Romans 4:2
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
5 of 13
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἐδικαιώθη
were justified
G1344
ἐδικαιώθη
were justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
6 of 13
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καύχημα
whereof to glory
G2745
καύχημα
whereof to glory
Strong's:
G2745
Word #:
8 of 13
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πρὸς
before
G4314
πρὸς
before
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.2 Corinthians 11:30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:1 Corinthians 9:16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!Ephesians 2:9Not of works, lest any man should boast.Romans 15:17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.1 Corinthians 1:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.2 Corinthians 5:12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.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.1 Corinthians 4:7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Historical Context
The honor-shame culture of the Greco-Roman world prized public reputation and achievements worthy of boasting. Jewish identity in Paul's day was deeply tied to Torah observance as a marker distinguishing Israel from the nations. Paul's argument that Abraham had no grounds to boast before God would have been shocking to Jewish Christians who viewed their patriarch as the supreme example of covenant faithfulness rewarded.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between boasting before people and standing before God, and why does this distinction matter for salvation?
- How does Paul's 'if Abraham were justified by works' argument preemptively answer the objection that faith without works is dead?
- What 'works' are you tempted to present to God as grounds for acceptance rather than trusting Christ's finished work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Paul introduces a critical distinction: human glory (kauchēma, καύχημα) versus divine approval. The conditional "if Abraham were justified by works" is contrary to fact—Paul is stating what is not true to make his point. Were Abraham's right standing based on performance, he could boast in his achievement. But such boasting would only be valid pros anthrōpous (πρὸς ἀνθρώπους, "toward men"), not pros ton theon (πρὸς τὸν θεόν, "toward God").
This echoes Paul's earlier statement that boasting is excluded (3:27). No human accomplishment—not even Abraham's remarkable obedience—can establish a claim on God. The verb edikaiōthē (ἐδικαιώθη, "was justified") points to forensic declaration, not moral transformation. Paul is addressing the basis of right standing, not the nature of faith (which James 2 will address from a different angle). Justification must be God's gracious act, or it becomes a wage earned rather than a gift received.