Romans 4:20
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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Instead of just not doubting, Abraham's faith actively gave glory to God. This means his unwavering trust wasn't passive; it was a powerful declaration of God's truth and power, demonstrating that Abraham believed God was worthy of absolute confidence.
Paul is explaining how Abraham's faith, not his works or adherence to the Law, made him righteous in God's eyes. Abraham believed God's incredible promise that he would have descendants, even when his own body and his wife's were incapable of producing children. This unwavering trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when facing impossible circumstances, is the very essence of the faith Paul wants believers to embrace.
What does it really mean to 'believe' God? Is it just agreeing with facts, or something much deeper?
The verse paints a powerful picture of Abraham's faith. It wasn't just intellectual agreement with God's promise. The original language and context suggest a profound trust – a steadfast confidence that held firm even when circumstances screamed the opposite.
Abraham's faith didn't come from his own willpower. Where did this remarkable strength really originate?
The passage makes it clear that Abraham's faith wasn't a product of his own natural strength or resilience. Instead, his faith was empowered.
Understand the original words
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.
The verse highlights Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promise, even when faced with the seemingly impossible circumstances of his and Sarah's old age. This faith wasn't passive belief, but an active trust that gave glory to God, underscoring that justification comes through faith in God's power to fulfill His word, not by human merit or strength.
c. 2091 BC
God's Promise to Abraham
God promises Abraham that he will have numerous descendants and inherit the land of Canaan. This promise is made when Abraham is already 75 years old.
c. 2090 BC
Abraham Circumcised
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, marking it with circumcision. Abraham is 99 years old, and his wife Sarah is 89.
c. 2089 BC— this verse
Birth of Isaac
Despite Abraham and Sarah's advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, Isaac is miraculously born, fulfilling God's promise.
c. 1953 BC
Binding of Isaac (Akeidah)
God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey demonstrates his profound faith, solidifying his status as a father of faith.
This verse directly states that Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, highlighting the foundational act of faith that Romans 4:20 describes.
Hebrews 11:11This passage in the 'Hall of Faith' speaks of Sarah also receiving power to conceive, illustrating how faith not only strengthens the believer but also operates within God's promises, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.
Psalm 138:2This Psalm extols God's steadfast love and the supreme importance of His Word, echoing the sentiment of Romans 4:20 where Abraham's faith in God's promise brought glory to God.
John 15:8Jesus teaches that bearing much fruit brings glory to the Father. Abraham's steadfast faith, leading to the fulfillment of God's promise, is a profound example of bearing fruit that glorifies God.
cambridgeRomans 4:20: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;"
20–21 . he staggered not , &c.] The Gr. suggests the paraphrase; “he looked away from his own physical state, only at the Promise, and did not doubt its terms—just because they were the Promise. So he rose in a great effort and exercise of faith, which consisted in giving glory to God (the ‘glory’ of absolute and adoring trust in Him as God); in being perfectly sure of His abili…
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…
Instead of just not doubting, Abraham's faith actively gave glory to God. This means his unwavering trust wasn't passive; it was a powerful declaration of God's truth and power, demonstrating that Abraham believed God was worthy of absolute confidence.
Paul is explaining how Abraham's faith, not his works or adherence to the Law, made him righteous in God's eyes. Abraham believed God's incredible promise that he would have descendants, even when his own body and his wife's were incapable of producing children. This unwavering trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when facing impossible circumstances, is the very essence of the faith Paul wants believers to embrace.
Paul is explaining how Abraham's faith, not his works or adherence to the Law, made him righteous in God's eyes. Abraham believed God's incredible promise that he would have descendants, even when his own body and his wife's were incapable of producing children. This unwavering trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when facing impossible circumstances, is the very essence of the faith Paul wants believers to embrace.
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"No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God," — Instead of just not doubting, Abraham's faith actively gave glory to God. This means his unwavering trust wasn't passive; it was a powerful declaration of God's truth and power, demonstrating that…
