Bible Strands
Romans 4:6
And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers, using David’s testimony to anchor his argument that righteousness comes through faith rather than human effort. He places David’s words immediately after explaining how belief is counted as righteousness to the ungodly.
The words — καθάπερ (kathaper) means "just as," and μακαρισμὸν (makarismon) translates to "blessedness." Paul uses these terms to directly link David’s declaration to the preceding explanation of faith being credited as righteousness.
The thread — The declaration of blessedness tied to forgiven sin continues in Romans 4:7, which quotes the Psalmist. The broader New Testament traces this grace-based standing to Ephesians 2:8, Philippians 3:9, and 2 Timothy 1:9.
Why it lands — The text states that God credits righteousness to the believer apart from works, making blessedness a result of divine accounting rather than human achievement. The reader must accept that standing before God depends on faith in the one who justifies, not on personal merit.
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
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Cross-references
- 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,
- 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.
- 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
- Galatians 3:8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
- Isaiah 45:24 Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.
- 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.
- Romans 5:18 So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men.
- Psalms 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.