And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

ROMANS 4:21KJV
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Romans 4:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 4:21 mean?

Romans 4:21 says that Abraham was completely convinced that God had the power to do everything He had promised. This verse highlights Abraham’s unwavering trust that God would keep His word, no matter how unlikely it seemed.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, using Abraham as an example of faith. The situation Paul describes is Abraham’s belief that God would give him a son, even though Abraham was very old. The verse emphasizes that Abraham’s confidence was not in himself, but in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.

The Greek behind Romans 4:21

  • The word "persuaded" (πληροφορηθείς, plērophorētheis) means being fully convinced or completely assured. This shows that Abraham’s faith was not hesitant or partial—he was entirely certain.
  • The word "able" (δύνατος, dynatos) refers to having the power or capability. Paul is stressing that God is not just willing, but fully able to do what He says.
  • The word "perform" (ποιῆσαι, poiēsai) means to accomplish or bring about. The focus is on God’s action, not just intention—He can actually make His promises happen.

Why Romans 4:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that faith is just wishful thinking; instead, it shows faith as being convinced of God’s reliability and power.
  • Romans 4:21 connects Abraham’s story to the wider theme of Romans 4, which is about being made right with God through faith, not through human effort.
  • The verse highlights that the foundation of faith is not in the believer’s strength, but in God’s character and ability to keep His promises.

Where else these words appear

“persuaded” Greek G4135 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
  • Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
  • 2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

“promised” Greek G1861 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.
  • Hebrews 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

“able” Greek G1415 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
  • Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.