Romans 4:3

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

For {G1063} what {G5101} saith {G3004} the scripture {G1124}?{G1161} Abraham {G11} believed {G4100} God {G2316}, and {G2532} it was counted {G3049} unto him {G846} for {G1519} righteousness {G1343}.

For what does the Tanakh say? “Avraham put his trust in God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness.”

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3 KJV: "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Context

Paul is building his argument in the book of Romans that salvation and a right standing before God (righteousness) are obtained not by works of the law, but by faith. In Romans 3, he establishes that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and that righteousness is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Chapter 4 specifically uses the example of Abraham from the Old Testament to demonstrate that this principle of justification by faith is not new, but was God's method from the beginning. This verse quotes Genesis 15:6, showing that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, was declared righteous because of his belief, long before the Law of Moses was given.

Key Themes

  • Justification by Faith: The core message is that righteousness is credited to individuals based on their faith in God, not their performance of religious duties or works.
  • Abraham as an Example: Abraham serves as the prime biblical example that God's method of saving people has always been through faith, predating the Mosaic Law. His belief in God's promise was the basis of his justification.
  • Righteousness Imputed: The phrase "counted unto him for righteousness" is crucial. It signifies that righteousness was not earned or inherent in Abraham, but was attributed or credited to him by God because he believed. This concept of imputed righteousness is central to Christian theology.
  • Scriptural Authority: Paul grounds his argument firmly in the Old Testament Scriptures, emphasizing their consistent message about faith.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "counted unto him for righteousness" translates the Greek logizomai eis dikaiosunen. The verb logizomai means to calculate, reckon, credit, or impute. It's an accounting term. It doesn't mean Abraham became inherently perfect at that moment, but that God credited righteousness to his account because of his faith. This is often contrasted with righteousness gained by works, which would be earned or deserved.

Reflection and Application

This verse is foundational for understanding the Gospel. It assures us that like Abraham, our standing before God is not based on our efforts or goodness, but on our faith in Christ. God counts the righteousness of Jesus Christ to those who believe in Him. This should lead to humility, gratitude, and freedom from trying to earn God's favor through performance. Our justification before God is a gift received by faith.

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.

  • Genesis 15:6

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

  • James 2:23

    And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

  • Romans 4:9

    ¶ [Cometh] this blessedness then upon the circumcision [only], or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

  • Galatians 3:6

    ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

  • Galatians 3:8

    And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.

  • Romans 4:22

    And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

  • Romans 4:25

    Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

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