Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

But {G1161} to him that worketh {G2038} not {G3361}, but {G1161} believeth {G4100} on {G1909} him that justifieth {G1344} the ungodly {G765}, his {G846} faith {G4102} is counted {G3049} for {G1519} righteousness {G1343}.

However, in the case of one who is not working but rather is trusting in him who makes ungodly people righteous, his trust is credited to him as righteousness.

However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

Commentary

Romans 4:5 is a pivotal verse in Paul's argument for justification by faith, contrasting it sharply with earning righteousness through works. It concisely explains the core mechanism by which a person is declared righteous before God.

Context

This verse is situated within Romans chapter 4, where the Apostle Paul uses the examples of Old Testament figures, particularly Abraham and David, to demonstrate that justification has always been by faith, not by observance of the Law or performance of deeds. Paul is refuting the idea prevalent among some Jewish contemporaries that salvation or right standing with God is achieved through adherence to religious laws and rituals. He shows that Abraham was declared righteous long before the Law was given, purely because he believed God (see Romans 4:3).

Key Themes

  • Justification by Faith, Not Works: The verse explicitly states it is "to him that worketh not" but believes, highlighting that human effort or merit is not the basis for being declared righteous by God.
  • God Justifies the Ungodly: A radical concept, emphasizing that God's justification is not for those who are already good or righteous, but for sinners ("the ungodly") who place their faith in Him. This underscores God's grace.
  • Faith is Counted/Reckoned for Righteousness: The act of believing is credited, imputed, or reckoned as righteousness by God. It is not that faith *is* righteousness itself, but that God accounts the believer's faith as the basis upon which He declares them righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word translated "counted" or "reckoned" is logizomai (λογίζομαι). It means to compute, calculate, take into account, or credit. This is the same word used in Romans 4:3 regarding Abraham's faith. It signifies a divine accounting, where God attributes righteousness to the believer's account based on their faith.

The word "justifieth" comes from dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning to declare righteous, acquit, or pronounce just. It is a legal or forensic term, signifying a change in one's status before God from guilty to righteous.

Related Scriptures

This verse powerfully summarizes the doctrine that salvation is by grace through faith. Paul elaborates on the concept of God justifying sinners in verses like Romans 5:8, which states that God demonstrates His love while we were still sinners. The contrast between works and faith is a major theme found also in books like Galatians, such as Galatians 2:16.

Practical Application

Romans 4:5 offers immense comfort and assurance. It means that no one needs to earn God's favor or righteousness through their own efforts, good deeds, or religious performance. Righteousness is a gift received by simply believing in God, who has provided justification through Christ. It levels the playing field, making salvation accessible to all, regardless of their past or their ability to keep a law perfectly. Our standing before God is based on His grace received through faith, not on our own merit.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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:

  • Romans 3:22

    Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Titus 3:7

    That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • 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.

  • Galatians 3:14

    That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • Romans 10:9

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
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