King James Version

What Does Romans 4:6 Mean?

Romans 4:6 in the King James Version says “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 4:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Read Romans 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Paul summons a second witness from Torah: David, Israel's greatest king. The particle kathaper (καθάπερ, "even as") links David's testimony to Abraham's experience—both received imputed righteousness. The verb logizetai (λογίζεται, "reckons/imputes") appears again, Paul's technical term for forensic justification. David speaks of the makarismos (μακαρισμός, "blessedness") of the man to whom God credits righteousness chōris ergōn (χωρὶς ἔργων, "apart from works").

By invoking David, Paul demonstrates this principle spans biblical history—not just the patriarchal period but the monarchy. The quotation that follows (Psalm 32:1-2) describes forgiveness of sins, which Paul equates with imputed righteousness. This is crucial: justification means both non-imputation of sin (negative) and imputation of righteousness (positive). David wrote this psalm after his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah, understanding that restoration came not through works but through God's gracious forgiveness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David held unique authority in Jewish thought as the prototype of the Messiah and author of the Psalms. His testimony that righteousness comes 'without works' would carry enormous weight with Paul's Jewish readers. The psalm quoted was likely written after Nathan's confrontation (2 Samuel 12), making David's appeal to grace rather than merit deeply personal and credible.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul need two witnesses (Abraham and David) to establish justification by faith, and what does each contribute?
  2. What is the relationship between 'imputed righteousness' and 'forgiveness of sins'—are these different aspects of the same reality?
  3. How does David's experience of forgiveness after grievous sin illustrate that justification cannot be by works?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καθάπερ1 of 15

“Even as”

G2509

exactly as

καὶ2 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

Δαβὶδ3 of 15

“David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

λέγει4 of 15

“describeth”

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

τὸν5 of 15
G3588

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

μακαρισμὸν6 of 15

“the blessedness”

G3108

beatification, i.e., attribution of good fortune

τοῦ7 of 15
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου8 of 15

“of the man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ᾧ9 of 15

“unto whom”

G3739

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

ὁ10 of 15
G3588

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

θεὸς11 of 15

“God”

G2316

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

λογίζεται12 of 15

“imputeth”

G3049

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

δικαιοσύνην13 of 15

“righteousness”

G1343

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

χωρὶς14 of 15

“without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

ἔργων15 of 15

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 2:8-102 Timothy 1:9Philippians 3:9Galatians 3:8-91 Corinthians 1:302 Corinthians 5:21

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