King James Version

What Does Romans 4:7 Mean?

Romans 4:7 in the King James Version says “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 4:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Paul quotes Psalm 32:1, David's beatitude on forgiveness. The Greek uses two terms for sin: anomiai (ἀνομίαι, "lawlessnesses/iniquities") and hamartiai (ἁμαρτίαι, "sins/failures"). Both are plural, emphasizing the totality of human transgression. Two corresponding verbs describe God's action: aphethēsan (ἀφέθησαν, "were forgiven/sent away") and epikalyphthēsan (ἐπεκαλύφθησαν, "were covered").

The covering imagery evokes the atonement—blood covering sin, making it invisible to divine judgment. This is not denial or overlooking of sin but satisfaction of justice through substitutionary sacrifice. The passive voice indicates God's action: He forgives, He covers. These are divine initiatives, not human achievements. The blessedness (makarioi, μακάριοι) belongs to those who receive forgiveness, not those who earn it. Paul's argument accumulates: Abraham received credited righteousness (v. 3), David describes forgiveness apart from works (v. 6), and this blessedness extends to all who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The language of 'covering' sin would resonate with Paul's readers familiar with the sacrificial system, where animal blood symbolically covered the sins of Israel. Paul is preparing to show that this blessing extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe, both circumcised and uncircumcised—a revolutionary claim that will fully unfold in verses 9-12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of using two different terms for sin and two different verbs for God's dealing with sin?
  2. How does the 'covering' of sin point forward to Christ's atonement as the ultimate satisfaction of divine justice?
  3. Why does Paul emphasize that this blessedness belongs to those who receive rather than achieve forgiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Μακάριοι1 of 10

Saying Blessed

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

ὧν2 of 10

are they whose

G3739

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

ἀφέθησαν3 of 10

are forgiven

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αἱ4 of 10
G3588

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

ἀνομίαι5 of 10

iniquities

G458

illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness

καὶ6 of 10

and

G2532

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

ὧν7 of 10

are they whose

G3739

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

ἐπεκαλύφθησαν8 of 10

are covered

G1943

to conceal, i.e., (figuratively) forgive

αἱ9 of 10
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι·10 of 10

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)


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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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