Bible Strands
Romans 4:13
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church to explain how Abraham’s status as heir precedes the Mosaic law and circumcision. He addresses this during a theological argument establishing that justification comes through faith rather than legal observance.
The words — ἐπαγγελία (epangelia) means promise, and νόμου (nomou) refers to the Law. The text contrasts these two sources to show the promise originates outside legal requirements.
The thread — This theme appears in Galatians 3:29, where believers are identified as Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. The passage also draws on Genesis 28:14 and Genesis 22:17, which establish the covenant foundation Paul references.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers recognize inheritance depends on faith-driven righteousness, not legal compliance. It requires abandoning the assumption that religious observance earns divine favor.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Galatians 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
- Genesis 28:14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.
- Genesis 22:17 I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies.
- Romans 9:8 So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.
- Psalms 2:8 Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
- Genesis 17:4 “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.
- Genesis 17:16 And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.”
- Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.
- Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
- Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.