Romans 4:7
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Original Language Analysis
Μακάριοι
Saying Blessed
G3107
Μακάριοι
Saying Blessed
Strong's:
G3107
Word #:
1 of 10
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
ὧν
are they whose
G3739
ὧν
are they whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀφέθησαν
are forgiven
G863
ἀφέθησαν
are forgiven
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
3 of 10
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνομίαι
iniquities
G458
ἀνομίαι
iniquities
Strong's:
G458
Word #:
5 of 10
illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὧν
are they whose
G3739
ὧν
are they whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Historical Context
The language of 'covering' sin would resonate with Paul's readers familiar with the sacrificial system, where animal blood symbolically covered the sins of Israel. Paul is preparing to show that this blessing extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe, both circumcised and uncircumcised—a revolutionary claim that will fully unfold in verses 9-12.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of using two different terms for sin and two different verbs for God's dealing with sin?
- How does the 'covering' of sin point forward to Christ's atonement as the ultimate satisfaction of divine justice?
- Why does Paul emphasize that this blessedness belongs to those who receive rather than achieve forgiveness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Paul quotes Psalm 32:1, David's beatitude on forgiveness. The Greek uses two terms for sin: anomiai (ἀνομίαι, "lawlessnesses/iniquities") and hamartiai (ἁμαρτίαι, "sins/failures"). Both are plural, emphasizing the totality of human transgression. Two corresponding verbs describe God's action: aphethēsan (ἀφέθησαν, "were forgiven/sent away") and epikalyphthēsan (ἐπεκαλύφθησαν, "were covered").
The covering imagery evokes the atonement—blood covering sin, making it invisible to divine judgment. This is not denial or overlooking of sin but satisfaction of justice through substitutionary sacrifice. The passive voice indicates God's action: He forgives, He covers. These are divine initiatives, not human achievements. The blessedness (makarioi, μακάριοι) belongs to those who receive forgiveness, not those who earn it. Paul's argument accumulates: Abraham received credited righteousness (v. 3), David describes forgiveness apart from works (v. 6), and this blessedness extends to all who believe.