New Testament

Romans 4:3

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

At a Glance

This verse highlights a key moment in the life of Abraham, a foundational figure in the Bible.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

KJVKing James Version

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights a key moment in the life of Abraham, a foundational figure in the Bible. It emphasizes that Abraham's faith in God was not just a belief in His existence but a deep trust in His promises. Because of this faith, God considered Abraham righteous, meaning he was in a right relationship with Him. This concept of being credited with righteousness is significant because it shows that righteousness is not earned through works or actions but is given by God through faith. This principle is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, where faith in God and His promises leads to a right standing before Him. Abraham's example serves as a model for believers today, illustrating that faith is the key to receiving God's grace and righteousness, regardless of one's past actions or status. Thus, this verse invites readers to reflect on their own faith and relationship with God, encouraging them to trust in His promises as Abraham did.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 4:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own faith. Just as Abraham's belief was credited to him as righteousness, we too can find assurance in trusting God. It reminds us that our relationship with God is based on faith, not our deeds, prompting us to deepen our trust in His promises.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 4:3 mean?

Romans 4:3 means that Abraham's faith in God was recognized by God as righteousness. This shows that being in a right relationship with God comes from believing in Him, rather than from our own actions.

What is the significance of faith in Romans 4:3?

The significance of faith in Romans 4:3 is that it illustrates how faith, like Abraham's, is the basis for being considered righteous by God. It emphasizes that righteousness is granted through belief, not earned by works.

How does Romans 4:3 relate to salvation?

Romans 4:3 relates to salvation by showing that faith, like Abraham's, is essential for being justified before God. It teaches that trusting in God's promises leads to salvation, not reliance on personal deeds.

What can we learn from Abraham in Romans 4:3?

From Abraham in Romans 4:3, we learn that deep trust in God is crucial for a right relationship with Him. His example encourages us to have faith in God's promises, which is foundational for receiving His grace.

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Romans summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Romans — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Romans summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 2 Verse 4 →