Romans 4:3
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
4 of 15
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐπίστευσεν
believed
G4100
Ἐπίστευσεν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 15
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλογίσθη
it was counted
G3049
ἐλογίσθη
it was counted
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
12 of 15
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Cross References
Genesis 15:6And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.James 2:23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.Romans 4:9Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Romans 4:11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:Psalms 106:31And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.Romans 11:2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Historical Context
Genesis 15:6 was already recognized in Second Temple Judaism as a crucial text about Abraham, but it was typically interpreted within a framework of covenant faithfulness demonstrated through obedience. Paul's radical reading—that this verse teaches justification by faith alone, apart from works—represents a Christ-centered reinterpretation of Israel's Scriptures that would have been controversial in his day.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul keep returning to Genesis 15:6 throughout Romans 4, and what makes this single verse so crucial to his argument?
- What does it mean that righteousness was 'counted' or 'imputed' to Abraham rather than infused or earned?
- How does Abraham's faith in God's promise despite impossible circumstances model the faith that justifies sinners today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Paul appeals to Genesis 15:6, the hinge text of his entire argument. The verb elogisthē (ἐλογίσθη, "it was counted/reckoned/imputed") is a financial term meaning to credit to one's account. God credited (logizomai, λογίζομαι) righteousness to Abraham's account based not on performance but on faith. The aorist tense marks a definitive moment: when Abraham believed God's promise of innumerable offspring despite his aged, childless state.
This occurs in Genesis 15, before circumcision (Gen 17) and before the offering of Isaac (Gen 22). Paul's chronological argument is devastating to any works-based reading of Abraham's justification. The patriarch's faith was simple trust in God's promise—not heroic obedience, not ritual observance, but believing God's word. Paul will quote this verse repeatedly (Rom 4:9, 22-24) because it encapsulates the gospel: righteousness comes through faith, not works. This is sola fide centuries before the Reformation articulated it.