Romans 4:16
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 33
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἐκ
it is of
G1537
ἐκ
it is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 33
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
4 of 33
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
κατὰ
it might be by
G2596
κατὰ
it might be by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 33
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
χάριν
grace
G5485
χάριν
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
7 of 33
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
εἰς
to the end
G1519
εἰς
to the end
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 33
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελίαν
the promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελίαν
the promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
13 of 33
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπέρματι
the seed
G4690
σπέρματι
the seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
16 of 33
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
it is of
G1537
ἐκ
it is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 33
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
21 of 33
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
23 of 33
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
to that also
G2532
καὶ
to that also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
it is of
G1537
ἐκ
it is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
26 of 33
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
27 of 33
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ὅς
who
G3739
ὅς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
29 of 33
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Romans 9:8That 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.Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Historical Context
Paul's vision of one family of Abraham, encompassing both Jewish and Gentile believers united by faith rather than divided by Torah observance, was revolutionary. This theological foundation undergirds his practical appeals for unity between these groups in Romans 14-15. The certainty of the promise based on grace rather than works provides assurance that transcends ethnic identity and religious performance.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the promise need to be by grace through faith to be 'sure' to all, and what would make it uncertain?
- How does defining Abraham's seed by faith rather than ethnicity or law-keeping expand and transform covenant membership?
- What assurance does it give you that your inheritance depends on God's grace received through faith rather than your performance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Paul states his conclusion: dia touto ek pisteōs (διὰ τοῦτο ἐκ πίστεως, "therefore from faith"), hina kata charin (ἵνα κατὰ χάριν, "in order that according to grace"). Faith and grace are correlative—faith is the receiving mode for the giving mode of grace. The purpose clause emphasizes security: eis to einai bebaian tēn epaggelia (εἰς τὸ εἶναι βεβαίαν τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, "in order that the promise might be certain/firm/sure").
The promise's certainty depends on it being panti tō spermati (παντὶ τῷ σπέρματι, "to all the seed")—both tō ek tou nomou (τῷ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου, "to that from the law," i.e., Jewish believers) and tō ek pisteōs Abraam (τῷ ἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ, "to that from faith of Abraham," i.e., Gentile believers). Abraham is patēr pantōn hēmōn (πατὴρ πάντων ἡμῶν, "father of all of us"). If inheritance depended on law-keeping, no one could be sure of receiving it (since all fail). But by grace through faith, the promise is secured for all who believe, regardless of ethnicity.