For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "counted to him as righteousness" isn't saying Abraham's faith became righteousness itself. Instead, it means God credited Abraham's act of believing as if it were perfect righteousness in His sight. This highlights that our acceptance with God is based on His gracious accounting, not our own perfect performance.
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is responding to the Jewish belief that Abraham, their ancestor, was justified by works or by adherence to the Law. To counter this, he introduces Abraham himself as an example, showing that even Abraham, the "father of faith," wasn't declared righteous by his actions but by his belief. This verse is the foundation of his argument that justification comes through faith, not by keeping the Law, a principle that applies to all believers.
We often hear that Abraham was a man of faith. But what did that actually look like for him? It wasn't just a passive agreement, but a radical trust in God.
The verse quotes Genesis 15:6: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." This wasn't a general, abstract belief.
Trusting the Unseen
The phrase 'counted to him as righteousness' is crucial. It points to a profound theological truth about how we are made right with God.
This verse reveals that Abraham's righteousness wasn't something he achieved through his own efforts or perfect obedience. Instead, it was something God credited to him.
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The Gift of Imputation
Understand the original words
graphē · Greek Noun
The holy, inspired writings of the Old and New Testaments that serve as the authoritative standard for faith and practice.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
To trust, rely upon, or commit oneself entirely to God and His promises; it is the instrument through which one receives justification.
logizomai · Greek Verb
A legal or accounting term denoting that something is credited to one's account; used theologically to describe the imputation of righteousness to the believer.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The state of moral rectitude and conformity to God's standard; it is the gift of God bestowed upon believers through faith.
Paul uses Abraham's story from Genesis, a foundational text for Jews, to show that righteousness comes through faith, not by observing the Law. This was crucial for his argument that salvation is for both Jews and Gentiles alike.
c. 2091 BC— this verse
God's Covenant with Abraham
God established a formal covenant with Abram (later Abraham), promising him numerous descendants and land. This is the context for Abraham's faith.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham Believes God's Promise
In response to God's promise of descendants, Abraham believed God, and this faith was credited to him as righteousness. This event is recorded in Genesis 15.
c. 2083 BC
Circumcision Instituted
God commanded Abraham to institute circumcision as a sign of the covenant. This happened eight years after Abraham's belief was counted as righteousness, showing faith preceded this physical sign.
c. 1800 BC
Book of Genesis Written
The events of Abraham's life, including his faith and its imputation, were recorded in the Book of Genesis, making it Scripture.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33
Life of Jesus Christ
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the foundation for the gospel message of justification by faith that Paul is explaining.
c. AD 57-59
Paul Writes Romans
Paul penned his letter to the believers in Rome, likely from Corinth or Ephesus, to explain the gospel and prepare for his visit.
This is the foundational verse Paul quotes directly, showing the original account of Abraham's faith being credited as righteousness.
Galatians 3:6Paul uses the exact same argument and quotes this verse to show that justification by faith is a consistent principle throughout God's dealings with humanity, not just for Abraham.
Hebrews 11:8This passage highlights Abraham's faith in action, emphasizing his obedience in leaving his homeland in response to God's call, which stemmed from the same core belief mentioned in Romans.
James 2:23James also references Abraham's belief being counted as righteousness, but he adds a crucial layer: that this faith was demonstrated by his actions, showing that true saving faith is never barren.
henryRomans 4:1-12: "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?"
4:1-12 To meet the views of the Jews, the apostle first refers to the example of Abraham, in whom the Jews gloried as their most renowned forefather. However exalted in various respects, he had nothing to boast in the presence of God, being saved by grace, through faith, even as others. Without noticing the years which passed before his call, and the failures at times in his obedience, and e…
pulpitRomans 4:3: "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
Verse 3. - For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned Unto him for righteousness. This notable text (Genesis 15:6), declaring the ground of Abraham's acceptance, is similarly quoted in the cognate passage, Galatians 3:6. It has a peculiar cogency in the general argument from being in connection with, and with reference to, one of the Divine promises to Ab…
The phrase "counted to him as righteousness" isn't saying Abraham's faith became righteousness itself. Instead, it means God credited Abraham's act of believing as if it were perfect righteousness in His sight. This highlights that our acceptance with God is based on His gracious accounting, not our own perfect performance.
Paul is responding to the Jewish belief that Abraham, their ancestor, was justified by works or by adherence to the Law. To counter this, he introduces Abraham himself as an example, showing that even Abraham, the "father of faith," wasn't declared righteous by his actions but by his belief. This verse is the foundation of his argument that justification comes through faith, not by keeping the Law, a principle that applies to all believers.
Paul is responding to the Jewish belief that Abraham, their ancestor, was justified by works or by adherence to the Law. To counter this, he introduces Abraham himself as an example, showing that even Abraham, the "father of faith," wasn't declared righteous by his actions but by his belief. This verse is the foundation of his argument that justification comes through faith, not by keeping the Law, a principle that applies to all believers.
"For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”" — The phrase "counted to him as righteousness" isn't saying Abraham's faith became righteousness itself. Instead, it means God credited Abraham's act of believing as if it were perfect righteousnes…
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Last reviewed October 2026