Bible Strands
Romans 4:20
Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church, arguing that Abraham was justified by faith rather than works. He is mid-argument, describing how Abraham responded to God's promise of a child despite his own age and Sarah's barrenness.
The words — διεκρῖθη (diekrithē), aorist passive of διακρίνω, carries the sense of being divided or torn apart internally — not a mild doubt but a collapse of conviction.
The thread — The same demand to hold firm appears in 1 Corinthians 16:13 ("Stand firm in the faith") and Daniel 10:19 ("Be strong now; be very strong!"), and is echoed in Elizabeth's recognition of Mary's trust in Luke 1:45.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to locate the anchor of their faith: in the promiser or in the circumstances. When the evidence is against you, the verse demands you decide whether to waver or to give glory.
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
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Cross-references
- Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- Daniel 10:19 “Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious,” he said. “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- Isaiah 7:9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”
- Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”
- 2 Kings 7:19 And the officer had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” So Elisha had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.
- Jeremiah 32:16 After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD: