Romans 4:18
What does Romans 4:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 4:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 4:18 means
Abraham believed in hope against hope—when normal human prospects offered none, he anchored himself in God’s promise that his offspring would be many. His faith did not deny reality; it chose to esteem God’s word above bleak circumstances. This is the essence of saving faith: trusting God’s character and promise when sight gives no support. Abraham’s confidence was not vague optimism but specific reliance on what had been spoken. Such faith aligns the heart with God’s declared purpose and awaits His fulfillment, becoming the channel through which God’s righteousness is credited and His promise realized.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who without reason for hope, in faith went on hoping, so that he became the father of a number of nations, as it had been said, So will your seed be.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who, against hope in hope did believe, for his becoming father of many nations according to that spoken: `So shall thy seed be;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who against hope believed in hope; that he might be made the father of many nations, according to that which was said to him: So shall thy seed be.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who against hope believed in hope to his becoming father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be:
Context
Building on God’s power in verse 17, Paul shows how Abraham’s faith functioned under extreme improbability. Verse 18 introduces the paradox of hoping against hope based on God’s word about numerous descendants. Verses 19–21 will detail his sober assessment of his and Sarah’s condition, his refusal to waver, and his full assurance that God could perform what He promised. The focus is the nature of genuine faith.
v.17(as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.
v.18This passage
v.19And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 5:35
While he yet spake, they come from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Teacher any further?
- Genesis 15:5
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and number the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
- Romans 8:24
For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?
- Luke 1:18
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
- Ruth 1:11
And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
- Romans 4:17
(as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.
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