Romans 4:4

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Now {G1161} to him that worketh {G2038} is {G3049} the reward {G3408} not {G3756} reckoned {G3049} of {G2596} grace {G5485}, but {G235} of {G2596} debt {G3783}.

Now the account of someone who is working is credited not on the ground of grace but on the ground of what is owed him.

Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.

Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.

Commentary

Romans 4:4 (KJV): "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."

Context

In Romans chapter 4, the Apostle Paul is building his argument for justification by faith, not by works of the law. He uses the example of Abraham, a key figure in Jewish history, to demonstrate that righteousness was credited to him based on his faith, not because of anything he did or earned. This verse presents a foundational principle contrasting two ways of receiving something: as a earned reward for work, or as a gift received by grace. Paul is setting the stage to show that Abraham's experience, and thus Christian salvation, falls into the latter category.

Key Themes

  • Work vs. Grace: The verse starkly contrasts receiving a reward based on 'work' (earning it) and receiving it 'of grace' (as a free gift).
  • Debt vs. Gift: When someone works, the payment is a 'debt' owed to them. Paul argues that God's reckoning of righteousness is not a debt owed to us for our efforts, but something freely given.
  • Justification by Faith: This verse is a crucial step in Paul's argument that justification before God is by grace through faith, not through human merit or adherence to the law.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "reckoned" (KJV) or "credited" (ESV, NIV), which comes from the Greek word logizomai (λογίζομαι). This word was used in accounting and means to compute, calculate, or credit something to someone's account. Paul uses it to show how God accounts righteousness to believers. When someone works, their wage is 'reckoned' as a debt owed. Paul is saying that God's 'reckoning' of righteousness for salvation is not like that; it's based on grace, not earned merit.

The contrast is between charis (χάρις), meaning 'grace' or unmerited favor, and opheilema (ὀφείλημα), meaning 'debt' or something owed. This highlights that salvation is entirely a gift, not something we can place God in debt to provide because of our actions.

Reflection and Application

This verse is fundamental to understanding the nature of salvation. It reminds us that we cannot earn God's favor or our salvation through our good deeds, religious rituals, or moral efforts. If salvation were based on work, it would be a wage owed, not a gift of grace. The fact that salvation is 'reckoned of grace' means it is entirely undeserved and freely given by God. This should lead to profound humility and gratitude, recognizing that our standing with God is based solely on God's gracious provision received through faith, not on our own performance.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 11:6 (10 votes)

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Romans 9:32 (5 votes)

    Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

  • Matthew 20:1 (3 votes)

    For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

  • Matthew 20:16 (3 votes)

    So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

  • Romans 11:35 (3 votes)

    Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?