What is the meaning of Romans 4?

Introduction to Romans 4

Romans 4 stands as a masterful exposition of justification by faith, using Abraham – the father of the Jewish nation – as the quintessential example. The apostle Paul strategically chooses Abraham to demonstrate that salvation has always been by faith, even before the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This chapter serves as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers, showing that they share the same spiritual heritage through faith.

The significance of this chapter cannot be overstated – it dismantles the misconception that righteousness comes through works while establishing the universal principle of justification by faith that transcends both time and ethnicity. By examining Abraham’s life, Paul reveals that the patriarch was justified before his circumcision, making him the spiritual father of all believers, whether Jewish or Gentile.

Context of Romans 4

Within the book of Romans, chapter 4 follows Paul’s comprehensive explanation of universal sin (Romans 1-3) and his declaration that righteousness comes through faith in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). This chapter serves as a historical proof of his argument, demonstrating that this principle of justification by faith was not a new concept but God’s method of salvation throughout history.

The broader context shows Paul addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, carefully crafting his argument to unite these potentially divided groups. He uses Abraham, a figure revered by Jews and respected by God-fearing Gentiles, to show that faith has always been the foundation of a right relationship with God. This chapter bridges the gap between Old Testament promise and New Testament fulfillment, showing the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

This theological exposition fits perfectly within the larger narrative of Scripture, connecting the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15:6) with its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. It demonstrates how the entire Biblical narrative points to salvation by faith, from the patriarchs through the prophets and ultimately to its completion in Yeshua.

Ancient Key Word Study

• λογίζομαι (logizomai) – This accounting term appears 11 times in the chapter, meaning “to credit” or “to reckon.” Its repeated use emphasizes the legal and financial nature of justification – God literally “credits” righteousness to our spiritual account through faith. The word carries the weight of a divine transaction where our debt of sin is cleared and replaced with Christ’s righteousness.
• πίστις (pistis) – Appearing frequently throughout the chapter, this word for “faith” encompasses more than mere mental assent. In the context of Abraham’s example, it represents complete trust and reliance on God’s promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. The word carries the connotation of faithfulness and steadfast confidence.
• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosyne) – Translated as “righteousness,” this term represents both legal standing and moral character. In this chapter, it primarily refers to the righteous status granted to believers through faith, emphasizing that this righteousness is received rather than achieved.
• περιτομή (peritome) – The word for “circumcision” serves as a crucial pivot point in Paul’s argument. He uses it to demonstrate that Abraham was declared righteous before receiving this covenant sign, proving that justification comes through faith alone.
• χάρις (charis) – “Grace” appears as the foundational concept behind justification by faith. It emphasizes that God’s favor is unmerited and freely given, contrasting with any system of works-based righteousness.
• ἐπαγγελία (epangelia) – The word for “promise” is central to Paul’s argument, connecting Abraham’s faith in God’s promises to the believer’s faith in the Messiah. It emphasizes the reliability and certainty of God’s word.
• νεκρός (nekros) – Used to describe both Abraham’s “dead” body and Sarah’s “dead” womb, this word dramatically illustrates the power of faith to trust God even in impossible situations.
• δύναμις (dynamis) – Though not frequently used, this word for “power” underlies the entire narrative, pointing to God’s ability to fulfill His promises despite human impossibility.
• μισθός (misthos) – Translated as “wages,” this term helps Paul contrast works-based righteousness (which earns wages) with faith-based righteousness (which receives a gift).

Compare & Contrast

• Verse 1: Paul’s choice of “προπάτορα” (forefather) rather than just “πατέρα” (father) is significant. The compound word emphasizes Abraham’s role as the original patriarch, strengthening Paul’s argument about the foundational nature of justification by faith.
• Verse 3: The quote “ἐπίστευσεν δὲ Ἀβραὰμ τῷ θεῷ” (Abraham believed God) deliberately maintains the same word order as the Septuagint translation of Genesis 15:6, emphasizing the historical continuity of faith-based righteousness.
• Verse 5: The phrase “τὸν δικαιοῦντα τὸν ἀσεβῆ” (who justifies the ungodly) creates a deliberate paradox. Paul could have used milder language but chose to emphasize the radical nature of God’s grace.
• Verse 11: The term “σφραγῖδα” (seal) rather than “σημεῖον” (sign) for circumcision emphasizes its role as a divine authentication rather than merely a physical mark.
• Verse 13: The phrase “κληρονόμον εἶναι κόσμου” (heir of the world) expands the original land promise to its ultimate fulfillment, showing Paul’s broader understanding of the Abrahamic covenant.
• Verse 17: The description of God as one “who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist” uses creation language to connect Abraham’s faith to the broader biblical narrative.
• Verse 19: The phrase “μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει” (not weakening in faith) uses a medical term for weakness, creating a vivid image of faith’s vitality despite physical decline.
• Verse 20: The word “πληροφορηθεὶς” (fully convinced) is a compound word suggesting a complete carrying of confidence, emphasizing the totality of Abraham’s faith.

Romans 4 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several profound rabbinical insights that deepen our understanding. The ancient rabbis had a tradition called “Zechut Avot” (the merit of the fathers), which taught that Abraham’s righteousness could be credited to his descendants. Paul transforms this concept by showing that Abraham’s true children are those who share his faith, not merely his DNA.

A fascinating historical detail emerges from the Jewish practice of proselyte baptism. When Gentiles converted to Judaism, they were considered “newborn babies” – their past was completely erased. Paul uses this cultural understanding to explain how God credits righteousness to believers, completely erasing their sinful past. The rabbinical concept of “measure for measure” (middah k’neged middah) is also evident in how Paul describes the “crediting” of righteousness – just as Abraham believed God could bring life from his “dead” body, we believe God raised Yeshua from the dead.

The early church fathers, particularly Origin and Augustine, noted the significance of Paul’s argument about circumcision. They saw in it a prototype of all sacramental theology – the sign follows and seals the reality but does not create it. This understanding profoundly influenced Christian theology regarding baptism and other religious rites.

The chapter also contains what scholars call a “kal v’chomer” argument (from lesser to greater). If Abraham could believe God’s promise about a son when both he and Sarah were physically incapable of producing one, how much more should we believe in the resurrection of Yeshua, which has already been accomplished?

Romans 4 Connections to Yeshua

The parallels between Abraham’s faith and Christian faith in Yeshua are striking and intentional. Just as Abraham believed God could bring life from death (his and Sarah’s aged bodies), Christians believe God raised Yeshua from the dead. The impossibility of both situations highlights the supernatural nature of faith and salvation.

This chapter reveals Yeshua as the ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. Through Him, Abraham truly becomes “the father of many nations,” as Gentiles are grafted into God’s family through faith. The promise that Abraham would be “heir of the world” finds its completion in Yeshua, who inherits all things and shares that inheritance with those who believe (Hebrews 1:2). The chapter demonstrates how Yeshua’s work of justification was always God’s plan, prefigured in Abraham’s life and now fully revealed in the Gospel.

Romans 4 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter resonates deeply with Genesis 15, where יהוה (Yahweh) makes His covenant with Abraham. Paul’s argument also connects with Genesis 17 (the institution of circumcision) and Genesis 22 (the binding of Isaac), showing how Abraham’s faith developed and was tested.

The prophet Habakkuk’s declaration that “the righteous shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4) finds its full explanation in this chapter. The Psalms also echo throughout, particularly Psalm 32, which Paul quotes to show that David understood justification by faith.

The theme of resurrection hope connects this chapter with Ezekiel 37 (the valley of dry bones) and Isaiah 26:19 (the promise of resurrection). The concept of God bringing life from death becomes a central motif in understanding both Abraham’s faith and our own.

Romans 4 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine the nature of our faith. Are we, like Abraham, willing to believe God even when circumstances seem impossible? The text invites us to trust in God’s promises despite what our physical eyes might see, remembering that the same God who credited righteousness to Abraham credits it to us through faith in Yeshua.

Consider how Abraham “grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God” (Romans 4:20). This suggests that worship and thanksgiving strengthen our faith. When facing impossible situations, we can follow Abraham’s example by focusing on God’s power and faithfulness rather than our limitations.

The chapter also reminds us that our standing with God is not based on our performance but on His promise. This truth should free us from the crushing weight of trying to earn God’s favor and release us into the joy of living by faith. Let this transform how you approach both success and failure in your spiritual journey.

Did You Know

• The Greek word λογίζομαι (logizomai), used repeatedly in this chapter, was a technical term in ancient business and banking, referring to the transfer of funds between accounts. This gives us a vivid picture of how God “credits” righteousness to believers.
• In Jewish tradition, Abraham was considered to have kept the entire Torah before it was given, making Paul’s argument about his justification by faith particularly powerful to his Jewish audience.
• The phrase “heir of the world” in verse 13 reflects an ancient Jewish understanding that the land promise to Abraham would ultimately encompass the entire renewed earth in the messianic age.
• The description of Abraham’s faith in verse 19 uses medical terminology that would have been familiar to Luke, Paul’s traveling companion and a physician.
• The concept of “not weakening in faith” (verse 19) uses a Greek word that literally means “not becoming sick,” creating a powerful metaphor about spiritual health.
• Ancient Jewish commentary (midrash) calculated that Abraham was tested ten times, with the promise of a son being one of the most significant tests.
• The phrase “gave glory to God” in verse 20 uses temple worship language, suggesting that faith itself is an act of worship.
• In rabbinical literature, Abraham was often depicted as the first to recognize the one true God in a world of idolatry, making him the perfect example of faith.
• The combination of “grace” and “promise” in this chapter reflects legal terminology from Greco-Roman adoption practices.
• The description of God as one who “calls into existence the things that do not exist” uses language reminiscent of Greek philosophical discussions about creation, making it relevant to Paul’s Gentile audience.