King James Version

What Does Romans 4:22 Mean?

Romans 4:22 in the King James Version says “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:22 · KJV


Context

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;

24

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Paul returns full circle to Genesis 15:6, his keystone verse. The particle dio (διό, "therefore") makes Abraham's faith described in vv. 18-21 the reason for imputation. The verb elogisthē (ἐλογίσθη, "it was reckoned/imputed") appears for the eighth time in this chapter—Paul's signature term for forensic justification. The phrase eis dikaiosunēn (εἰς δικαιοσύνην, "for righteousness") expresses result: faith resulted in credited righteousness.

But what kind of faith? Not mere belief in God's existence (even demons have that, James 2:19), but trust in God's promise despite impossible circumstances, confidence in God's power to do what He said, and persevering conviction that honors God by taking Him at His word. This faith—empty-handed trust in God's promise rather than one's own merit—is what God credits as righteousness. Abraham models both the what (faith, not works) and the how (trusting God's promise about what seems dead to produce life) of justification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By returning to Genesis 15:6 after expounding Abraham's faith in verses 17-21, Paul shows that this was not empty trust but rich, God-centered conviction in God's character and power. First-century readers familiar with Abraham's story would recognize Paul is drawing from multiple Genesis texts (chapters 15, 17, 21-22) to paint a comprehensive picture of the patriarch's faith—all of which preceded and transcended circumcision or law-keeping.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul repeat Genesis 15:6 here after expounding it, and what has he added to our understanding of Abraham's faith?
  2. What specific qualities of Abraham's faith (vv. 18-21) explain why God credited it as righteousness?
  3. How does Abraham's faith in God's promise about Isaac model the kind of faith that justifies sinners today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
διὸ1 of 6

therefore

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

καὶ2 of 6

And

G2532

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

ἐλογίσθη3 of 6

it was imputed

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ4 of 6

to him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς5 of 6

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δικαιοσύνην6 of 6

righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification


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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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