Romans 4:18
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul crafts a beautiful paradox here: Abraham believed against hope, meaning against all natural likelihood, yet he believed in hope, meaning he was firmly resting on God's promise. This wasn't blind optimism, but a profound trust that God's word superseded human reason and circumstance.
Paul is arguing that Abraham was declared righteous by God because of his faith, not his actions, and this principle extends to both Jews and Gentiles. To prove this point, he highlights Abraham's incredible trust in God's promises, even when logic and circumstances declared them impossible. This passage specifically focuses on Abraham's belief that he would father a multitude of descendants, a promise directly linked to God's earlier word in Genesis.
Ever felt like your hopes are wildly unrealistic? Abraham's faith was literally 'against hope.' How did he do it?
Paul uses a powerful paradox to describe Abraham's faith: 'against hope he believed in hope.'
The 'Against Hope' Part
This refers to the part of faith that defies logic and circumstances. For Abraham, this meant believing God's promise of descendants when:
This is faith that looks at the impossible and says, 'Not my problem, God's problem.' It's not about ignoring reality, but about not letting reality dictate God's power.
The 'In Hope' Part
This is the anchor. Abraham's faith wasn't baseless wishing. It was 'in hope'—specifically, God's hope, embodied in His promise. He rested on what God had said.
So, while his circumstances screamed 'hopeless,' his faith was firmly planted 'in hope'—God's guaranteed word.
Why would Paul quote Scripture incompletely? It's a brilliant way to draw us into the original message and its deeper meaning.
Paul quotes God's words to Abraham from Genesis 15:5: “So shall your offspring be.” But he intentionally leaves out the preceding, more graphic imagery.
The Genesis Context
Understand the original words
elpis · Greek Noun
The absolute certainty and expectant confidence regarding God's future fulfillment of His promises. It is anchored in the character of God and the finished work of Christ, rather than human circumstances.
Paul highlights Abraham's faith not just as belief in a future event, but as a profound trust in God's character and promises even when circumstances seemed impossible. This underscores that faith is the foundation for our relationship with God, not human effort or law.
c. 2000 BC
God's Promise to Abraham
God makes a covenant with Abram (later Abraham), promising him numerous descendants and land. This foundational promise is reaffirmed multiple times throughout Abraham's life.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Abraham Believes God's Promise
In response to God's promise, Abraham believes God's word. This faith is later described as being counted to him as righteousness.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham's Lack of Descendants
Despite God's repeated promises, Abraham and his wife Sarah remain childless well into old age, creating a significant challenge to believing the promise.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
The descendants of Abraham, now a numerous people, are miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event in their national history.
This is the foundational Old Testament passage quoted by Paul, showing God's promise to Abraham about his numerous descendants and Abraham's immediate belief in God's word. It's the anchor for the entire concept of faith described in Romans 4.
Hebrews 11:11This verse highlights Sarah's faith, alongside Abraham's, in conceiving a child in her old age, directly linking it to Abraham's belief in God's promise. It echoes the 'against hope believed in hope' theme by showing the supernatural aspect of their faith.
Romans 4:20-21These verses immediately follow Romans 4:18 and further expound on Abraham's unwavering faith, emphasizing that he was 'fully convinced' and gave glory to God. They underscore the strength and conviction Paul attributes to Abraham's belief.
Galatians 3:29This passage connects Abraham's faith to the inheritance of the promise, stating that if believers belong to Christ, they are Abraham's offspring and heirs. It shows how Abraham's hope for a national lineage expands to include a spiritual lineage for all believers.
cambridgeRomans 4:18: "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be."
18 . against hope … in hope ] Lit. beyond hope … upon hope . Here perhaps the first is subjective hope, the second objective. Abraham was asked to believe in a way which went beyond all mere impressions of probability; but he rested upon the “hope set before him” by the Divine promise, and believed. that he might become ] with a view to bec…
meyerRomans 4:18: "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be."
Romans 4:18 . Ὃς ] Parallel to the ὅς ἐστι κ . τ . λ [1073] Romans 4:16 ; therefore only a comma or a colon need be put after Ὡς ὌΝΤΑ.ἘΠʼ ἘΛΠΊΔΙ ] on hope , is the basis of the ἐπίστ . Comp 1 Corinthians 9:10 ; frequent in Greek authors. See also Titus 1:2 . Abraham’s faith was opposed to hope ( παρʼ ἐλπίδα , frequent in classical writers)…
Paul crafts a beautiful paradox here: Abraham believed against hope, meaning against all natural likelihood, yet he believed in hope, meaning he was firmly resting on God's promise. This wasn't blind optimism, but a profound trust that God's word superseded human reason and circumstance.
Paul is arguing that Abraham was declared righteous by God because of his faith, not his actions, and this principle extends to both Jews and Gentiles. To prove this point, he highlights Abraham's incredible trust in God's promises, even when logic and circumstances declared them impossible. This passage specifically focuses on Abraham's belief that he would father a multitude of descendants, a promise directly linked to God's earlier word in Genesis.
Paul is arguing that Abraham was declared righteous by God because of his faith, not his actions, and this principle extends to both Jews and Gentiles. To prove this point, he highlights Abraham's incredible trust in God's promises, even when logic and circumstances declared them impossible. This passage specifically focuses on Abraham's belief that he would father a multitude of descendants, a promise directly linked to God's earlier word in Genesis.
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In Genesis 15:5, God tells Abraham, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then God adds, “So shall your offspring be.”
Paul's Purposeful Omission
By just saying “So shall your offspring be,” Paul assumes his readers are familiar with the full context. This isn't just casual quoting; it’s a strategic move:
c. 1400 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Law to the Israelites through Moses, establishing a covenant relationship and a system of rules and worship.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Israelites are exiled to Babylon due to disobedience, raising questions about the continuation of God's promises to a scattered people.
"In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”" — Paul crafts a beautiful paradox here: Abraham believed against hope, meaning against all natural likelihood, yet he believed in hope, meaning he was firmly resting on God's promise. This wasn't b…
