Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

ROMANS 4:16KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 4:16 (KJV)

What does Romans 4:16 mean?

Romans 4:16 explains that the promise of God comes through faith so that it can be given by grace, making it certain for everyone who belongs to Abraham’s family—not just those who follow the law, but also those who share Abraham’s faith. This verse highlights that Abraham is considered the spiritual father of all who believe, not just those from a particular background.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, many of whom are both Jewish and non-Jewish. He is clarifying that God’s promise is not limited to those who have the Jewish law, but is open to anyone who has faith like Abraham. This sets up the idea that faith, not ancestry or law-keeping, is what truly connects people to God’s promises.

The Greek behind Romans 4:16

  • πίστις (pistis, "faith"): This word means trust or belief. Paul uses it to show that what matters is relying on God, not on one’s own achievements or heritage.
  • χάρις (charis, "grace"): This word means a gift or favor that is not earned. By saying the promise comes by grace, Paul stresses that it is God’s generosity, not human effort, that makes the promise possible.
  • σπέρμα (sperma, "seed"): This word refers to descendants or offspring. Paul uses it to include everyone who shares Abraham’s faith, not just his physical descendants.
  • βέβαιος (bebaios, "sure"): This word means firm or guaranteed. Paul wants readers to see that God’s promise is reliable for all who believe, not just a select group.

Why Romans 4:16 matters

  • Romans 4:16 clears up the misunderstanding that God’s promises are only for those who follow religious laws or belong to a certain nation.
  • This verse emphasizes that faith and grace are the foundation of God’s relationship with people, making the promise available to all who believe.
  • Romans 4:16 connects Abraham’s story to everyone who trusts God, showing that spiritual family is based on faith, not just ancestry or tradition.

Where else these words appear

“sure” Greek G949 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
  • Hebrews 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

“seed” Greek G4690 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 20:28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“only” Greek G3440 · used in 66 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.