Jeremiah 32:27

Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.