Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Even as {G2509} David {G1138} also {G2532} describeth {G3004} the blessedness {G3108} of the man {G444}, unto whom {G3739} God {G2316} imputeth {G3049} righteousness {G1343} without {G5565} works {G2041},

In the same way, the blessing which David pronounces is on those whom God credits with righteousness apart from legalistic observances:

And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works,

This verse from Romans 4 continues Paul's argument for justification by faith, using Old Testament figures as examples. Having just shown how Abraham was credited with righteousness through faith (Romans 4:3), Paul now turns to King David to further illustrate this principle.

Context

In Romans chapters 3 and 4, Paul is meticulously building his case that righteousness is not achieved through obedience to the Law, but is a gift received by faith. He uses Abraham in the first part of chapter 4 to show that this principle existed even before the Law was given. Here, he quotes from Psalm 32 to demonstrate that David, a central figure under the Law, also understood that blessedness came from God reckoning righteousness apart from a person's performance or works. This reinforces the idea that salvation has always been by God's grace received through faith.

Key Themes

  • Imputed Righteousness: The core concept is that God "imputes" or "reckons" righteousness to individuals. This means righteousness is credited or assigned to them, rather than being something they inherently possess or earn. It's a divine declaration based on faith, not a human achievement.
  • Righteousness Without Works: The verse explicitly states this righteousness is granted "without works." This is a foundational principle in Paul's theology, contrasting with any system that relies on human effort, merit, or law-keeping to attain a right standing before God. It aligns with his teaching elsewhere that salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9).
  • Blessedness: David describes the "blessedness" of the person to whom God imputes righteousness. This state of blessedness comes from having one's sins covered and righteousness credited, resulting in peace with God and spiritual favor, independent of perfect obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word translated "imputeth" or "reckoneth" is logizomai. This term is used throughout Romans 4 and means to count, compute, calculate, or credit. It's an accounting term, signifying that something is put to someone's account. When God "imputes" righteousness, He credits it to the believer's spiritual account, just as Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness (Romans 4:3).

Related Scriptures

This verse builds upon Paul's argument initiated earlier in the chapter regarding Abraham being justified by faith. It echoes the broader theme in Romans that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. The Psalm David is likely referencing is Psalm 32, where he speaks of the blessedness of having transgression forgiven and sin covered.

Practical Application

For believers today, Romans 4:6 offers profound assurance. It means our standing before God is not dependent on our imperfect performance or good deeds, but on God's gracious act of crediting Christ's righteousness to us when we place our faith in Him. This truth leads to humility, gratitude, and freedom from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. Our blessedness is secure because it rests on God's imputation, not our own merit.

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.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

  • 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:

  • Ephesians 2:8

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

  • Ephesians 2:10

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    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.

  • Romans 5:18

    Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

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