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)
The verse highlights that Abraham's strength wasn't about a lack of internal struggle, but a deliberate choice to focus his attention on God's power and promises, effectively giving glory to God through his unwavering trust. This act of trust, looking away from his own limitations and toward God's capabilities, is presented as the core of his strong faith.
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)
Paul is highlighting Abraham's profound trust in God's promises, especially concerning having a son in his old age. This faith wasn't a passive belief but an active reliance that stood firm against all logical impossibilities and doubts. It was through this unwavering confidence, which honored God's power and faithfulness, that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness.
When life throws curveballs, does faith mean never questioning or feeling uncertain? Abraham’s story reveals something deeper.
The verse says Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief." This doesn't mean he was emotionless or never had a flicker of doubt. The original Greek word suggests a mental struggle, a wavering.
What does it truly mean to 'give glory to God'? Abraham’s faith offers a powerful example of how our trust can honor Him.
The verse concludes by saying Abraham was 'strong in faith, giving glory to God.' This isn't just about singing songs or reciting praises, though those are good.
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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 trust in God's promise regarding having a son, even when faced with the stark physical realities of his and Sarah's advanced age and infertility. This profound faith, which gave glory to God, is presented as the very thing that was counted to him as righteousness.
c. 2091 BC
God promises Abraham offspring
God first promises Abraham that he will have many descendants, even though Abraham is childless and advanced in age.
c. 2090 BC
Abraham's faith is counted as righteousness
Abraham believes God's promise, and Scripture records this faith as his righteousness, setting the stage for Romans 4.
c. 2089 BC
Abraham and Sarah given new names
God changes Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, signifying a covenant and the future of God's promise.
c. 2089 BC— this verse
Isaac is promised
God specifically promises that Abraham will have a son, Isaac, through Sarah, despite their advanced age.
c. 2089 BC
Abraham's physical state noted
Scripture explicitly notes Abraham's age (around 100) and the deadness of Sarah's womb (around 90), highlighting the natural impossibility of the promise.
This verse directly states that Abraham believed the LORD, and it was counted to him as righteousness, setting the stage for the theme of faith being credited as righteousness.
Hebrews 11:11This passage in the Hall of Faith highlights Sarah's faith in conceiving Isaac, mirroring Abraham's confidence in God's promise despite natural impossibilities.
Romans 4:18This verse immediately precedes the one you provided and sets up the contrast, showing Abraham 'against all hope' believing in hope, which directly leads into his unwavering faith described in Romans 4:20.
Joshua 1:9This command from God to Joshua, 'Be strong and courageous,' echoes the theme of being strengthened in faith and not being dismayed, a principle Abraham exemplified.
1 Samuel 15:22Samuel's rebuke to Saul, 'Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,' emphasizes that true devotion and honoring God come from obedience rooted in faith, aligning with Abraham giving glory to God through his trust.
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…
The verse highlights that Abraham's strength wasn't about a lack of internal struggle, but a deliberate choice to focus his attention on God's power and promises, effectively giving glory to God through his unwavering trust. This act of trust, looking away from his own limitations and toward God's capabilities, is presented as the core of his strong faith.
Paul is highlighting Abraham's profound trust in God's promises, especially concerning having a son in his old age. This faith wasn't a passive belief but an active reliance that stood firm against all logical impossibilities and doubts. It was through this unwavering confidence, which honored God's power and faithfulness, that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness.
Paul is highlighting Abraham's profound trust in God's promises, especially concerning having a son in his old age. This faith wasn't a passive belief but an active reliance that stood firm against all logical impossibilities and doubts. It was through this unwavering confidence, which honored God's power and faithfulness, that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness.
"No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God," — The verse highlights that Abraham's strength wasn't about a lack of internal struggle, but a deliberate choice to focus his attention on God's power and promises, effectively giving glory to God th…
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Last reviewed October 2026