Romans 4:17
as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that Abraham was made a father of many nations "before the God in whom he believed." This isn't just about God seeing the future; it highlights that God's perspective is fundamentally different, He can declare things into existence that don't yet appear, essentially bringing them into being by His word.
Paul is explaining how Abraham was declared righteous, not through following the Law, but through his faith in God. He quotes God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations, emphasizing that this was declared "in the presence of the God in whom he believed." This God is presented as incredibly powerful, capable of bringing life to the dead and creating things that don't exist, highlighting the immense faith Abraham demonstrated.
How can God say something has happened when it hasn't yet? Abraham's story shows us God's perspective is different from ours.
The verse says God 'calls into existence the things that do not exist.' This isn't just a poetic way of speaking; it reflects God's eternal perspective.
Abraham and Sarah were well past childbearing age. How could God's promise of a vast lineage possibly come true?
The verse highlights God's power as the one 'who gives life to the dead.' This isn't limited to a future resurrection; it speaks to God's ability to bring life where there appears to be none.
Understand the original words
kaleō · Greek Verb
The primary attribute of God as the Creator and Sustainer who sovereignly brings reality into being by His word. This reflects His omnipotence and His ability to accomplish what is humanly impossible.
Paul reminds us that the promise to Abraham wasn't just about natural descendants but about a spiritual lineage that transcends the Law. Abraham's faith in God's life-giving power, even when faced with impossible circumstances like old age and barrenness, mirrors our faith in Christ's resurrection. This shows that God's promises are fulfilled through faith, not by adherence to the Law, opening the door for people of all nations to be counted as Abraham's children.
c. 2090 BC— this verse
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a covenant with Abram, promising to make him the father of a multitude of nations and to give him land. Abram's name is changed to Abraham, meaning 'father of many.'
c. 2090 BC
Abraham's Faith and Circumcision
Abraham believes God's promise, and as a sign of the covenant, he and all his household are circumcised. This act symbolizes a commitment to God's promises.
c. 2090 BC
Isaac's Birth Promised
God reiterates the promise of a son through Sarah, despite Abraham and Sarah's advanced age. This highlights God's power to bring life where it seems impossible.
c. 2065 BC
Abraham Nearly Sacrifices Isaac
God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey demonstrates his profound trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises, even through resurrection.
This is the original Old Testament passage that Paul is quoting, directly stating God's promise to Abraham that his name would be changed and that he would be a father of many nations.
Genesis 1:1-3This passage shows God's creative power, speaking things into existence where there was nothing, mirroring the concept in Romans 4:17 of God calling things that do not exist as though they do.
Romans 4:19This verse immediately follows the one in question and provides the specific context of Abraham's faith, highlighting the seemingly dead natural state of his body and Sarah's womb, which God brought life to.
Hebrews 11:11-12This passage in the 'faith chapter' echoes the idea of God giving life to the seemingly dead and calls Sarah, who was barren, as a mother to nations, directly linking to the promise to Abraham.
Isaiah 43:1This prophetic verse speaks of God's power to redeem and create, even calling Israel by name and saying, 'when you pass through the waters, I will be with you,' illustrating God's active presence in bringing His promises to fruition, even from seemingly impossible circumstances.
henryRomans 4:13-22: "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."
4:13-22 The promise was made to Abraham long before the law. It points at Christ, and it refers to the promise, Ge 12:3. In Thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. The law worketh wrath, by showing that every transgressor is exposed to the Divine displeasure. As God intended to give men a title to the promised blessings…
clarkeRomans 4:17: "(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."
As it is written, I have made thee a father - That Abraham's being a father of many nations has relation to the covenant of God made with him, may be seen, Genesis 17:4 , Genesis 17:5 : Behold my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations: neither shall thy name any more be…
The verse emphasizes that Abraham was made a father of many nations "before the God in whom he believed." This isn't just about God seeing the future; it highlights that God's perspective is fundamentally different, He can declare things into existence that don't yet appear, essentially bringing them into being by His word.
Paul is explaining how Abraham was declared righteous, not through following the Law, but through his faith in God. He quotes God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations, emphasizing that this was declared "in the presence of the God in whom he believed." This God is presented as incredibly powerful, capable of bringing life to the dead and creating things that don't exist, highlighting the immense faith Abraham demonstrated.
Paul is explaining how Abraham was declared righteous, not through following the Law, but through his faith in God. He quotes God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations, emphasizing that this was declared "in the presence of the God in whom he believed." This God is presented as incredibly powerful, capable of bringing life to the dead and creating things that don't exist, highlighting the immense faith Abraham demonstrated.
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c. 1446-1406 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Mosaic Law to Israel. This event marks a significant shift in God's interaction with His chosen people, introducing a system based on law rather than solely on faith in promise.
c. 539 BC
Exile Ends, Temple Rebuilt
The Babylonian exile ends, and many Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. This event signifies God's faithfulness to His people, though many Gentiles remain outside the covenant.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Death, and Resurrection
Jesus, the descendant of Abraham, fulfills God's promises. His resurrection demonstrates God's ultimate power over death and opens the way for all nations to become Abraham's spiritual offspring through faith.
"as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist." — The verse emphasizes that Abraham was made a father of many nations "before the God in whom he believed." This isn't just about God seeing the future; it highlights that God's perspective is fundamen…
