Bible Strands
Romans 4:1
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers, shifting from his justification argument to examine Abraham’s historical status. He poses a rhetorical question to frame whether Abraham earned righteousness through human effort.
The words — The Greek εὑρηκέναι (heurēkenai) carries a perfect tense sense, literally meaning "to have discovered" or "to have found." This completed action emphasizes Abraham’s established standing rather than a momentary event.
The thread — The appeal to Abraham as a foundational figure recurs in Isaiah 51:2 and John 8:56, where he is presented as the progenitor of God’s covenant people. Paul later ties this lineage to faith in Romans 4:16, showing how the promise extends beyond biological descent.
Why it lands — The verse demands a clear assessment of whether Abraham’s standing before God was earned or received. It forces the reader to abandon human boasting and examine the basis of spiritual inheritance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
Cross-references
- Isaiah 51:2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.
- Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
- John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”
- Acts 13:26 Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
- 2 Corinthians 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.
- Matthew 3:9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
- Luke 3:8 Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
- Romans 7:7 What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”
- Luke 16:24 So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’
- Luke 16:29 But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’