King James Version

What Does Romans 4:5 Mean?

Romans 4:5 in the King James Version says “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 4:5 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

7

Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Read Romans 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Paul now states positively what he established negatively: the one not working (mē ergazomenō, μὴ ἐργαζομένῳ) but believing has faith credited as righteousness. The object of faith is crucial: ton dikaiounta ton asebē (τὸν δικαιοῦντα τὸν ἀσεβῆ, "the one justifying the ungodly"). This phrase would have been scandalous—Exodus 23:7 and Proverbs 17:15 explicitly condemn justifying the wicked. Yet Paul declares God does precisely this!

The resolution is Christ's substitutionary atonement: God maintains his justice by punishing sin in Christ, while simultaneously justifying sinners who trust in Christ. The "ungodly" (asebēs, ἀσεβής) are those without inherent righteousness, the impious—yet these are the objects of God's justifying grace. This is the gospel's scandal: God declares righteous those who are in themselves unrighteous, based on faith in the One who bore their sin. Abraham models this: he believed while still uncircumcised (v. 10), before proving his faith through Isaac (Gen 22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology distinguished between the righteous and the wicked, with God vindicating the former and judging the latter. For Paul to claim that God justifies the ungodly overturns this moral calculus—unless Christ's atoning death satisfies both divine justice and divine mercy. This would have been Paul's most controversial claim: that Gentile sinners and Torah-less people could be declared righteous through faith alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it reveal about the gospel that God justifies 'the ungodly' rather than rewarding the righteous?
  2. How does this verse define what faith is—not meritorious work but trust in the God who justifies sinners?
  3. Why is it so difficult for religious people to accept that justification comes to those who do 'not work' but believe?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τῷ1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ3 of 17

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐργαζομένῳ4 of 17

“to him that worketh”

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

πιστεύοντι5 of 17

“believeth”

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

δὲ6 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ7 of 17

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν8 of 17
G3588

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

δικαιοῦντα9 of 17

“him that justifieth”

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

τὸν10 of 17
G3588

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

ἀσεβῆ11 of 17

“the ungodly”

G765

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

λογίζεται12 of 17

“is counted”

G3049

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

ἡ13 of 17
G3588

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

πίστις14 of 17

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

αὐτοῦ15 of 17

“his”

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

εἰς16 of 17

“for”

G1519

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

δικαιοσύνην·17 of 17

“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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:9Romans 3:22Titus 3:3-7Romans 10:9-10Galatians 3:8-14Romans 10:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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