Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church, concluding his exposition of Abraham’s justification after establishing that the law brings wrath and cannot secure inheritance (Romans 4:15). He addresses them at the pivot point between legal compliance and promised offspring.
The words — The Greek phrase ἐκ πίστεως (ek pisteōs) literally means “out of faith,” while κατὰ χάριν (kata charin) translates to “according to grace.” These terms establish the mechanism and foundation of the promise.
The thread — The linkage of faith, grace, and Abraham’s lineage runs through Romans 3:24 and Ephesians 2:8, which tie justification and salvation to grace received through faith. Romans 9:8 extends this by distinguishing the children of the promise from mere biological or legal descendants.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept inheritance as a result of faith and grace rather than legal observance. It demands a redefinition of identity around Abraham’s trust instead of ritual or ethnic markers.
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
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Cross-references
- Romans 3:24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
- 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.
- Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.
- Titus 3:7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
- 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 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Romans 15:8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
- Ephesians 2:5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
- Galatians 3:7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham.