But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

ROMANS 4:24KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“imputed” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“be” Greek G3195 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Acts 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
  • Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

“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:

“up” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.