King James Version

What Does Romans 4:1 Mean?

Romans 4:1 in the King James Version says “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?”

Romans 4:1 · KJV

Context

1

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

2

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

3

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? Paul launches his exposition with a rhetorical question that would arrest any Jewish reader: What did Abraham discover kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, "according to the flesh")? The phrase carries layered meaning—Abraham as physical ancestor, but also achievement through human effort. After demolishing both Gentile paganism (1:18-32) and Jewish presumption (2:1-3:20), Paul must now address the inevitable objection: What about Abraham, the father of faith?

This question frames Paul's entire argument in Romans 4. Jewish theology in the Second Temple period had increasingly portrayed Abraham as righteous through his obedience, his willingness to sacrifice Isaac earning his justified status. Paul will systematically dismantle this works-based reading by appealing to Genesis 15:6, showing that Abraham's faith preceded both circumcision (Gen 17) and the Akedah (Gen 22). The patriarch becomes Paul's chief exhibit that justification has always been by faith alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, Abraham was revered not just as patriarch but as the paradigm of righteousness. Texts like Jubilees, 1 Maccabees 2:52, and Sirach 44:19-21 portrayed him as justified through works—particularly his willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Paul's Roman audience, both Jewish and Gentile believers, would have immediately recognized this as the central debate: Does covenant membership depend on Torah observance and circumcision, or on faith in Christ?

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul choose Abraham specifically to prove justification by faith rather than any other Old Testament figure?
  2. How does the question 'as pertaining to the flesh' set up Paul's distinction between human achievement and divine gift?
  3. In what ways do we still try to claim spiritual inheritance 'according to the flesh' through heritage, ritual, or moral effort?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Τί1 of 10

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 10

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐροῦμεν3 of 10

“shall we say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

Ἀβραὰμ4 of 10

“that Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

τὸν5 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα6 of 10

“father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν7 of 10

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

εὑρηκέναι8 of 10

“hath found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

κατὰ9 of 10

“as pertaining”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα10 of 10

“to the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 4:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 51:2Romans 4:16Acts 13:26John 8:562 Corinthians 11:22Luke 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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