FocusRighteousness reckoned apart from boasting
Connection to the wholePaul uses Abraham's reckoning and David's description of forgiveness to show that circumcision is not the basis of the blessing.
interpretation Romans 4:6
KJVEven as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Read it in context
Abraham and David
Start reading at Romans 4:1 (Romans 4:1 to Romans 4:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul uses Abraham's reckoning and David's description of forgiveness to show that circumcision is not the basis of the blessing.
- 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
- 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
- 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
- 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
- 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
- 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
- 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
- 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
- 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
- 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
- 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
- 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 4:1–5:21): Paul teaches the Roman believers, using Abraham and David as witnesses and Adam and Christ in his explanation. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Abraham and David. Read Romans 4:1 through Romans 4:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul uses Abraham's reckoning and David's description of forgiveness to show that circumcision is not the basis of the blessing. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Abraham and David (Romans 4:1 to Romans 4:12). Start reading at Romans 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 4:1, Romans 4:12, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- blessedness Rom 4:9 Deut 33:29 Ps 1:1-3 Ps 112:1 Ps 146:5-6 Matt 5:3-12 Gal 3:8-9,14 Gal 4:15
- imputeth Rom 4:11,24 Rom 1:17 Rom 3:22 Rom 5:18-19 Isa 45:24-25 Isa 54:17 Jer 22:6 Jer 33:16
- without Rom 3:20-21,27 Eph 2:8-10 2 Tim 1:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 4
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
The promise and Abraham's faith
Romans 4:13–22FocusTrust in God's ability
Connection to the wholeThe argument connects the promise with faith and grace, describing Abraham's confidence in God's power despite human impossibility.
interpretation The example applied to the readers
Romans 4:23–25FocusFaith and Jesus' resurrection
Connection to the wholePaul explains that the account was written for those who believe on the one who raised Jesus, connecting Abraham's story with the letter's gospel.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.