Romans 4:2
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, has discovered?
If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
4 Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.
- KJV
- For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
- WEB
- For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.
- ASV
- For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.
- DARBY
- For if Abraham has been justified on the principle of works, he has whereof to boast: but not before God;
- BLB
- For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a ground of boasting, but not before God.
- ÅB
- For hvis Abraham ble rettferdiggjort av gjerninger, har han noe å rose seg av. Men det har han ikke for Gud.
- OTB
- Hvis Abraham virkelig ble rettferdiggjort ved gjerninger, har han noe å rose seg av, men ikke for Gud.
- B1930
- For blev Abraham rettferdiggjort av gjerninger, da har han noget å rose sig av. Men det har han ikke for Gud;
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Corinthians 1:31
Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Read in context2 Corinthians 11:30
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Read in contextPhilippians 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.
Read in contextEphesians 2:9
not by works, so that no one can boast.
Read in contextGalatians 3:22
But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.
Read in context1 Corinthians 9:16
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Read in contextGalatians 6:13–14
For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
Read in context1 Corinthians 1:29
so that no one may boast in His presence.
Read in context