Romans 4:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 4:20
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Chapter Context
Romans 4 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, faith, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 4:20
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Analysis
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Paul states negatively then positively what Abraham did. Negatively: ou diekrithē tē apistia (οὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ, "he did not waver in unbelief") at the promise. The verb diakrinō (διακρίνω) means to be divided, hesitate, doubt—Abraham was not double-minded (cf. James 1:6-8). The instrumental tē apistia (τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ, "by unbelief") identifies the mechanism of wavering—unbelief produces instability and doubt.
Positively: enedunamōthē tē pistei (ἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει, "he was strengthened in faith"). The passive voice is crucial—Abraham didn't generate strength, he was strengthened. Faith's power comes from its object (God) not its subject (the believer). The result was dous doxan tō theō (δοὺς δόξαν τῷ θεῷ, "giving glory to God"). To believe God's promise is to glorify Him; to doubt it is to dishonor Him. This connects to 1:21's indictment—fallen humanity fails to glorify God. Abraham's faith reversed this, treating God as trustworthy and powerful, thus glorifying Him.
Historical Context
In ancient honor-shame cultures, to question someone's word was to dishonor them. Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promise honored God by treating His word as utterly reliable. Conversely, unbelief implicitly accuses God of being either untruthful or impotent. Paul's emphasis on faith as glorifying God shows that justification is ultimately about vindicating God's character and trustworthiness.
Reflection
- Why does Paul say Abraham was 'strengthened' (passive) in faith rather than that he strengthened his own faith?
- How is believing God's promise a way of glorifying Him, and how does unbelief dishonor Him?
- What promises of God do you struggle to believe, and how might embracing them bring glory to God?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Isaiah 7:9, Luke 1:45, 1 Corinthians 16:13
- References God: 2 Kings 7:19, Isaiah 35:4
- Parallel theme: Daniel 10:19, Zechariah 8:9, 8:13, 2 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Timothy 2:1