Devine Scripture

Romans 4:2

What does Romans 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 4:2 means

If Abraham had been justified by his works, he would have something to boast about—at least before people. But not before God. God’s standard leaves no room for human glory, because even our best deeds cannot erase guilt or create righteousness. Paul exposes the logic of works-righteousness: it inevitably leads to pride and false confidence. Yet when we stand in God’s light, any grounds for boasting vanish. Abraham’s story will show that his right standing did not come from his performance but from God’s gracious accounting. The point is not to diminish obedience, but to deny that obedience ever becomes the basis on which God declares a sinner righteous.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if Abraham got righteousness by works, he has reason for pride; but not before God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if Abraham by works was declared righteous, he hath to boast--but not before God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if Abraham has been justified on the principle of works, he has whereof to boast: but not beforeGod;

Context

Having raised the question of Abraham’s discovery, Paul now tests the works-based option and shows its absurd outcome—boasting before God. This sets up the decisive appeal to Scripture in verse 3, where Paul cites the biblical record of Abraham’s justification. The flow moves from hypothesis (if by works) to contradiction (no boasting before God) and then to proof from the text. The next verses will unpack the distinction between wages and grace, and between working and believing.

v.1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh?

v.2This passage

v.3For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:12

    But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Romans 3:20

    because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1

    I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

  • Philippians 3:9

    and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29

    that no flesh should glory before God.

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