Romans 4:24 (KJV)

What does Romans 4:24 mean?

Romans 4:24 says that the promise of righteousness being "imputed" (counted or credited) by God is not just for Abraham, but also for anyone who believes in God, specifically the God who raised Jesus from the dead. The verse highlights faith in God as the basis for being counted as righteous.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining that the principle of faith leading to righteousness applies to all people, not only to Abraham in the past. He points out that this promise is available to anyone who trusts in God’s power, especially as shown in raising Jesus, making the message relevant to his audience and to future readers.

The Greek behind Romans 4:24

• "Imputed" (λογίζομαι, logizomai): This word means to count, reckon, or credit. In this verse, it refers to God counting a person as righteous because of faith, not because of their own works.
• "Believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō): This word means to trust or have faith. The verse stresses that it is belief in God—specifically the God who raised Jesus—that is key, not just generic belief.
• "Raised up" (ἐγείρω, egeirō): This word means to raise or awaken. Paul uses it to point directly to the resurrection of Jesus, making it clear that faith centers on God’s power over death.

Why Romans 4:24 matters

• Romans 4:24 clarifies that the way to be counted as righteous before God has always been through faith, not through following laws or rituals, which was a major question for early Christians.
• The verse emphasizes the centrality of Jesus’ resurrection as the focus of Christian faith, showing that belief in this event is what connects believers to the promise given to Abraham.
• By connecting Abraham’s faith to all believers, Paul unites Jewish and non-Jewish followers, showing that God’s promise is open to everyone who trusts in Him.