Romans 4:7

[Saying], Blessed [are] they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Saying, Blessed {G3107} are they whose {G3739} iniquities {G458} are forgiven {G863}, and {G2532} whose {G3739} sins {G266} are covered {G1943}.

“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered over;

“Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered.

Commentary

Romans 4:7 is part of a passage where the Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 32 to support his argument for justification by faith, not by works. He uses David as another example, alongside Abraham, to show that blessedness comes from God's forgiveness.

Context

In Romans chapter 4, Paul is demonstrating that both Jews and Gentiles are justified before God solely through faith. He first uses Abraham as the prime example, showing that Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Romans 4:3). To further solidify this point, Paul quotes King David from Psalm 32, highlighting that the blessedness David speaks of comes not from perfect obedience but from the forgiveness of sins. Verse 7 is the core statement from this quote.

Key Themes

  • Forgiveness of Iniquities: The primary theme is the blessed state of those whose wrongdoings and lawlessness (anomia) are pardoned by God.
  • Covering of Sins: This phrase signifies the concealment or removal of guilt before God's sight. It implies that the record of sin is not held against the individual.
  • Blessedness: The verse declares that this state of having sins forgiven and covered is the source of true happiness and spiritual well-being, a state conferred by God's grace.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two terms for wrongdoing: "iniquities" (Greek: anomia, meaning lawlessness or violation of the law) and "sins" (Greek: hamartiai, meaning missing the mark). Using both terms emphasizes the comprehensive nature of human failure before God. "Forgiven" (Greek: aphiēmi) means to send away or release, indicating a complete pardon. "Covered" (Greek: epikalypṭō) means to cover over or conceal, suggesting that the sin is hidden from God's judgment against the sinner, not merely ignored but dealt with.

Related Scriptures

This verse is a direct quotation from Psalm 32:1-2. The concept of forgiveness and the covering of sins is central to the New Testament message, made possible through the sacrifice of Christ. Colossians 1:14 speaks of redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Similarly, Acts 13:38 proclaims that through Jesus is preached the forgiveness of sins. The blessedness described here is the result of God's grace received through faith, not earned merit.

Reflection

Romans 4:7 offers profound comfort and assurance. It teaches that our standing before God and our true blessedness do not depend on our ability to live a sinless life, but on God's gracious act of forgiveness. It points us to the finished work of Christ, through whom our iniquities are forgiven and our sins are covered. This truth liberates believers from the burden of guilt and the futility of trying to earn God's favor through perfect performance, allowing them to rest in the peace that comes from knowing their sins are pardoned.

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

  • Psalms 32:1

    ¶ [A] Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered.

  • Psalms 32:2

    Blessed [is] the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile.

  • Psalms 130:3

    If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

  • Psalms 130:4

    But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

  • Luke 7:47

    Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.

  • Luke 7:50

    And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

  • Micah 7:18

    Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
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