Romans 4:5-7 NASB

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 4:1-8

Here the apostle proves that Abraham was justified not by works, but by faith. Those that of all men contended most vigorously for a share in righteousness by the privileges they enjoyed, and the works they performed, were the Jews, and therefore he appeals to the case of Abraham their father, and puts his own name to the relation, being a Hebrew of the Hebrews: Abraham our father. Now surely his prerogative must needs be as great as theirs who claim it as his seed according to the flesh. Now... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 4:1-8

4:1-8 What, then, shall we say that Abraham, our forefather from whom we take our human descent, found? If Abraham entered into a right relationship with God by means of work, he has some ground for boasting--but not in regard to God. For what does scripture say? "Abraham trusted in God and it was accounted to him for righteousness." The man who works does not receive his pay as a favour; he receives it as a debt due to him. But, as for the man who does not depend on work, but who trusts in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not ,.... Not that the believer does not work at all, but not from such principles, and with such views as the other; he does not work in order to obtain life and salvation; he does not seek for justification by his doings: but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly : or that ungodly one: particular reference is had to Abraham, who in his state of unregeneracy was an ungodly person; as all God's elect are in a state of nature, and are such when God justifies... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man ,.... the apostle having instanced in Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, cites some passages from David, king of Israel, a person of great note and esteem among the Jews, in favour of the doctrine he is establishing; who in a very proper and lively manner describes the happiness of such persons: unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works . This righteousness cannot be the righteousness of the law, or man's obedience... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:7

Saying, blessed are they ,.... These words are cited from Psalm 32:1 , and contain the proof of the happiness of justified persons. In this citation the singular number is changed into the plural, to take in all sorts of men, Jews and Gentiles, and very agreeably to the sense of the original; for the word אשרי may be rendered "blessed are they", or, "O the blessednesses"; that is, of everyone of them, whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered : such whom God justifies... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not - Which was the case with Abraham, for he was called when he was ungodly, i.e. an idolater; and, on his believing, was freely justified: and, as all men have sinned, none can be justified by works; and, therefore, justification, if it take place at all, must take place in behalf of the ungodly, forasmuch as all mankind are such. Now, as Abraham's state and mode in which he was justified, are the plan and rule according to which God purposes to save men; and as his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:6

Even as David also, etc. - David, in Psalm 32:1 , Psalm 32:2 , gives us also the true notion of this way of justification, i.e. by faith, without the merit of works, where he says: - read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:7

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven - That is, the man is truly happy whose iniquities αι ανομιαι , whose transgressions of the law are forgiven; for by these he was exposed to the most grievous punishment. Whose sins, αι αμαρτιαι , his innumerable deviations from the strict rule of truth and righteousness, are covered - entirely removed out of sight, and thrown into oblivion. See the meaning of the word sin in the note on Genesis 13:13 ; (note). read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:5

Verse 5 5. But believes on him, etc. This is a very important sentence, in which he expresses the substance and nature both of faith and of righteousness. He indeed clearly shews that faith brings us righteousness, not because it is a meritorious act, but because it obtains for us the favor of God. (134) Nor does he declare only that God is the giver of righteousness, but he also arraigns us of unrighteousness, in order that the bounty of God may come to aid our necessity: in short, no one will... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:6

Verse 6 6.As David also defines, etc. We hence see the sheer sophistry of those who limit the works of the law to ceremonies; for he now simply calls those works, without anything added, which he had before called the works of the law. Since no one can deny that a simple and unrestricted mode of speaking, such as we find here, ought to be understood of every work without any difference, the same view must be held throughout the whole argument. There is indeed nothing less reasonable than to... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 4:1-8

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 4:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:6

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