Romans 4:22
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 6
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλογίσθη
it was imputed
G3049
ἐλογίσθη
it was imputed
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
3 of 6
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 6
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
By returning to Genesis 15:6 after expounding Abraham's faith in verses 17-21, Paul shows that this was not empty trust but rich, God-centered conviction in God's character and power. First-century readers familiar with Abraham's story would recognize Paul is drawing from multiple Genesis texts (chapters 15, 17, 21-22) to paint a comprehensive picture of the patriarch's faith—all of which preceded and transcended circumcision or law-keeping.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul repeat Genesis 15:6 here after expounding it, and what has he added to our understanding of Abraham's faith?
- What specific qualities of Abraham's faith (vv. 18-21) explain why God credited it as righteousness?
- How does Abraham's faith in God's promise about Isaac model the kind of faith that justifies sinners today?
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Analysis & Commentary
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Paul returns full circle to Genesis 15:6, his keystone verse. The particle dio (διό, "therefore") makes Abraham's faith described in vv. 18-21 the reason for imputation. The verb elogisthē (ἐλογίσθη, "it was reckoned/imputed") appears for the eighth time in this chapter—Paul's signature term for forensic justification. The phrase eis dikaiosunēn (εἰς δικαιοσύνην, "for righteousness") expresses result: faith resulted in credited righteousness.
But what kind of faith? Not mere belief in God's existence (even demons have that, James 2:19), but trust in God's promise despite impossible circumstances, confidence in God's power to do what He said, and persevering conviction that honors God by taking Him at His word. This faith—empty-handed trust in God's promise rather than one's own merit—is what God credits as righteousness. Abraham models both the what (faith, not works) and the how (trusting God's promise about what seems dead to produce life) of justification.