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Romans 4:13

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For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

For {G1063} the promise {G1860}, that he should be {G1511} the {G846} heir {G2818} of the world {G2889}, was not {G3756} to Abraham {G11}, or {G2228} to his {G846} seed {G4690}, through {G1223} the law {G3551}, but {G235} through {G1223} the righteousness {G1343} of faith {G4102}.

For the promise to Avraham and his seed that he would inherit the world did not come through legalism but through the righteousness that trust produces.

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 4:13 (KJV)

Romans 4:13 is a pivotal verse in Paul's argument for justification by faith, using Abraham as the prime example. This verse contrasts two paths to receiving God's promise: through the law versus through the righteousness of faith.

Context

In Romans chapter 4, Paul is demonstrating that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation and a key figure in God's covenant history, was declared righteous not by obeying the law (which didn't exist in his time) or by works, but by his faith. Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 ("Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness") to support this. Verse 13 specifically addresses the nature of the promise made to Abraham and his descendants concerning inheriting the "world," clarifying that its basis was faith, not adherence to the law.

Key Themes

  • The Promise: This refers to God's covenant promises to Abraham, including the promise of countless descendants and the inheritance of land, which Paul expands here to encompass a broader "heir of the world," suggesting a spiritual and universal inheritance through Christ.
  • Abraham's Seed: This includes both his physical descendants and, significantly for Paul's argument, those who share his faith, whether Jew or Gentile (see Romans 4:16).
  • Law vs. Faith: The verse explicitly contrasts the two principles. Paul argues that the promise was not received or secured through adherence to the Mosaic law, which came centuries after Abraham.
  • Righteousness of Faith: The true path to receiving the promise is through righteousness that comes from faith, not from perfect obedience to the law. This highlights the core message of the Gospel: salvation is a gift received by believing in God's promises through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "righteousness of faith" translates the Greek dikaiosunē pisteōs. Dikaiosunē refers to a state of being right with God, a righteousness imputed by God. Pisteōs signifies faith, trust, or belief. The genitive construction emphasizes that this righteousness is defined by or comes through faith, standing in direct opposition to righteousness sought through works of the law.

Reflection and Application

Romans 4:13 assures believers today that our standing with God and our inheritance in His kingdom are based on faith, just as Abraham's was. It underscores the New Testament truth that we are justified by grace through faith, not by our performance or adherence to rules. This provides immense comfort and security, knowing that our hope rests on God's faithfulness and our trust in Him, rather than our own imperfect efforts. It calls us to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and the finished work of Christ, as Abraham did.

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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

  • Galatians 3:29 (21 votes)

    And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

  • Genesis 22:17 (12 votes)

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Genesis 22:18 (12 votes)

    And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

  • Romans 9:8 (11 votes)

    That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

  • Genesis 28:14 (11 votes)

    And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

  • Psalms 2:8 (10 votes)

    Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.

  • Genesis 17:4 (10 votes)

    ¶ As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.