Romans 4:5
New International Version
However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

New Living Translation
But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

English Standard Version
And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Berean Standard Bible
However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Berean Literal Bible
However, to the one not working, but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness,

King James Bible
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

New King James Version
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,

New American Standard Bible
But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

NASB 1995
But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

NASB 1977
But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

Legacy Standard Bible
But to the one who does not work, but believes upon Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Amplified Bible
But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Christian Standard Bible
But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares the ungodly to be righteous, his faith is credited for righteousness.

American Standard Version
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

Contemporary English Version
But you cannot make God accept you because of something you do. God accepts sinners only because they have faith in him.

English Revised Version
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, when people don't work but believe God, the one who approves ungodly people, their faith is regarded as God's approval.

Good News Translation
But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself.

International Standard Version
However, to someone who does not work, but simply believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Majority Standard Bible
However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

NET Bible
But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited as righteousness.

New Heart English Bible
But to him who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Webster's Bible Translation
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Weymouth New Testament
whereas in the case of a man who pleads no actions of his own, but simply believes in Him who declares the ungodly free from guilt, his faith is placed to his credit as righteousness.

World English Bible
But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and to him who is not working, and is believing on Him who is declaring righteous the impious, his faith is reckoned for righteousness—

Berean Literal Bible
However, to the one not working, but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness,

Young's Literal Translation
and to him who is not working, and is believing upon Him who is declaring righteous the impious, his faith is reckoned -- to righteousness:

Smith's Literal Translation
And to him not working, and believing upon him justifying the impious, his faith is reckoned for justice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, for he who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the impious, his faith is reputed unto justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

New American Bible
But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

New Revised Standard Version
But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to him who works not, but only believes in him who justifies sinners, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But to the one who does not labor, but believes only in The One who justifies sinners, is his faith accounted for righteousness.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Godbey New Testament
but to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

Haweis New Testament
But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness.

Mace New Testament
whereas he that trusts in God to be made righteous, tho' he has not done such actions, shall find his faith accounted as righteousness.

Weymouth New Testament
whereas in the case of a man who pleads no actions of his own, but simply believes in Him who declares the ungodly free from guilt, his faith is placed to his credit as righteousness.

Worrell New Testament
but to him that works not, but believes on Him Who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

Worsley New Testament
but to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abraham Justified by Faith
4Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. 5However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:…

Cross References
Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Galatians 3:6-9
So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” / Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ...

James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.

Titus 3:5
He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 3:9
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 2:16
know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Romans 3:28
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

John 6:29
Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

Luke 18:13-14
But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ / I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Isaiah 53:11
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.

Habakkuk 2:4
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—


Treasury of Scripture

But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

But to.

Romans 4:24,25
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; …

Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 5:1,2
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: …

believeth.

Romans 4:24
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Romans 3:26-30
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus…

Romans 8:30-34
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified…

ungodly.

Romans 1:17,18
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith…

Romans 5:6-8
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly…

Joshua 24:2
And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

his faith.

Romans 4:3
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Jump to Previous
Account Accounted Actions Believes Believeth Case Counted Credit Credited Declares Declaring Evil-Doer Faith Free Gives Guilt However Impious Justifies Justifieth Placed Pleads Reckoned Righteous Righteousness Simply Trusts Ungodly Whereas Wicked Work Worketh Working
Jump to Next
Account Accounted Actions Believes Believeth Case Counted Credit Credited Declares Declaring Evil-Doer Faith Free Gives Guilt However Impious Justifies Justifieth Placed Pleads Reckoned Righteous Righteousness Simply Trusts Ungodly Whereas Wicked Work Worketh Working
Romans 4
1. Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness;
10. before he was circumcised.
13. By faith only he and his seed received the promise.
16. Abraham is the father of all who believe.
24. Our faith also shall be credited to us as righteousness.














However
This word serves as a pivotal transition, contrasting the preceding discussion about works and wages. In the Greek, "de" often introduces a shift in thought, emphasizing a new perspective. Here, it marks a significant theological shift from human effort to divine grace, underscoring the Apostle Paul's argument that righteousness is not earned by works but is a gift from God.

to the one who does not work
The phrase highlights the cessation of reliance on human effort for salvation. The Greek word "ergazomai" implies labor or toil. Paul is addressing the futility of attempting to achieve righteousness through the law or personal merit. Historically, this was a radical departure from Jewish tradition, which emphasized adherence to the law. Paul is making it clear that salvation is not a result of human endeavor.

but believes
The Greek word "pisteuō" is used here, meaning to have faith or trust. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in God. In the context of first-century Christianity, this was a call to shift from a works-based righteousness to a faith-based relationship with God. It emphasizes the necessity of faith as the means of receiving God's grace.

in Him who justifies
The focus is on God as the one who declares sinners righteous. The Greek word "dikaioō" means to acquit or declare righteous. This is a legal term, suggesting a courtroom setting where God, the judge, declares the believer righteous. This justification is not based on the believer's merit but on God's grace through faith.

the ungodly
The term "asebēs" in Greek refers to those who are irreverent or impious. Paul is emphasizing that God's grace extends even to those who are morally and spiritually bankrupt. This was a revolutionary concept, as it challenged the prevailing notion that only the righteous could be justified. It underscores the depth of God's mercy and the inclusivity of the gospel.

his faith is credited
The Greek word "logizomai" means to reckon or account. This accounting term suggests that faith is counted as righteousness in God's ledger. This is not a reward for faith but a gracious act of God, imputing righteousness to the believer. It reflects the transformative power of faith, which God honors by granting righteousness.

as righteousness
The term "dikaiosynē" in Greek refers to the state of being right or just. In the biblical context, it denotes a right standing before God. This righteousness is not inherent but is imputed to the believer through faith in Christ. It signifies the believer's new identity in Christ, being clothed in His righteousness, and highlights the core of the gospel message: that righteousness is a gift from God, received by faith.

(5) But to him who puts forward no works, but has faith in God, who justifies men, not for their righteousness, but in spite of their sins, &c.

The ungodly.--A stronger word is here used than simply "the unrighteous," "the impious," or "ungodly." Their impiety is condoned to them in virtue of their single exercise of faith. It is characteristic of the Apostle not to flinch from the boldest expression, though, as a matter of fact, the two things, faith and positive impiety, would hardly be found together. "The ungodly" clearly belongs to the general form of the proposition, and is not intended to apply to Abraham.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
However,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to the [one who]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

does not work,
ἐργαζομένῳ (ergazomenō)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

believes
πιστεύοντι (pisteuonti)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

Him who
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

justifies
δικαιοῦντα (dikaiounta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1344: From dikaios; to render just or innocent.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wicked,
ἀσεβῆ (asebē)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 765: Impious, ungodly, wicked. Irreverent, i.e. impious or wicked.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

faith
πίστις (pistis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

is credited
λογίζεται (logizetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3049: To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose.

as
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

righteousness.
δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343: From dikaios; equity; specially justification.


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NT Letters: Romans 4:5 But to him who doesn't work (Rom. Ro)
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