Romans 4:21
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πληροφορηθεὶς
being fully persuaded
G4135
πληροφορηθεὶς
being fully persuaded
Strong's:
G4135
Word #:
2 of 9
to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e., completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπήγγελται
he had promised
G1861
ἐπήγγελται
he had promised
Strong's:
G1861
Word #:
5 of 9
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
δυνατός
able
G1415
δυνατός
able
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
6 of 9
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
Cross References
Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Genesis 18:14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.Hebrews 11:19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.Jeremiah 32:27Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?Luke 1:45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Matthew 19:26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Romans 8:38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Historical Context
The connection between promise and power would resonate with Paul's Roman readers familiar with patron-client relationships. A patron's word was only as good as his ability to deliver on it. Paul presents God as the ultimate Patron whose promises are absolutely certain because His power is unlimited. This contrasts with human patrons who might promise much but lack the power or will to follow through.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between God's promise and God's power, and why must faith embrace both?
- How does Abraham's 'full persuasion' differ from mere intellectual assent or wishful thinking?
- What has God promised you that seems impossible, and do you believe He is able to perform it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Paul summarizes Abraham's faith: plērophorētheis (πληροφορηθείς, "being fully assured/convinced"). The verb compounds plēros (πλήρος, "full") with phoreō (φορέω, "to carry/bear")—faith that is fully carried through, complete conviction. The content of this assurance has two components:
This is the anatomy of justifying faith: full persuasion that God is both truthful (He has promised) and powerful (He is able to perform).
Abraham believed God could do what humanly was impossible—create life from death. This parallels Christian faith: God raised Christ from the dead (v. 24-25), which was equally impossible by natural means. Justifying faith trusts God to do what He has promised (justify the ungodly, v. 5) because He is able (through Christ's atoning death and resurrection). Faith's object, not its intensity, saves.