Romans 4:23

¶ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

Now {G1161} it was {G1125} not {G3756} written {G1125} for his sake {G1223}{G846} alone {G3440}, that {G3754} it was imputed {G3049} to him {G846};

But the words, “it was credited to his account . . . ,” were not written for him only.

Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham,

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him;

Romans 4:23 serves as a crucial bridge in Paul's argument, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Abraham's example for all believers.

Context

In the preceding verses (Romans 4:1-22), Paul extensively uses Abraham to demonstrate that righteousness is credited by faith, not by adherence to the law or by works. He quotes Genesis 15:6, where Abraham's faith was "imputed" to him for righteousness. This verse, Romans 4:23, explicitly states that the scriptural record of this event was not included *only* for Abraham's sake, as a mere historical account of one individual's justification. It was written with a broader purpose in mind, setting the stage to show how this same principle applies universally.

Key Themes

  • Universal Application: The principle demonstrated in Abraham's life—that faith is counted as righteousness—is not limited to him but is a pattern for all who believe.
  • Scripture's Purpose: The Old Testament accounts, like that of Abraham, serve as instructive examples and foundational truths for New Testament believers.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: This verse highlights that God's method of justifying people by faith is consistent across different eras, linking the experience of Abraham to that of Christians.

Linguistic Insights

The term "imputed" (or "counted," "reckoned"), translated from the Greek word logizomai, is central to understanding this verse and the entire chapter. It signifies a legal or accounting term meaning to attribute, credit, or reckon something to someone's account. It underscores that righteousness is not earned but is a status credited to believers by God.

Reflection

This verse is incredibly encouraging because it tells us that the powerful truth shown in Abraham's life—that God declares people righteous based on their faith—is directly applicable to us today. The record of Abraham's faith was preserved in Scripture so that we might understand God's grace and the basis of our own salvation. Our righteousness before God is not based on our imperfect performance but is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ, just as it was to Abraham.

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 10:11

    Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

  • Romans 15:4

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:6

    ¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16

    All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:9

    For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10

    Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
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