Romans 4:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 4:5 stands as a foundational statement in Paul's exposition on justification, articulating that a right standing before God is not achieved through human effort or merit, but is graciously bestowed upon those who, despite their ungodly state, place their trust in God, who then sovereignly imputes righteousness to their faith. This verse succinctly encapsulates the radical nature of divine grace, contrasting human works with God's unmerited declaration of righteousness for the undeserving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial summation within Paul's sustained argument for justification by faith in Romans 3 and 4. Having established the universal sinfulness of humanity and the inadequacy of the Law to provide righteousness in [Romans 3](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - All Have Sinned"), Paul introduces God's righteousness revealed through faith in Christ, available to all who believe. Chapter 4 then serves to demonstrate this principle from the Old Testament, primarily through the examples of Abraham and David. [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness") explicitly states that Abraham's faith was "counted for righteousness," setting the stage for the general principle articulated in [Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - Justification by Faith for the Ungodly"). The surrounding verses (Romans 4:1-8) elaborate on how neither Abraham's works nor David's forgiveness of sins were the basis for their righteous standing, but rather God's gracious imputation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience included both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, and his letter directly addresses the prevailing Jewish understanding of righteousness, which often centered on adherence to the Mosaic Law, circumcision, and good deeds as a means of earning divine favor. For many, the concept of being declared righteous *apart* from works was revolutionary, even scandalous, as it seemed to undermine the very foundation of their religious identity and covenant relationship with God. Paul's use of Abraham, the revered patriarch, and David, the ideal king, was a strategic move to demonstrate that even under the Old Covenant, God's method of justification was always by faith, challenging the legalistic interpretations that had become entrenched. The radical notion that God "justifies the ungodly" directly confronted the cultural expectation that only the morally upright or those who meticulously followed religious laws could be deemed righteous.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - Justification by Faith for the Ungodly") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Foremost is the theme of **Justification by Faith**, which Paul champions as the sole means of right standing with God, contrasting it sharply with justification by works of the Law (as seen in [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification Apart from Law")). Another critical theme is **Imputation**, where God credits or reckons righteousness to a believer's account, not based on their inherent goodness, but on their faith. This concept is central to Paul's argument throughout [Romans 4](/romans/4 "Romans 4 - Abraham Justified by Faith"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the profound nature of **God's Grace**, as it is God who "justifies the ungodly," underscoring that His salvation is extended to those who are utterly undeserving and incapable of earning it through their own efforts. This theme of grace is foundational to the entire gospel message (cf. [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified Freely by Grace")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worketh not (Greek, _ergázomai_ G2038; _mḗ_ G3361):** The verb _ergázomai_ means "to toil, to labor for, to work." Combined with the particle _mḗ_ (a primary particle of qualified negation), it signifies the absence of human effort or merit as a basis for justification. This is not a dismissal of good works in general, but a specific denial that one's own performance or obedience to the Law can earn a right standing with God. It underscores the passive reception of righteousness rather than its active achievement.
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō_ G4100):** Derived from _pístis_ (faith), _pisteúō_ means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, it denotes a complete reliance and trust in God's provision for salvation, as opposed to self-reliance. It is an active orientation of the heart and mind towards God.
* **justifieth the ungodly (Greek, _dikaióō_ G1344; _asebḗs_ G765):** _Dikaióō_ is a forensic term meaning "to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent; to free, justify, be righteous." It refers to a legal declaration of righteousness, an acquittal, rather than an internal transformation of character at this initial point. The object of this justification is "the ungodly" (_asebḗs_), meaning "irreverent, impious, or wicked." This is a radical and counter-intuitive statement, as it declares that God justifies not the righteous, but those who are inherently without godliness, highlighting the depth of His grace and the nature of His salvation.
* **is counted for righteousness (Greek, _logízomai_ G3049; _dikaiosýnē_ G1343):** _Logízomai_ means "to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively); to conclude, (ac-)count (of), impute, reckon, suppose, think (on)." It is an accounting term, signifying that God attributes or credits righteousness to the believer's account. This is not to say that faith *is* righteousness, but that faith is the instrument through which God imputes righteousness (_dikaiosýnē_), which is "equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification," or a right standing before God. It is a divine declaration that changes one's legal status from guilty to righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to him that worketh not":** This phrase immediately establishes a stark contrast with any system of earning God's favor through human effort, deeds, or adherence to religious law. It points to a person who has no claim to righteousness based on their own performance or merit. The emphasis is on the cessation of self-striving for acceptance before God.
* **"but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly":** Here, the alternative to working is presented: believing. The object of this belief is God Himself, specifically in His capacity as the one who "justifies the ungodly." This is a profoundly counter-cultural and counter-intuitive statement, as it asserts that God declares righteous those who are inherently impious, wicked, and without merit. It underscores that God's justice is not merely retributive, but also redemptive, rooted in His sovereign grace.
* **"his faith is counted for righteousness":** This is the climactic declaration of the verse. The act of believing, of placing complete trust in God's justifying work, is the means by which a person's status before God is transformed. God "counts" or "reckons" this faith as the basis upon which He imputes righteousness. This means that righteousness is not earned or achieved by the believer, but is a divine credit, a legal declaration that changes one's standing from guilty to innocent, from condemned to righteous, solely on the basis of their faith.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - Justification by Faith for the Ungodly") to underscore his theological argument. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting "him that worketh not" against "him that believeth." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the fundamental difference between human effort and divine grace as the means of obtaining righteousness. Paul also utilizes **Paradox** in the phrase "him that justifieth the ungodly." It is paradoxical that a holy God would declare righteous those who are inherently unholy, emphasizing the radical and unexpected nature of His grace. Furthermore, the verse employs **Forensic Language** or a **Legal Metaphor**, with terms like "justifieth" and "counted for righteousness." These terms evoke a courtroom scene where God, as the divine Judge, declares a verdict of "not guilty" or "righteous" over the one who believes, changing their legal standing before Him. This legal framework helps to clarify that justification is a declarative act, not an intrinsic transformation of character at the moment of belief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 4:5 is a cornerstone of the doctrine of justification by faith, revealing God's profound grace in dealing with human sinfulness. It asserts that righteousness is not a human achievement but a divine gift, received through faith. This concept dismantles any notion of earning salvation through works or merit, placing all glory on God's initiative and provision. It underscores the universality of sin, as all are "ungodly" and thus equally in need of this gracious justification. The imputation of righteousness, a central theme here, means that God credits to the believer a righteousness that is not their own, establishing a perfect standing before Him based on faith. This theological truth provides immense assurance and peace, as one's acceptance by God is no longer dependent on fluctuating human performance but on God's unchanging character and promise.

* [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith Apart from Works")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 4:5 offers profound comfort and liberation to all who wrestle with the burden of trying to earn God's approval. It dismantles the insidious lie that our standing with God depends on our performance, good deeds, or religious adherence. Instead, it declares that righteousness is a gift, freely given to those who simply believe in the God who justifies the ungodly. This truth frees us from the endless treadmill of self-effort and the despair of never being "good enough." It means that our past failures, our inherent ungodliness, do not disqualify us from God's favor. Our acceptance is based entirely on God's gracious declaration, received through faith. This understanding should cultivate deep humility, profound gratitude, and a confident assurance in our relationship with God, motivating us to live lives of joyful obedience not *for* salvation, but *from* salvation. It levels the playing field, making salvation accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or perceived moral standing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you still try to "work" for God's approval or acceptance, rather than resting in His grace?**
* **How does the concept of God justifying "the ungodly" challenge your preconceived notions about who God saves or how He saves them?**
* **What does it mean practically for your daily life that your faith is "counted for righteousness" rather than your works?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for God's grace and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Does "worketh not" mean Christians should not do good works?**

Answer: No, "worketh not" in [Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - Justification by Faith for the Ungodly") specifically refers to the *basis* for justification, not the *result* of it. Paul is emphatically stating that human effort or adherence to the Law cannot earn a right standing with God. Good works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit. Once justified by faith, believers are then called to live lives of obedience and good works, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as a natural outflow of their new relationship with God (see [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works") and [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Zealous for Good Works")).

**How can a just God justify the ungodly without compromising His own righteousness?**

Answer: God can justify the ungodly because of the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The justice of God is satisfied through Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross, where He bore the penalty for our sins (see [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). When we believe, our sins are imputed to Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to us. Thus, God declares us righteous not based on our own merit, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us by faith. This demonstrates God's profound love and justice simultaneously.

**Is faith itself the righteousness that is counted?**

Answer: No, faith is not the *substance* of righteousness, but rather the *instrument* or *means* through which God's righteousness is received and imputed. The Greek word _logízomai_ ("counted") indicates an accounting or crediting. It's not that faith *is* the righteousness, but that God, in His divine accounting, reckons the believer's faith as the ground upon which He imputes the perfect righteousness of Christ. This imputed righteousness is what enables the ungodly to stand before a holy God as justified. [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ") clarifies that believers are found in Christ, "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."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 4:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "him that justifieth the ungodly" is God the Father, who accomplishes this radical act through His Son. It is Christ's perfect life of obedience to the Law, His sinless sacrifice on the cross, and His victorious resurrection that provide the very basis for God to declare the ungodly righteous. Our faith is not a meritorious work, but rather the empty hand that receives the gift of righteousness secured by Christ. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us") powerfully states, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Christ became our sin, so that we might become God's righteousness. Therefore, when God "counts" our faith for righteousness, He is looking at us through the lens of Christ's perfect righteousness, which has been legally credited to our account. This profound truth means that our justification is not based on our fluctuating performance, but on the unshakeable foundation of Christ's finished work, making Him our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")).

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

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.