King James Version

What Does Romans 4:21 Mean?

Romans 4:21 in the King James Version says “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 4:21 · KJV


Context

19

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:

20

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

22

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

23

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Paul summarizes Abraham's faith: plērophorētheis (πληροφορηθείς, "being fully assured/convinced"). The verb compounds plēros (πλήρος, "full") with phoreō (φορέω, "to carry/bear")—faith that is fully carried through, complete conviction. The content of this assurance has two components: (1) ho epēggeltai (ὃ ἐπήγγελται, "what He has promised")—God's word stands; (2) dunatos estin kai poiēsai (δυνατός ἐστιν καὶ ποιῆσαι, "He is able also to do")—God's power matches His promise.

This is the anatomy of justifying faith: full persuasion that God is both truthful (He has promised) and powerful (He is able to perform). Abraham believed God could do what humanly was impossible—create life from death. This parallels Christian faith: God raised Christ from the dead (v. 24-25), which was equally impossible by natural means. Justifying faith trusts God to do what He has promised (justify the ungodly, v. 5) because He is able (through Christ's atoning death and resurrection). Faith's object, not its intensity, saves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The connection between promise and power would resonate with Paul's Roman readers familiar with patron-client relationships. A patron's word was only as good as his ability to deliver on it. Paul presents God as the ultimate Patron whose promises are absolutely certain because His power is unlimited. This contrasts with human patrons who might promise much but lack the power or will to follow through.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between God's promise and God's power, and why must faith embrace both?
  2. How does Abraham's 'full persuasion' differ from mere intellectual assent or wishful thinking?
  3. What has God promised you that seems impossible, and do you believe He is able to perform it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πληροφορηθεὶς2 of 9

being fully persuaded

G4135

to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e., completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish

ὅτι3 of 9

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

4 of 9

what

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπήγγελται5 of 9

he had promised

G1861

to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself

δυνατός6 of 9

able

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

ἐστιν7 of 9

he was

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ8 of 9

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποιῆσαι9 of 9

to perform

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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