16 For this reason it is [a]by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with (A)grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to (B)all the [b]descendants, not only to [c]those who are of the Law, but also to [d](C)those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is (D)the father of us all, 17 (as it is written: “I have made you (E)a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, that is, God, (F)who gives life to the dead and (G)calls into being (H)things that do not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become (I)a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “(J)So shall your [e]descendants be.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now (K)as good as dead since (L)he was about a hundred years old, and (M)the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, (N)giving glory to God, 21 and (O)being fully assured that (P)what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore (Q)it was also credited to him as righteousness.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:16 Or out of
  2. Romans 4:16 Lit seed
  3. Romans 4:16 Lit that which is
  4. Romans 4:16 Lit that which is
  5. Romans 4:18 Lit seed

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace(A) and may be guaranteed(B) to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.(C) 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a](D) He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life(E) to the dead and calls(F) into being things that were not.(G)

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,(H) just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[b](I) 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead(J)—since he was about a hundred years old(K)—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.(L) 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened(M) in his faith and gave glory to God,(N) 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.(O) 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”(P)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:17 Gen. 17:5
  2. Romans 4:18 Gen. 15:5