Romans 4:20-21
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The verse highlights that Abraham's faith wasn't just passive belief, but an active "giving glory to God." This means his unwavering trust in God's promise, even when logic suggested otherwise, was itself an act of worship that honored God's truth and power.
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing that Abraham's faith, not his adherence to the Law, made him righteous before God. Abraham believed God's seemingly impossible promise of descendants, even when his own body and his wife's were past the age of childbearing. This unwavering trust demonstrated a profound reliance on God's power and faithfulness, which God counted as righteousness.
What does it really mean to 'believe' in God? Abraham’s faith wasn't just agreeing with facts; it was a deep, active trust.
The Bible often uses 'faith' to describe more than just intellectual agreement. In Abraham's case, 'faith' is about personal trust – leaning entirely on God's character and promises, even when circumstances scream the opposite.
Trusting the Promiser
This wasn't a blind leap, but a confident reliance on God Himself. Abraham's belief was rooted in who God is: faithful, powerful, and true. When the text says he 'grew strong in his faith,' it highlights that faith is a dynamic strength, not a static state.
Giving Glory to God
This active trust was expressed by 'giving glory to God.' This means his faith acknowledged God's absolute ability and willingness to fulfill His word. By trusting, Abraham was essentially testifying, 'God, You are worthy of all confidence.' This honors God more than any outward act.
We all face moments where doubt creeps in. Abraham’s experience shows us how faith triumphs over the internal struggle.
The phrase 'staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief' points to a significant internal battle. Unbelief isn't just a lack of faith; it's an active force that causes hesitation and doubt, making us question God’s promises.
Recognizing the Mental Struggle
'Staggered' or 'wavered' suggests a mental wrestling, a tension between what God says and what our circumstances or logic dictate. Abraham didn't allow this internal debate to paralyze him. Instead of letting doubt dictate his response, he chose to strengthen his faith.
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Overcoming Obstacles
Abraham's unwavering stance meant he looked past the impossible realities (his and Sarah’s age) and focused on God’s power. This demonstrates that a strong faith doesn't ignore difficulties, but actively chooses to believe God despite them.
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.
plērophorētheis · Greek Verb
Being completely certain or persuaded in one's mind, often implying an unshakable trust in God's reliability and power.
Theos · Greek Noun
The sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe, the only true object of saving faith.
epēngeltai · Greek Verb
A formal declaration or covenantal pledge given by God, upon which the believer rests their hope and confidence.
c. 2000 BC
God's Promise to Abraham
God promises Abraham that he will have a son and that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. This is the foundational promise Abraham will later cling to.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Abraham's Age
Abraham is around 99 years old when God reiterates the promise of a son, Isaac. Sarah, his wife, is around 90 and past childbearing age.
c. 2000 BC
Birth of Isaac
Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances of Abraham and Sarah's age, Isaac is born, fulfilling God's promise and demonstrating the power of faith.
This verse directly parallels Romans 4:20, stating that 'Abraham believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.' It highlights Abraham's foundational act of faith that Paul uses as the prime example.
Hebrews 11:11This passage echoes the strength of Abraham's faith by mentioning Sarah's faith in conceiving, framing it as an act of receiving strength from God. It reinforces the idea of faith as a God-empowered strength, not just human resolve.
Philippians 4:6-7While not about Abraham, this passage speaks to the modern believer's experience, contrasting anxious 'unbelief' with faith-filled 'prayers and petitions' that bring peace. It shows how trusting God's promises in present circumstances is a way of giving Him glory.
Joshua 1:9This command from God to Joshua ('Be strong and courageous') mirrors the strength Abraham found in faith. It underscores that true strength in facing challenges comes from relying on God's presence and promises, not on self.
1 John 5:10This verse speaks about believing God's testimony versus making Him a liar through unbelief. It directly connects the act of believing God's promises with giving Him glory and truth, just as Abraham did.
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 faith wasn't just passive belief, but an active "giving glory to God." This means his unwavering trust in God's promise, even when logic suggested otherwise, was itself an act of worship that honored God's truth and power.
Paul is arguing that Abraham's faith, not his adherence to the Law, made him righteous before God. Abraham believed God's seemingly impossible promise of descendants, even when his own body and his wife's were past the age of childbearing. This unwavering trust demonstrated a profound reliance on God's power and faithfulness, which God counted as righteousness.
Paul is arguing that Abraham's faith, not his adherence to the Law, made him righteous before God. Abraham believed God's seemingly impossible promise of descendants, even when his own body and his wife's were past the age of childbearing. This unwavering trust demonstrated a profound reliance on God's power and faithfulness, which God counted 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, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." — The verse highlights that Abraham's faith wasn't just passive belief, but an active "giving glory to God." This means his unwavering trust in God's promise, even when logic suggested otherwise, was i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
