Bible Commentaries
Romans 4

Introduction

Overview

Romans 4:1, Abraham’s faith was imputed to him for righteousness; Romans 4:10, before he was circumcised; Romans 4:13, By faith only he and his seed received the promise; Romans 4:16, Abraham is the father of all that believe; Romans 4:24, Our faith also shall be imputed to us for righteousness.

Verse 1

what: Romans 6:1, Romans 7:7, Romans 8:31

Abraham: Isaiah 51:2, Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, Luke 16:24, Luke 16:25, Luke 16:29-31, John 8:33, John 8:37-41, John 8:53, John 8:56, Acts 13:26, 2 Corinthians 11:22

as pertaining: Romans 4:16, Hebrews 12:9

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 6:16 - Stand Malachi 2:10 - all Romans 3:5 - what shall Romans 3:25 - remission 1 Corinthians 10:18 - Israel Hebrews 11:32 - what shall James 2:21 - Abraham

Verse 2

Abraham: Romans 3:20-28, Philippians 3:9

he hath: Romans 3:27, Romans 15:17, Ezekiel 8:9, Jeremiah 9:23, Jeremiah 9:24, 1 Corinthians 9:16, 2 Corinthians 5:12, 2 Corinthians 11:12, 2 Corinthians 11:30, 2 Corinthians 12:1-9, Galatians 6:13, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 2:9

but: Genesis 12:12, Genesis 12:13, Genesis 12:18, Genesis 12:20, Genesis 20:9-13, Joshua 24:2, 1 Corinthians 1:29, 1 Corinthians 4:7, Galatians 3:22

Reciprocal: Luke 10:29 - willing Romans 2:13 - justified Romans 4:17 - who quickeneth 1 Corinthians 4:4 - yet Galatians 2:16 - that

Verse 3

what: Romans 9:17, Romans 10:11, Romans 11:2, Isaiah 8:20, Mark 12:10, James 4:5, 2 Peter 1:20, 2 Peter 1:21

Abraham: Genesis 15:6, Galatians 3:6-8, James 2:23

counted: Romans 4:5, Romans 4:9, Romans 4:11, Romans 4:22-25, Psalms 106:31

Reciprocal: Matthew 20:9 - they received Romans 3:22 - which is Galatians 3:14 - the blessing Galatians 4:30 - what 1 Timothy 5:18 - the scripture

Verse 4

Romans 9:32, Romans 11:6, Romans 11:35, Matthew 20:1-16

Reciprocal: Genesis 6:8 - General 2 Chronicles 15:7 - your work Psalms 33:18 - hope John 6:29 - This Acts 20:24 - the gospel Galatians 3:12 - the law Galatians 5:4 - justified Colossians 3:24 - ye shall 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - through Titus 2:11 - the grace Titus 3:7 - being

Verse 5

But to: Romans 4:24, Romans 4:25, Romans 3:22, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:2, Romans 10:3, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:10, Acts 13:38, Acts 13:39, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:17, Galatians 3:9-14, Philippians 3:9

believeth: Romans 4:24, Romans 3:26-30, Romans 8:30-34, John 5:24, Galatians 3:8

ungodly: Romans 1:17, Romans 1:18, Romans 5:6-8, Joshua 24:2, Zechariah 3:3, Zechariah 3:4, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:13-15, Titus 3:3-7

his faith: Romans 4:3, Habakkuk 2:4

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 15:7 - your work Proverbs 17:15 - that justifieth Luke 7:42 - he Luke 18:14 - justified John 6:29 - This Romans 3:28 - General Romans 11:6 - And if 1 Corinthians 6:11 - but ye are justified Galatians 3:12 - the law Galatians 5:4 - justified Ephesians 2:8 - through Colossians 3:24 - ye shall Titus 2:11 - the grace Titus 3:5 - by works Titus 3:8 - which

Verse 6

blessedness: Romans 4:9, Deuteronomy 33:29, Psalms 1:1-3, Psalms 112:1, Psalms 146:5, Psalms 146:6, Matthew 5:3-12, Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:9, Galatians 3:14, Galatians 4:15, Ephesians 1:3

imputeth: Romans 4:11, Romans 4:24, Romans 1:17, Romans 3:22, Romans 5:18, Romans 5:19, Isaiah 45:24, Isaiah 45:25, Isaiah 54:17, Jeremiah 22:6, Jeremiah 33:16, Daniel 9:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, 2 Peter 1:1

without: Romans 3:20, Romans 3:21, Romans 3:27, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Timothy 1:9

Reciprocal: Leviticus 17:4 - blood shall Numbers 22:12 - for they 2 Samuel 19:19 - Let not Psalms 24:5 - receive Psalms 32:1 - transgression Isaiah 59:6 - neither Matthew 9:2 - be Luke 1:77 - the Acts 26:18 - that they Romans 4:22 - it was imputed 2 Corinthians 5:19 - not Galatians 2:16 - but Galatians 3:6 - accounted Ephesians 1:7 - the forgiveness Colossians 1:14 - the 1 John 2:12 - your

Verse 7

Psalms 32:1, Psalms 32:2, Psalms 51:8, Psalms 51:9, Psalms 85:2, Psalms 130:3, Psalms 130:4, Isaiah 40:1, Isaiah 40:2, Jeremiah 33:8, Jeremiah 33:9, Micah 7:18-20, Matthew 9:2, Luke 7:47-50

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:4 - the blessing Exodus 34:7 - forgiving Numbers 22:12 - for they Numbers 23:21 - hath not Romans 7:17 - it is no more Romans 8:1 - no 1 John 2:12 - your

Verse 8

to whom: Isaiah 53:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, Philemon 1:18, Philemon 1:19, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:4 - the blessing Exodus 34:7 - forgiving Numbers 23:21 - hath not 1 Samuel 2:2 - none holy Acts 15:1 - Except Romans 7:17 - it is no more Romans 8:1 - no

Verse 9

Cometh: Romans 3:29, Romans 3:30, Romans 9:23, Romans 9:24, Romans 10:12, Romans 10:13, Romans 15:8-19, Isaiah 49:6, Luke 2:32, Galatians 3:14, Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 2:11-13, Ephesians 3:8, Colossians 3:11

for we: Romans 4:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 15:6 - he believed Genesis 17:10 - Every Genesis 17:23 - circumcised John 7:22 - circumcision Romans 2:9 - of the Jew Romans 4:6 - blessedness Romans 9:30 - even the righteousness Galatians 3:6 - as

Verse 10

not in circumcision: "Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness," at least 14 years before he was circumcised; the former having taken place some time before Ishmael's birth, at which time he was 86 years old, and the other when Ishmael was 13 years of age, and Abraham 99. Genesis 15:5, Genesis 15:6, Genesis 15:16, Genesis 16:1-3, Genesis 17:1, Genesis 17:10, Genesis 17:23-27, 1 Corinthians 7:18, 1 Corinthians 7:19, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 6:15

Reciprocal: Acts 7:8 - the covenant Romans 2:28 - neither Galatians 3:6 - as Colossians 3:11 - there James 2:23 - Abraham

Verse 11

the sign: Genesis 17:10, Exodus 12:13, Exodus 31:13, Exodus 31:17, Ezekiel 20:12, Ezekiel 20:20

a seal: Romans 2:28, Romans 2:29, Deuteronomy 30:6, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30, Revelation 9:4

righteousness: Romans 4:13, Romans 3:22, Romans 9:30, Romans 10:6, Galatians 5:5, Philippians 3:9, Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 1:1

father: Romans 4:12, Romans 4:16-18, Romans 3:22, Romans 3:26, Romans 9:6, Romans 9:33, Romans 10:4, Romans 10:11, Matthew 8:11, Matthew 16:16, Luke 19:9, John 3:15, John 3:16, John 3:36, John 6:35, John 6:40, John 6:40, John 6:47, John 7:38, John 7:39, John 8:33, John 11:25, John 11:26, Galatians 3:7, Galatians 3:22, Galatians 3:29, Galatians 6:16

that righteousness: Romans 4:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:20 - the Genesis 4:21 - father Genesis 12:2 - General Genesis 12:3 - in thee Genesis 15:6 - he counted Genesis 17:4 - a father Genesis 17:11 - a token Genesis 17:24 - General Genesis 34:14 - uncircumcised Leviticus 7:18 - be imputed Leviticus 12:3 - General Joshua 5:2 - circumcise Psalms 47:9 - the God Matthew 3:9 - We Luke 5:39 - General Acts 10:47 - General Acts 15:9 - put Acts 28:28 - sent Romans 1:16 - to every Romans 2:25 - circumcision Romans 3:30 - General Romans 4:3 - counted Romans 9:8 - They which Romans 9:24 - not of the Jews Romans 10:12 - there is no 1 Corinthians 10:1 - our 1 Corinthians 12:13 - whether we be Jews 2 Corinthians 3:9 - the ministration of righteousness Galatians 3:6 - accounted Galatians 3:9 - General Galatians 3:28 - neither Philippians 3:3 - we Colossians 3:11 - there Hebrews 7:4 - Abraham James 2:23 - Abraham

Verse 12

to them: Romans 9:6, Romans 9:7, Matthew 3:9, Luke 16:23-31, John 8:39, John 8:40, Galatians 4:22-31

in the steps: Job 33:11, Proverbs 2:20, Song of Solomon 1:8, 2 Corinthians 12:18, 1 Peter 2:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:20 - the Genesis 4:21 - father Leviticus 12:3 - General Psalms 47:9 - the God Isaiah 41:8 - the seed Jeremiah 6:16 - Stand Ezekiel 33:24 - but we Mark 7:5 - General Luke 5:39 - General Luke 13:16 - being Luke 16:24 - Father Luke 19:9 - forsomuch Acts 15:9 - put Romans 2:25 - circumcision Romans 3:30 - General Romans 4:11 - father Romans 9:24 - not of the Jews Romans 10:12 - there is no 1 Corinthians 10:18 - Israel Galatians 3:28 - neither Galatians 3:29 - Abraham's Galatians 6:16 - the Israel Philippians 3:3 - we Colossians 1:10 - ye Colossians 4:11 - who Hebrews 6:12 - but James 2:21 - Abraham

Verse 13

For the: Genesis 12:3, Genesis 17:4, Genesis 17:5, Genesis 17:16, Genesis 22:17, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 28:14, Genesis 49:10, Psalms 2:8, Psalms 72:11

through the: Galatians 3:16-18, Galatians 3:29

but through: Romans 4:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 15:7 - to give Genesis 22:16 - General Isaiah 41:8 - the seed Matthew 1:1 - the son of Abraham Matthew 5:5 - they Acts 3:25 - And in Acts 13:32 - how Romans 3:20 - Therefore Romans 5:21 - through Romans 9:30 - even the righteousness Romans 10:6 - righteousness 1 Corinthians 3:21 - For 2 Corinthians 11:22 - the seed Galatians 2:16 - that Galatians 3:17 - that it Galatians 3:18 - if Galatians 4:28 - General Philippians 3:9 - which is of the 1 Timothy 1:9 - the law Hebrews 7:6 - had Hebrews 11:7 - righteousness

Verse 14

For if: Romans 4:16, Galatians 2:21, Galatians 3:18-24, Galatians 5:4, Philippians 3:9, Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 7:28

made: Romans 3:31, Numbers 30:12, Numbers 30:15, Psalms 119:126, Isaiah 55:11, Jeremiah 19:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:16 - General Luke 10:26 - General Romans 9:31 - hath Galatians 3:12 - the law Galatians 3:17 - that it Galatians 3:29 - heirs

Verse 15

Because: Romans 1:17, Romans 2:5, Romans 2:6, Romans 3:19, Romans 3:20, Romans 5:13, Romans 5:20, Romans 5:21, Romans 7:7-11, Numbers 32:14, Deuteronomy 29:20-28, 2 Kings 22:13, Jeremiah 4:8, Lamentations 2:22, Ezekiel 7:19, Zephaniah 1:18, John 3:36, John 15:22, Acts 17:30, Acts 17:31, 1 Corinthians 15:56, 2 Corinthians 3:7-9, Galatians 3:10, Galatians 3:19, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 3:6, 1 John 3:4, Revelation 6:16, Revelation 6:17, Revelation 19:15

where: Romans 2:12, Romans 2:13, Romans 5:13

Reciprocal: Exodus 19:24 - lest 2 Chronicles 34:21 - great Acts 13:39 - from which Romans 1:18 - the wrath Romans 7:5 - which Romans 7:8 - sin Romans 9:31 - hath 2 Corinthians 3:6 - for Galatians 2:19 - through

Verse 16

of faith: Romans 3:24-26, Romans 5:1, Galatians 3:7-12, Galatians 3:22, Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 3:7

the promise: Hebrews 6:13-19, 2 Peter 1:10

but to: Romans 4:11

the father: Romans 9:8, Isaiah 51:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:16 - General Psalms 24:6 - This is Psalms 73:1 - to such Isaiah 45:25 - the seed Isaiah 65:23 - for Luke 3:8 - We Luke 19:9 - forsomuch John 8:39 - If Romans 4:14 - For if Romans 6:14 - under Romans 9:32 - Because Romans 11:18 - thou bearest Galatians 2:15 - Jews Galatians 3:9 - General Galatians 3:12 - the law Galatians 3:29 - Abraham's 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - through Hebrews 2:16 - the seed Hebrews 6:19 - both James 2:21 - Abraham

Verse 17

I have: Genesis 17:4, Genesis 17:5, Genesis 17:16, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 25:1-34, Genesis 28:3, Hebrews 11:12

before him: or, like unto him, Romans 3:29

who quickeneth: Romans 4:2, Romans 8:11, Matthew 3:9, John 5:21, John 5:25, John 6:63, 1 Corinthians 15:45, Ephesians 2:1-5, 1 Timothy 6:13

calleth: Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30, Romans 9:26, Isaiah 43:6, Isaiah 44:7, Isaiah 49:12, Isaiah 55:12, Acts 15:18, 1 Corinthians 1:28, Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 2:10, 2 Peter 3:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:1 - visited 1 Kings 17:9 - widow woman Ezekiel 37:3 - O Lord God Mark 5:41 - Damsel Mark 12:27 - is not Luke 7:14 - Young Luke 8:50 - believe Luke 8:54 - Maid John 11:25 - he that John 11:40 - Said John 11:52 - the children Acts 2:23 - being Romans 9:11 - the children 2 Corinthians 1:9 - in God 2 Corinthians 3:6 - giveth life Colossians 2:13 - he 1 Thessalonians 5:13 - and be Hebrews 6:15 - General Hebrews 7:4 - Abraham Hebrews 11:3 - faith Hebrews 11:19 - God James 1:18 - his own

Verse 18

against: Romans 4:19, Romans 5:5, Romans 8:24, Ruth 1:11-13, Proverbs 13:12, Ezekiel 37:11, Mark 5:35, Mark 5:36, Luke 1:18, Acts 27:25

So shall: Genesis 15:5, Genesis 15:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:11 - old Genesis 34:30 - and I shall 1 Samuel 30:6 - David Psalms 22:4 - General Psalms 42:5 - hope Isaiah 26:3 - because Matthew 14:31 - O thou Mark 11:23 - and shall John 3:33 - hath set Galatians 4:23 - but Hebrews 7:4 - Abraham Hebrews 11:12 - as the sand

Verse 19

being: Romans 4:20, Romans 4:21, Romans 14:21, Matthew 6:30, Matthew 8:26, Matthew 14:31, Mark 9:23, Mark 9:24, John 20:27, John 20:28

considered: Genesis 17:17, Genesis 18:11-14, Hebrews 11:11-19

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:24 - General Genesis 21:5 - General Genesis 24:36 - Sarah 1 Kings 17:15 - did according Matthew 14:29 - he walked Matthew 15:28 - great Matthew 21:21 - If ye have Luke 1:7 - well Luke 1:18 - for Romans 4:18 - against Romans 14:1 - weak Hebrews 11:12 - and him

Verse 20

staggered: Numbers 11:13-23, 2 Kings 7:2, 2 Kings 7:19, 2 Chronicles 20:15-20, Isaiah 7:9, Jeremiah 32:16-27, Luke 1:18, Luke 1:45

but was: Isaiah 35:4, Daniel 10:19, Daniel 11:32, Haggai 2:4, Zechariah 8:9, Zechariah 8:13, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Ephesians 6:10, 2 Timothy 2:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 15:6 - he believed Genesis 17:17 - laughed Genesis 17:24 - General Numbers 20:12 - Because ye believed 1 Kings 17:15 - did according Isaiah 8:13 - Sanctify Zechariah 8:6 - should Matthew 8:26 - Why Matthew 15:28 - great Matthew 21:21 - If ye have Luke 1:38 - Behold Luke 8:50 - believe John 4:50 - Go Acts 27:25 - I believe Romans 3:22 - which is Romans 4:19 - being Romans 15:1 - strong Hebrews 11:11 - because

Verse 21

fully: Romans 8:38, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 11:13

he was able: Romans 14:4, Genesis 18:14, Psalms 115:3, Jeremiah 32:17, Jeremiah 32:27, Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37, Luke 1:45, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Hebrews 11:19

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 8:20 - hath performed Zechariah 8:6 - should Luke 1:38 - Behold John 4:50 - Go Acts 27:25 - I believe Romans 4:19 - being Galatians 3:6 - as Ephesians 3:20 - able 2 Timothy 1:5 - I am Hebrews 11:11 - because 1 John 3:19 - assure

Verse 22

it was imputed: Romans 4:3, Romans 4:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 15:6 - he counted Romans 3:22 - unto all Romans 9:30 - even the righteousness Galatians 3:6 - as James 2:23 - Abraham

Verse 23

Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 9:10, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:17

Verse 24

for us: Acts 2:39

if we: Romans 10:9, Romans 10:10, Mark 16:16, John 3:14-16, Acts 2:24, Acts 13:30, Ephesians 1:18-20, Hebrews 13:20, Hebrews 13:21, 1 Peter 1:21

Reciprocal: Isaiah 53:11 - justify John 2:19 - I will Acts 10:40 - General Acts 13:39 - by Acts 20:21 - faith Romans 4:5 - But to Romans 4:6 - imputeth Romans 5:1 - being Romans 8:11 - him Romans 15:4 - whatsoever 1 Corinthians 15:13 - General Galatians 1:1 - raised Galatians 2:16 - but Galatians 3:6 - accounted Galatians 3:7 - they Galatians 3:9 - General Colossians 2:12 - who

Verse 25

Who was: Romans 3:25, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:3, Romans 8:32, Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 53:10-12, Daniel 9:24, Daniel 9:26, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 20:28, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 5:2, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:10, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 7:14

and was raised: Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34, 1 Corinthians 15:17, Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 10:12-14, 1 Peter 1:21

Reciprocal: Leviticus 1:17 - shall not Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Leviticus 5:8 - wring off Leviticus 14:6 - the living bird Leviticus 16:10 - to make Leviticus 16:20 - live goat Numbers 6:10 - General Isaiah 53:11 - justify Acts 10:40 - General Romans 4:5 - But to Romans 5:1 - being Romans 6:2 - God Romans 8:11 - him Romans 10:7 - to bring up 1 Corinthians 1:30 - righteousness 1 Corinthians 15:13 - General Galatians 1:1 - raised Galatians 2:16 - but 1 Thessalonians 1:10 - whom Hebrews 13:20 - brought 1 Peter 1:3 - by