(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

ROMANS 4:17KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 4:17 (KJV)

What does Romans 4:17 mean?

Romans 4:17 describes why Abraham could believe God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations. Abraham trusted a God whose power reaches beyond death and beyond what already exists.

Paul quotes God’s words to Abraham from Genesis 17:5. The promise calls Abraham a father of many nations before that future has come about. After verse 16 describes Abraham as “the father of us all,” Paul points to the God Abraham trusted.

The Greek behind Romans 4:17

  • “quickeneth” — ζωοποιέω (zōopoieō): The word means “gives life.” In the KJV, “quickeneth” here refers to God giving life to the dead, not making someone move faster.
  • “calleth” — καλέω (kaleō): The word means “calls” or “names.” In this verse, God calls things that do not yet exist as though they did.

Why Romans 4:17 matters

  • Abraham’s fatherhood reaches beyond one people. The words “many nations” help explain why Paul speaks of Abraham as father to those who share his faith, including people who are not his physical descendants.
  • The quotation presents the promise as sure even before its fulfillment. God says, “I have made thee,” although Abraham and Sarah had not yet seen the promised family come about.
  • The description of God prepares for the account of Abraham’s circumstances. In the verses that follow, Paul describes Abraham and Sarah as past the usual age for having children, yet expecting a son.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G2713 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
  • Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
  • Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

“quickeneth” Greek G2227 · used in 11 verses

  • John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

“made” Greek G5087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • Acts 13:29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: