Romans 4:22
What does Romans 4:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 4:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 4:22 means
Therefore, it was reckoned to him for righteousness. The “therefore” ties Abraham’s unwavering, God-honoring trust to God’s gracious accounting. Faith itself is not righteousness, but God counts it as such because it unites the sinner to His promise and rests in His power. The crediting is God’s act; the instrument is faith. This verse brings the story back to its theological center: justification by faith. Abraham’s example is not merely inspiring; it is doctrinally definitive. His being counted righteous did not arise from ceremony, law, or moral attainment, but from believing God who promised the impossible and is able to fulfill it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For which reason it was put to his account as righteousness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore also it was reckoned to him to righteousness.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And therefore it was reputed to him unto justice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890wherefore also it was reckoned to him as righteousness.
Context
This sentence concludes the description of Abraham’s faith (vv. 18–21) with the doctrinal result that launched the chapter (v. 3). The focus now shifts in verses 23–24 to the purpose of this record: it was written not for Abraham alone, but for all who will be justified the same way. The argument moves from example to application, preparing to center everything on Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 4:3
For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.
- Romans 4:6
Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works,
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