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)
Abraham’s faith wasn’t just wishful thinking; it was a radical trust that defied all logic. He "believed against hope," meaning his belief went beyond any rational possibility, yet it was "in hope," meaning it was firmly grounded in God's spoken promise.
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)
Paul is highlighting Abraham's extraordinary faith as a model for believers, showing how it operated before the Law and even before circumcision. Abraham was called to trust God's seemingly impossible promise of descendants, a promise reiterated by God and confirmed by a vision of countless stars, even when his circumstances offered no natural reason for hope. This unwavering belief, grounded solely in God's word, is presented as the ultimate example of righteousness by faith, which Paul argues is the path for both Jews and Gentiles to be justified.
How can you believe God when everything around you screams 'no'? Abraham faced this, and Paul highlights the astonishing nature of his faith.
Paul uses a striking paradox to describe Abraham's faith: 'against hope believed in hope.'
The Paradox Explained
This wasn't wishful thinking. It was a radical trust in God's power to do the impossible, even when all logic and evidence pointed the other way.
The promise to Abraham wasn't just about having kids; it was about a global impact that still echoes today. What was God truly promising?
Abraham's belief was focused on a specific, world-altering promise: 'that he should become the father of many nations.'
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More Than Just Progeny
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 uses Abraham's story to show that faith in God's promises, even when they seem impossible, is what counts as righteousness. Abraham's belief wasn't based on seeing a likely outcome, but on trusting God's word despite overwhelming odds.
c. 2091 BC
God's Promise to Abram
God first calls Abram (later Abraham) from Ur and promises him land, descendants, and that he will be a blessing to all nations. This is the foundational promise.
c. 2091 BC
Abram Believes God
Immediately after God's promise, the Scripture states, "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." This is the initial act of faith Paul highlights.
c. 2091 BC— this verse
Abram Receives Sign of Covenant
God establishes a covenant with Abram and gives him a sign. The specific verse in Romans references the promise that Abram's offspring would be as numerous as the stars.
c. 2080 BC
Birth of Ishmael
When Abraham and Sarah grow impatient waiting for a son, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham, resulting in the birth of Ishmael. This challenges the promise of a legitimate heir.
c. 2066 BC
Birth of Isaac
God fulfills his promise with the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, proving that the descendants would come through a divinely appointed heir, not human effort.
This is the direct Old Testament promise that Abraham is believing against hope, showing the foundation of his faith was God's spoken word.
Hebrews 11:1This passage defines faith as the 'assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' which perfectly captures Abraham's act of believing God's promise despite the impossible circumstances.
Galatians 3:16This verse directly connects the promise made to Abraham (including the 'offspring' part) to Christ, highlighting that Abraham's hope was ultimately rooted in God's redemptive plan through the Messiah.
Joshua 23:14This verse echoes Abraham's reliance on God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even when it seems impossible, emphasizing that God's word is the ultimate certainty.
Romans 4:20This verse immediately follows the one in question and elaborates on Abraham's faith, showing he 'did not waver through unbelief but grew strong in his faith, giving glory to God,' reinforcing the 'against hope' aspect.
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)…
Abraham’s faith wasn’t just wishful thinking; it was a radical trust that defied all logic. He "believed against hope," meaning his belief went beyond any rational possibility, yet it was "in hope," meaning it was firmly grounded in God's spoken promise.
Paul is highlighting Abraham's extraordinary faith as a model for believers, showing how it operated before the Law and even before circumcision. Abraham was called to trust God's seemingly impossible promise of descendants, a promise reiterated by God and confirmed by a vision of countless stars, even when his circumstances offered no natural reason for hope. This unwavering belief, grounded solely in God's word, is presented as the ultimate example of righteousness by faith, which Paul argues is the path for both Jews and Gentiles to be justified.
Paul is highlighting Abraham's extraordinary faith as a model for believers, showing how it operated before the Law and even before circumcision. Abraham was called to trust God's seemingly impossible promise of descendants, a promise reiterated by God and confirmed by a vision of countless stars, even when his circumstances offered no natural reason for hope. This unwavering belief, grounded solely in God's word, is presented as the ultimate example of righteousness by faith, which Paul argues is the path for both Jews and Gentiles to be justified.
"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.”" — Abraham’s faith wasn’t just wishful thinking; it was a radical trust that defied all logic. He "believed against hope," meaning his belief went beyond any rational possibility, yet it was "in hope,"…
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Last reviewed October 2026