Bible Strands
Romans 4:2
If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers immediately after asking what Abraham discovered regarding his status as forefather. He poses a conditional question to establish the limits of human merit before divine judgment.
The words — The conditional phrase ἐξ ἔργων (ex ergōn) literally means “by works,” while καύχημα (kauchēma) denotes a “ground of boasting.” These terms frame the verse’s logical structure around the source of justification and the scope of human pride.
The thread — The restriction of human boasting appears in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 11:30, where pride is redirected toward the Lord or confined to personal weakness. Philippians 3:9 further contrasts self-derived righteousness with righteousness through faith in Christ.
Why it lands — The text states that even if justification came from works, Abraham’s boasting would hold no standing before God. It requires the reader to abandon reliance on personal achievement and accept that credit for righteousness comes solely from faith.
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 if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
- 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
- Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
- 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.
- Ephesians 2:9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
- Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.
- 1 Corinthians 1:29 so that no one may boast in His presence.
- 1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
- 2 Corinthians 12:1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
- Galatians 6:13 For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.