King James Version

What Does Romans 4:23 Mean?

Romans 4:23 in the King James Version says “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 4:23 · KJV

Context

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;

25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Paul begins his application: Genesis 15:6 was not written di' auton monon (δι' αὐτὸν μόνον, "because of him alone"). The historical narrative about Abraham has universal significance. The verb egraphē (ἐγράφη, "it was written") uses the divine passive—God caused it to be written. Paul's hermeneutical principle appears here: Old Testament Scripture, while historically particular, is theologically universal. Abraham's justification is both historical fact and typological pattern.

This move is crucial: Paul is not allegorizing or spiritualizing away the historical Abraham. Genesis really happened. But God orchestrated history and Scripture with didactic intent—Abraham's story is our story. The chronology (justification before circumcision), the means (faith not works), the object of faith (God who gives life to the dead)—all foreshadow the gospel. Paul reads the Old Testament Christocentrically and ecclesiologically: it points to Christ and instructs the church. Genesis 15:6 was written for Abraham's sake, but not for his sake alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish interpretative tradition read the patriarchal narratives as exemplary stories for Israel. Paul takes this further, seeing Abraham as the pattern for all believers, Jew and Gentile. His use of 'it was written' invokes the authority of Scripture while expanding its application beyond ethnic Israel to include all who believe. This typological reading was revolutionary but grounded in the text's own emphasis on Abraham as father of 'many nations.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What hermeneutical principle is Paul establishing about how to read Old Testament narratives, and why does it matter?
  2. How can Abraham's story be both historically true and typologically significant for all believers?
  3. What other Old Testament narratives might Paul's principle illuminate as patterns for understanding the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Οὐκ1 of 9

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐγράφη2 of 9

“it was”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

δὲ3 of 9

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

δι'4 of 9

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτῷ5 of 9

“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

μόνον6 of 9

“alone”

G3440

merely

ὅτι7 of 9

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐλογίσθη8 of 9

“it was imputed”

G3049

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

αὐτῷ9 of 9

“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

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 4:23 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 4:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:11Romans 15:41 Corinthians 10:62 Timothy 3:16-171 Corinthians 9:9-10

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