Romans 4 2

Romans 4:2 kjv

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Romans 4:2 nkjv

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

Romans 4:2 niv

If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about?but not before God.

Romans 4:2 esv

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

Romans 4:2 nlt

If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God's way.

Romans 4 verses

Romans 4 2 Meaning

Romans 4:2 establishes a hypothetical scenario to negate human boasting in the context of justification. It asserts that if Abraham were declared righteous by his works or deeds, he would have legitimate grounds for boasting or self-glory. However, the verse immediately qualifies this by stating that such boasting would hold no validity or recognition in the sight of God. This highlights that true righteousness, in God's eyes, cannot be achieved or merited through human effort or works, thereby eliminating any basis for human pride.

Romans 4 2 Context

Romans chapter 4 is pivotal in Paul's systematic argument for justification by faith, distinct from the works of the law. Following the declaration in Romans 3 that "all have sinned" (Rom 3:23) and that God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law (Rom 3:21), Paul addresses the primary objection: What about Abraham, the revered patriarch of Israel, who was supposedly righteous? The apostle chooses Abraham as his prime example, not because Abraham lived under the Mosaic Law (which came much later), but because Jewish people universally held him as the paradigm of one pleasing to God, often attributing his favor to his obedience and merit. Romans 4:2 directly engages this traditional Jewish understanding, asserting a conditional premise ("if Abraham were justified by works") which is then immediately disproven by Abraham's inability to boast before God. Paul systematically deconstructs the idea that Abraham's relationship with God was based on his achievements, preparing to show it was solely based on his faith. This polemic targets the prevailing belief among many Jewish contemporaries that salvation and acceptance by God were earned through meticulous adherence to the Law and religious rites, a belief Paul refutes to establish the universal principle of justification by grace through faith for both Jew and Gentile.

Romans 4 2 Word analysis

• For: Introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding statement, linking to Rom 4:1's question about Abraham.
• if: (εἰ - ei) Introduces a hypothetical condition, setting up a premise that will be tested and ultimately disproved. Paul is not stating a fact, but a possibility to argue against.
• Abraham: The foundational patriarch of Israel. He is universally respected and admired, making him a powerful example for Paul to reinterpret and show how God related to him. Paul uses him to appeal to his Jewish audience while redirecting their understanding.
• were justified: (ἐδικαιώθη - edikayiōthē) From the Greek verb δικαιόω (dikaioō). It is in the aorist passive tense, meaning "was declared righteous," "was acquitted," or "was pronounced just." It refers to a legal declaration of righteousness, not an internal process of being made righteous. It's about one's standing before God, rather than a moral transformation achieved by personal effort.
• by works: (ἐξ ἔργων - ex ergōn) Literally "out of works" or "from works." This signifies the source or basis of justification. It refers to human actions, efforts, deeds, or the keeping of the Mosaic Law. Paul consistently contrasts this with "by faith" (ἐκ πίστεως - ek pisteōs).
• he hath whereof to glory: (ἔχει καύχημα - echei kauchēma) Meaning "he would have boasting" or "he would have grounds for boasting." Kauchēma (boasting) implies something to be proud of, a merit achieved, leading to self-commendation. If Abraham could earn righteousness, he could take credit for it.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For if Abraham were justified by works": This phrase establishes the false premise Paul aims to dismantle. It directly challenges the common notion in first-century Judaism that Abraham, or any individual, could achieve a righteous standing before God based on their perfect obedience to the Law or specific religious rituals.
• "he hath whereof to glory": This clause reveals the consequence of justification by works: it enables human boasting and self-exaltation. If a person earns their righteousness, they can claim credit for it, diminishing God's role in salvation. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on humility and God receiving all glory.
• "but not before God": (ἀλλ᾽ οὐ πρὸς θεόν - all' ou pros theon) This is the critical turning point and the core of the verse's meaning. It indicates a sharp antithesis: any ground for human boasting exists only from a human perspective, not from God's. Before God, who is omniscient and perfectly holy, no human "works" are sufficient to create a meritorious claim or to allow boasting. This absolute disclaimer nullifies the idea of human achievement counting for righteousness in the divine courtroom. It underscores God's sovereignty and grace as the only source of salvation.

Romans 4 2 Bonus section

This verse powerfully reflects the essence of the "no boasting" theme prevalent throughout Paul's writings, particularly concerning justification. The Greek term kauchaō and its cognates for boasting, glorying, or bragging appear frequently in Paul's epistles. Here, the inability to boast "before God" highlights the profound qualitative difference between human attempts at righteousness and God's absolute holiness and righteousness. It means that while one might appear righteous in the eyes of others or even oneself through religious performance or ethical conduct, these external metrics do not stand up to God's perfect scrutiny. The verse also implicitly points to the comprehensive nature of sin: if even the greatest of patriarchs couldn't stand on his own merit before God, then no one can. This paves the way for the necessity of God's imputed righteousness through Christ, received by faith alone.

Romans 4 2 Commentary

Romans 4:2 is a foundational statement in Paul's theological argument for justification by faith. It sets up a counter-factual, hypothesizing what would be true if justification came from human deeds, only to immediately demonstrate why that hypothesis is flawed when God's perspective is considered. Paul knew his audience deeply revered Abraham. By stating that even Abraham, if he were justified by works, could not boast "before God," Paul radically shifts the grounds of salvation. Any claim to merit, no matter how great in human eyes, evaporates in God's presence. This eliminates human pride and ensures that salvation, being a free gift based on God's declaration, points all glory back to the Giver. It’s not about what we do, but what God does for us through Christ, and our response of faith. Practically, this verse encourages profound humility, reminding believers that our standing with God is solely due to His grace, received by faith, not earned by our efforts or good deeds, thereby liberating us from the burden of perpetual self-justification.