King James Version

What Does Romans 4:8 Mean?

Romans 4:8 in the King James Version says “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 4:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. The third beatitude from Psalm 32:2 completes Paul's quotation. The verb mē logisētai (μὴ λογίσηται, "will not reckon/impute") is the negative form of the key term throughout this chapter. God imputes righteousness (v. 3, 6) but does not impute sin—this is the double imputation at the heart of justification. The believer's sin is not counted against him; Christ's righteousness is counted to him.

The future tense "will not impute" points to the eschatological judgment. At the final reckoning, the Lord will not charge believers with their sins because those sins have already been charged to Christ at Calvary. This is the doctrine Luther called "the great exchange"—our sins imputed to Christ, His righteousness imputed to us. Paul has now established from Scripture (Genesis and Psalms, Law and Writings) that justification has always been by imputed righteousness through faith, not by works. This sets up his next move: showing that this blessing extends beyond the circumcised to include Gentile believers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jews viewed the final judgment as the great separation between righteous and wicked, with God vindicating the faithful and condemning the disobedient. Paul's claim that God 'will not impute sin' to believers in Jesus would be understood in this eschatological context—a promise of acquittal at the judgment based not on works but on faith in Christ's atoning death.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between non-imputation of sin and imputation of righteousness, and can you have one without the other?
  2. How does the future tense 'will not impute' give assurance about standing before God at the final judgment?
  3. Why is the doctrine of imputation essential to the gospel, and what collapses if we deny it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
μακάριος1 of 8

“Blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

ἀνὴρ2 of 8

“is the man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ᾧ3 of 8

“to whom”

G3739

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

οὐ4 of 8
G3756

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

μὴ5 of 8
G3361

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

λογίσηται6 of 8

“impute”

G3049

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

κύριος7 of 8

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἁμαρτίαν8 of 8

“sin”

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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 32:21 Peter 2:242 Corinthians 5:19-201 Peter 3:18Isaiah 53:10-12Philemon 1:18-19

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

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