New Testament

Romans 4:23

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 4:23, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that the statement about faith being credited as righteousness was not just for Abraham's benefit.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

Now the words "it was credited to him" were not written for his sake alone,

KJVKing James Version

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 4:23, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that the statement about faith being credited as righteousness was not just for Abraham's benefit. It serves a broader purpose, illustrating that the principle of faith applies to all believers. Abraham's faith was recognized by God, and this example is meant to encourage others to trust in God for their righteousness. The verse highlights that the promise of being justified by faith is available to everyone, not just a select few. This underscores the universality of God's grace and the importance of faith in the life of every believer. It reassures us that just as Abraham was justified by faith, we too can be assured of our standing before God through our faith in Jesus Christ. This connection between Abraham's experience and our own faith journey is a central theme in understanding how righteousness is granted to those who believe.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 4:23 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize that our faith, like Abraham's, is key to our relationship with God. We should trust in God's promises and understand that our righteousness comes through faith, not our own works. This assurance can strengthen our spiritual journey and encourage others.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 4:23 mean?

Romans 4:23 means that the statement about faith being credited as righteousness was not only for Abraham but applies to all believers. It emphasizes that everyone can be justified by faith, highlighting the universal nature of God's grace.

What is the meaning of 'it was credited to him' in Romans 4:23?

'It was credited to him' refers to how Abraham's faith was recognized by God as righteousness. This phrase illustrates that faith, rather than works, is what justifies a person before God.

How does Romans 4:23 apply to believers today?

Romans 4:23 applies to believers today by affirming that just as Abraham was justified by faith, we too can be assured of our righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. It encourages us to trust in God's promises.

Why is Abraham mentioned in Romans 4:23?

Abraham is mentioned in Romans 4:23 to illustrate that his faith was recognized by God as righteousness, serving as an example for all believers. His experience shows that faith is the key to being justified before God.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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