King James Version

What Does Romans 4:3 Mean?

Romans 4:3 in the King James Version says “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 4:3 · KJV

Faith

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.

4

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Read Romans 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Paul appeals to Genesis 15:6, the hinge text of his entire argument. The verb elogisthē (ἐλογίσθη, "it was counted/reckoned/imputed") is a financial term meaning to credit to one's account. God credited (logizomai, λογίζομαι) righteousness to Abraham's account based not on performance but on faith. The aorist tense marks a definitive moment: when Abraham believed God's promise of innumerable offspring despite his aged, childless state.

This occurs in Genesis 15, before circumcision (Gen 17) and before the offering of Isaac (Gen 22). Paul's chronological argument is devastating to any works-based reading of Abraham's justification. The patriarch's faith was simple trust in God's promise—not heroic obedience, not ritual observance, but believing God's word. Paul will quote this verse repeatedly (Rom 4:9, 22-24) because it encapsulates the gospel: righteousness comes through faith, not works. This is sola fide centuries before the Reformation articulated it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 15:6 was already recognized in Second Temple Judaism as a crucial text about Abraham, but it was typically interpreted within a framework of covenant faithfulness demonstrated through obedience. Paul's radical reading—that this verse teaches justification by faith alone, apart from works—represents a Christ-centered reinterpretation of Israel's Scriptures that would have been controversial in his day.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul keep returning to Genesis 15:6 throughout Romans 4, and what makes this single verse so crucial to his argument?
  2. What does it mean that righteousness was 'counted' or 'imputed' to Abraham rather than infused or earned?
  3. How does Abraham's faith in God's promise despite impossible circumstances model the faith that justifies sinners today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τί1 of 15

“what”

G5101

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

γὰρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡ3 of 15
G3588

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

γραφὴ4 of 15

“the scripture”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

λέγει5 of 15

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐπίστευσεν6 of 15

“believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

δὲ7 of 15
G1161

but, and, etc

Ἀβραὰμ8 of 15

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

τῷ9 of 15
G3588

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

θεῷ10 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ11 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἐλογίσθη12 of 15

“it was counted”

G3049

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

αὐτῷ13 of 15

“unto 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

εἰς14 of 15

“for”

G1519

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

δικαιοσύνην15 of 15

“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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 15:6James 2:23Galatians 3:6-8Romans 4:9Romans 4:22-25Romans 4:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 4 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes