Romans 4:18-20
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.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "against hope believed in hope" is a brilliant paradox Paul uses to highlight Abraham’s extraordinary faith. It means Abraham’s belief wasn't based on any earthly possibility or human reasoning; instead, his faith was rooted in and sustained by God's promise, even when all outward circumstances screamed "impossible."
Paul is building a case for how Abraham was declared righteous by God, not by following the Law, but by believing God's promises. This verse highlights the incredible, almost impossible nature of Abraham's faith, which was grounded not in his circumstances, but in God's spoken word and future hope. The focus here is on the strength and nature of Abraham's belief, which Paul uses as a prime example for believers today.
Ever felt like you're hoping for something that seems impossible? Abraham's story shows us what it looks like to hope when all logic says 'no way.'
Paul uses a powerful phrase to describe Abraham's faith: 'against hope believed in hope.' This isn't just a poetic turn of phrase; it's a profound description of radical trust.
Hope Against Hope
When Paul says 'against hope,' he's talking about Abraham's situation defying all natural or logical grounds for hope. Imagine Abraham, well past the age of having children, with his wife Sarah also barren. The natural evidence screamed 'impossible.'
Believing In Hope
But then, 'believed in hope.' This refers to the hope Abraham did have – the hope rooted in God's specific promise to him. It wasn't a wishful thinking; it was a confident trust in God's word, even when that word seemed to contradict reality.
This is the essence of biblical faith: it's not blind optimism, but a confident reliance on God's promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It’s trusting the God who can bring life from death, and make something out of nothing.
Abraham was promised descendants, but the scope of that promise was mind-blowing. What does it mean to be the 'father of many nations'?
The promise God made to Abraham wasn't just about having a large family. It was a foundational promise with cosmic implications.
A Covenantal Identity
God declared, 'you shall be the father of many nations.' This wasn't just about Abraham's biological lineage, but about establishing a people through whom God would work to bless the entire world. It signifies a covenantal relationship, setting Abraham and his descendants apart.
Echoes in Scripture
Paul quotes from Genesis 15:5: 'So shall your offspring be.' This quote, especially when connected to the larger context in Genesis, points to an unimaginable multitude, like the stars of the sky. This was the divine assurance that fueled Abraham's faith, pointing towards a future fulfillment that would extend far beyond his immediate circumstances.
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.
apistia · Greek Noun
The state of lacking belief or a failure to trust in God's promises and character. It is portrayed as a refusal to align one's mind and heart with the truth of God's revealed word.
doxa · Greek Noun
The act of acknowledging and declaring the true character, holiness, and majesty of God. It involves a posture of total surrender and praise that recognizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in every situation.
Paul highlights the radical nature of Abraham's faith: believing in God's promise of countless descendants even when his own aging body and Sarah's barrenness made it humanly impossible. This extraordinary trust, rooted in God's Word despite contrary circumstances, is the very essence of righteousness by faith.
c. 2100 BC
Abraham called by God
God calls Abram (later Abraham) from Ur to go to the land of Canaan, promising to make him a great nation and bless the world through him.
c. 2090 BC
Promise of numerous offspring
God explicitly promises Abram, 'So shall your offspring be,' in a vision, emphasizing the vastness of his future descendants.
c. 2090 BC
Abraham believes God
In response to God's promise, Abraham believes, and this belief is credited to him as righteousness.
c. 2090 BC— this verse
Abraham's advanced age
Abraham is approximately 95 years old and Sarah is about 85, making the natural possibility of having children virtually nonexistent.
This is the direct Old Testament promise to Abraham that Paul is referencing, highlighting the foundation of Abraham's 'faith against hope'.
Hebrews 11:1This passage defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' which perfectly captures the essence of Abraham believing beyond what was visible or logically possible.
Romans 4:20-21These verses immediately follow and expand on Abraham's faith, showing that he 'did not waver through unbelief but grew strong in his faith giving glory to God,' reinforcing the conviction Paul highlights.
Jeremiah 32:17This verse powerfully declares 'Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you,' echoing the divine power Abraham trusted in when his situation seemed impossible.
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)…
The phrase "against hope believed in hope" is a brilliant paradox Paul uses to highlight Abraham’s extraordinary faith. It means Abraham’s belief wasn't based on any earthly possibility or human reasoning; instead, his faith was rooted in and sustained by God's promise, even when all outward circumstances screamed "impossible."
Paul is building a case for how Abraham was declared righteous by God, not by following the Law, but by believing God's promises. This verse highlights the incredible, almost impossible nature of Abraham's faith, which was grounded not in his circumstances, but in God's spoken word and future hope. The focus here is on the strength and nature of Abraham's belief, which Paul uses as a prime example for believers today.
Paul is building a case for how Abraham was declared righteous by God, not by following the Law, but by believing God's promises. This verse highlights the incredible, almost impossible nature of Abraham's faith, which was grounded not in his circumstances, but in God's spoken word and future hope. The focus here is on the strength and nature of Abraham's belief, which Paul uses as a prime example for believers today.
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This promise is the bedrock of God's plan of salvation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, through whom people from every nation are brought into God's family.
"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.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was abou…" — The phrase "against hope believed in hope" is a brilliant paradox Paul uses to highlight Abraham’s extraordinary faith. It means Abraham’s belief wasn't based on any earthly possibility or human reas…
