Romans 4:1-13 in English

¹ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

³ For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

⁴ Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.

⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works,

⁷ saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin.

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision:

¹¹ and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;

¹² and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

⁴ Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

⁷ Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, hath found?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

³ For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

⁴ Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.

⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works,

⁷ saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin.

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision:

¹¹ and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;

¹² and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ Abraham is the revered ancestor of us Jews. So think about what we can conclude from what happened to Abraham about how God can erase the record of our sins. RHQ

² If it was because of Abraham's doing good things that the record of his sins was erased {that God erased the record of his sins}, Abraham could then have been able to boast about that to people, but he would not have had any basis to boast to God about it.

³ Remember that in the Scriptures it is written {someone wrote} PRS that Abraham believed what God promised RHQ, and as a result the record of his sins was erased { God erased the record of his sins}.

⁴ If we receive wages for work that we do, those wages are not considered to be a gift. Instead, they are considered to be what we have earned. Similarly, if God erases the record of our sins because we did things to earn God's favor, we would not consider that God's erasing the record of our sin was a gift. Instead, we would consider it as what we had earned.

⁵ But suppose that we do not do things to gain God's acceptance. Suppose that we instead trust in God, who erases the record of sins of wicked people. Then the erasing of the record of our sins because of our trusting in Christ is considered to be a gift to us, not something that we earned.

⁶ Similarly, it is as David wrote in the Psalms about people being happy whose record of sins God has erased even though they have not done things to earn it. David wrote:

⁷ God is pleased with people whose sins have been {whose sins he has} forgiven, and whose sins he has decided to forget DOU.

⁸ God causes to be happy the people whose sins he no longer keeps a record of.

⁹ As for our being happy because God has erased the record of our sins, ◄it is not something that only we Jews can experience./is it MTY something that only we Jews can experience?► RHQ No, it is also something that non-Jews can experience MTY. What is written in the Scriptures, that it was because Abraham trusted in God that the record of his sins was erased { God erased the record of his sins}, also shows that this is true.

¹⁰ ◄ Think about when God erased the record of Abraham's sins./When did God erase the record of Abraham's sins?► RHQ ◄Consider whether it happened after someone circumcised Abraham to mark him as one who belonged to God, or before someone circumcised him./ Did it happen after Abraham was circumcised to be marked as one who belonged to God, or before he was circumcised?► RHQ It happened before he was circumcised, not after he was circumcised.

¹¹ Many years later, God commanded that Abraham be circumcised. Abraham's accepting that ritual simply showed that he knew that God had accepted him. He knew that God had erased the record of his sins because he trusted in God while he was still, in effect, a non-Jew because he had not been circumcised. So we can understand that Abraham became ◄a spiritual ancestor/like an ancestor► to all of us whose record of sins has been erased {whose sins God has erased the record of} because we believe in God's promise, even though some of us are not circumcised.

¹² Likewise, Abraham is the spiritual ancestor of all us Jews who are not merely circumcised but who, more importantly, believe in God's promise as our ancestor Abraham did, even before he was circumcised.

¹³ God promised Abraham and his descendants that they would receive the blessings that he promised to give to the people in the world. But when he promised that, it was not because Abraham obeyed the laws that God later gave to Moses. Instead, it was because Abraham believed that God would do what he promised that he would do. As a result, God erased the record of his sins.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not towards God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What, then, may we say that Abraham, our father after the flesh, has got?

² For if Abraham got righteousness by works, he has reason for pride; but not before God.

³ But what does it say in the holy Writings? And Abraham had faith in God, and it was put to his account as righteousness.

⁴ Now, the reward is credited to him who does works, not as of grace but as a debt.

⁵ But to him who without working has faith in him who gives righteousness to the evil-doer, his faith is put to his account as righteousness.

⁶ As David says that there is a blessing on the man to whose account God puts righteousness without works, saying,

⁷ Happy are those who have forgiveness for their wrongdoing, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Happy is the man against whom no sin is recorded by the Lord.

⁹ Is this blessing, then, for the circumcision only, or in the same way for those who have not circumcision? for we say that the faith of Abraham was put to his account as righteousness.

¹⁰ How, then, was it judged? when he had circumcision, or when he had it not? Not when he had it, but when he did not have it:

¹¹ And he was given the sign of circumcision as a witness of the faith which he had before he underwent circumcision: so that he might be the father of all those who have faith, though they have not circumcision, and so that righteousness might be put to their account;

¹² And the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who keep to the way of that faith which our father Abraham had before he underwent circumcision.

¹³ For God's word, that the earth would be his heritage, was given to Abraham, not through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What shall we say then that Abraham our father according to flesh has found?

² For if Abraham has been justified on the principle of works, he has whereof to boast: but not before God;

³ for what does the scripture say? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.

⁴ Now to him that works the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but of debt:

⁵ but to him who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness without works:

⁷ Blessed they whose lawlessnesses have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered:

⁸ blessed the man to whom the Lord shall not at all reckon sin.

⁹ Does this blessedness then rest on the circumcision, or also on the uncircumcision? For we say that faith has been reckoned to Abraham as righteousness.

¹⁰ How then has it been reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision as seal of the righteousness of faith which he had being in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all them that believe being in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned to them also;

¹² and father of circumcision, not only to those who are of the circumcision, but to those also who walk in the steps of the faith, during uncircumcision, of our father Abraham.

¹³ For it was not by law that the promise was to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by righteousness of faith.

¹ What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh.

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God.

³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.

⁴ Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt.

⁵ But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

⁶ As David also termeth the blessedness of a man, to whom God reputeth justice without works:

⁷ Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin.

⁹ This blessedness then, doth it remain in the circumcision only, or in the uncircumcision also? For we say that unto Abraham faith was reputed to justice.

¹⁰ How then was it reputed? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the justice of the faith, which he had, being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, being uncircumcised, that unto them also it may be reputed to justice:

¹² And might be the father of circumcision; not to them only, that are of the circumcision, but to them also that follow the steps of the faithful, that is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

¹³ For not through the law was the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world; but through the justice of faith.

¹ What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has grounds for boasting, but not before God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, his wage is not credited as a gift, but as his due.

⁵ But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

⁶ just as David also speaks of the blessing of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered;

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall by no means impute sin.”

⁹ Does this blessing then come upon the circumcision, or also upon the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while in uncircumcision, so that he should be the father of all those that believe, although uncircumcised, so that righteousness should also be credited to them,

¹² and the father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those following in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then shall we say that our father Abraham discovered, as a man?

² If Abraham was really justified by works, he has a boast—but not before God.

³ So what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the pay is not counted as a gift but as an obligation.

⁵ But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

⁶ Just as David speaks of the blessing of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered up.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin!”

⁹ Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? Since we say that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness,

¹⁰ how then was it credited? After he was circumcised or while still uncircumcised? Not circumcised, but uncircumcised!

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness from his faith while still uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all those who believe while uncircumcised, in order that this righteousness may be credited to them also,

¹² and the father of the circumcised—not only those who are circumcised, but especially those who follow in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham while still uncircumcised.

¹³ Now the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or his seed, through law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ Let's take Abraham as an example. From a human viewpoint he is the father of our nation. Let's ask, “What was his experience?”

² For if Abraham was set right by what he did, he would have had something to boast about—but not in God's eyes.

³ However, what does Scripture say? “Abraham trusted God, and so he was considered as being a good person who did right.”

⁴ Whoever works gets paid—it's not considered as a gift, but because they've earned their wages.

⁵ But God, who makes sinners right, considers them as right not because they've worked for it but because they trust in him. This is why

⁶ David speaks of the happiness of those whom God considers as right, and not because they worked for it:

⁷ “How happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ How happy are those the Lord does not consider sinful.”

⁹ Now is this blessing just for the Jews, or is it for others too? We've just stated that Abraham was accepted as good and right because he trusted God.

¹⁰ But when did this happen? When Abraham was a Jew or before?

¹¹ It was actually before he became a Jew by being circumcised, which was a confirmation of his trust in God to make him right. This happened before he was circumcised, so he is the father of everyone who trusts in God and are considered as right by God, even though they may not be circumcised Jews.

¹² He is also the father of circumcised Jews not merely because they're circumcised, but because they follow the example of the trust in God our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

¹³ God's promise to Abraham and his descendants that the world would belong to him was not based on his keeping of the law, but because he was made right through his trust in God.

¹ What shall we say then, that Abraham our father hath found concerning the flesh?

² For if Abraham were iustified by workes, he hath wherein to reioyce, but not with God.

³ For what saith the Scripture? Abraham beleeued God, and it was counted to him for righteousnesse.

⁴ Nowe to him that worketh, the wages is not counted by fauour, but by dette:

⁵ But to him that worketh not, but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly, his faith is counted for righteousnesse.

⁶ Euen as Dauid declareth the blessednesse of the man, vnto whom God imputeth righteousnes without workes, saying,

⁷ Blessed are they, whose iniquities are forgiuen, and whose sinnes are couered.

⁸ Blessed is the man, to whom the Lord imputeth not sinne.

⁹ Came this blessednesse then vpon the circumcision onely, or vpon the vncircumcision also? For we say, that faith was imputed vnto Abraham for righteousnesse.

¹⁰ Howe was it then imputed? when he was circumcised, or vncircumcised? not when he was cricumcised, but when he was vncircumcised.

¹¹ After, he receiued the signe of circumcision, as the seale of the righteousnesse of ye faith which he had, when he was vncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that beleeue, not being circumcised, that righteousnesse might be imputed to them also,

¹² And the father of circumcision, not vnto them onely which are of the circumcision, but vnto them also that walke in the steppes of the faith of our father Abraham, which he had when he was vncircumcised.

¹³ For the promise that he should be the heire of the worlde, was not giuen to Abraham, or to his seede, through the Lawe, but through the righteousnesse of faith.

¹ What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

⁴ Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

⁷ saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

¹² and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What advantage then shall we say that Abraham our father had as to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was accepted as righteous through works, he hath ground of boasting. But he hath no ground of boasting before God.

³ For what saith the scripture? “Abraham had faith in God, and it was accounted unto him as righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him that performeth works, the reward is not accounted a matter of grace, but of debt;

⁵ but to him who without performing works hath faith in him who accepteth as righteous one that hath been ungodly, his faith is accounted as righteousness;

⁶ as David also speaketh of the blessedness of the man whom God accepteth as righteous without works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord shall not charge with sin.”

⁹ Doth this blessedness belong to the circumcised alone, or to the uncircumcised also? For we are saying that Abraham's faith was accounted as righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it so accounted? After his circumcision, or while he was uncircumcised? Not after he was circumcised, but while he was uncircumcised.

¹¹ And he received the outward sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all the uncircumcised who have faith, so that righteousness might be put to their account also;

¹² and that he might be the father of the circumcised, who are not circumcised merely, but who tread in the steps of that faith which our father Abraham had while yet uncircumcised.

¹³ For not through the Law was the promise made to Abraham or his offspring that he should be the heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then, it may be asked, are we to say about Abraham, the ancestor of our nation?

² If he was pronounced righteous as the result of obedience, then he has something to boast of. Yes, but not before God.

³ For what are the words of scripture? ‘Abraham had faith in God, and his faith was regarded by God as righteousness.’

⁴ Now wages are regarded as due to the person who works, not as a favour, but as a debt;

⁵ while, as for the person who does not rely on their obedience, but has faith in him who can pronounce the godless righteous, their faith is regarded by God as righteousness.

⁶ In precisely the same way David speaks of the blessing pronounced on the person who is regarded by God as righteous apart from actions —

⁷ ‘Blessed are those whose wrong-doings have been forgiven and over whose sins a veil has been drawn!

⁸ Blessed the man whom the Lord will never regard as sinful!’

⁹ Is this blessing, then, pronounced on the circumcised only or on the uncircumcised as well? We say that — ‘Abraham's faith was regarded by God as righteousness.’

¹⁰ Under what circumstances, then, did this take place? After his circumcision or before it?

¹¹ Not after, but before. And it was as a sign of this that he received the rite of circumcision — to show the righteousness due to the faith of an uncircumcised man — in order that he might be the father of all who have faith in God even when uncircumcised, so that they also may be regarded by God as righteous;

¹² as well as father of the circumcised — to those who are not only circumcised, but who also follow our father Abraham in that faith which he had while still uncircumcised.

¹³ For the promise that he should inherit the world did not come to Abraham or his descendants through Law, but through the righteousness due to faith.

¹ What then, it may be asked, are we to say about Abraham, the ancestor of our nation?

² If he was pronounced righteous as the result of obedience, then he has something to boast of. Yes, but not before God.

³ For what are the words of scripture? ‘Abraham had faith in God, and his faith was regarded by God as righteousness.’

⁴ Now wages are regarded as due to the person who works, not as a favor, but as a debt;

⁵ while, as for the person who does not rely on their obedience, but has faith in him who can pronounce the godless righteous, their faith is regarded by God as righteousness.

⁶ In precisely the same way David speaks of the blessing pronounced on the person who is regarded by God as righteous apart from actions —

⁷ ‘Blessed are those whose wrong-doings have been forgiven and over whose sins a veil has been drawn!

⁸ Blessed the man whom the Lord will never regard as sinful!’

⁹ Is this blessing, then, pronounced on the circumcised only or on the uncircumcised as well? We say that — ‘Abraham's faith was regarded by God as righteousness.’

¹⁰ Under what circumstances, then, did this take place? After his circumcision or before it?

¹¹ Not after, but before. And it was as a sign of this that he received the rite of circumcision — to show the righteousness due to the faith of an uncircumcised man — in order that he might be the father of all who have faith in God even when uncircumcised, so that they also may be regarded by God as righteous;

¹² as well as father of the circumcised — to those who are not only circumcised, but who also follow our father Abraham in that faith which he had while still uncircumcised.

¹³ For the promise that he should inherit the world did not come to Abraham or his descendants through Law, but through the righteousness due to faith.

¹³ Remember that story about Abraham, that old man that lived a long time ago. God promised him that his family – the people that will come after him – God promised that they will own the whole world one day. And Abraham believed this word that God promised him. Abraham didn’t think about the law at that time. He just believed God and from there God said that Abraham was good and God promised to look after his family.

¹ What shall we saye then that Abraham oure father as pertayninge to the flesshe dyd finde?

² If Abraham were iustified by dedes the hath he wherin to reioyce: but not with god.

³ For what sayth the scripture? Abraham beleved god and it was counted vnto him for rightewesnes.

⁴ To him that worketh is the rewarde not reckened of favour: but of duty.

⁵ To him that worketh not but beleveth on him that iustifieth the vngodly is his fayth counted for rightewesnes.

⁶ Even as David describeth the blessedfulnes of the man vnto whom god ascribeth rightewesnes without dedes.

⁷ Blessed are they whose vnrightewesnes are forgeven and whose synnes are covered.

⁸ Blessed is that man to whom the Lorde imputeth not synne.

⁹ Came this blessednes then vpon the circumcised or vpon the vncircumcised? We saye verely how that fayth was rekened to Abraham for rightewesnes.

¹⁰ How was it rekened? in the tyme of circumcision? or in the tyme before he was circumcised? Not in tyme of circucision: but when he was yet vncircumcised.

¹¹ And he receaved the signe of circumcision as a seale of that rightewesnes which is by fayth which fayth he had yet beynge vncircumcised: that he shuld be the father of all them that beleve though they be not circumcised that rightewesnes myght be imputed to them also:

¹² and that he myght be the father of the circumcised not because they are circumcised only: but because they walke also in the steppes of that fayth that was in oure father Abraham before the tyme of circumcision.

¹³ For the promes that he shuld be the heyre of the worlde was not geven to Abraham or to his seed thorow the lawe: but thorow the rightewesnes which cometh of fayth.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, found?

² For if Abraham had been justified by works, he would have had a reason to boast, but not before God.

³ For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

⁴ Now for him who works, what he is paid is not counted as a gift, but as what is owed.

⁵ But for him who does not work but instead believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

⁶ David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness without works.

⁷ He said, “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count sin.”

⁹ Then is this blessing pronounced only on those of the circumcision, or also on those of the uncircumcision? For we say, “Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.”

¹⁰ So how was it counted? When Abraham was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? It was not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ Abraham received the sign of circumcision. This was a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had already possessed when he was in uncircumcision. The result of this sign was that he became the father of all those who believe, even if they are in uncircumcision. This means that righteousness will be counted for them.

¹² This also meant that Abraham became the father of the circumcision for those who are not only circumcised but also for those who follow in the steps of faith of our father Abraham before he was circumcised.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his descendants that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not towards God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What shall we then say that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God.

³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

⁴ Now to him that worketh, is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man to whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

⁷ Saying , Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only , or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they are not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also;

¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had being yet uncircumcised.

¹³ For the promise that he should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not towards God.

³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

⁴ Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.

⁵ But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

⁶ Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

⁸ Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

⁹ Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

¹⁰ How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

¹² He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

¹³ For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

¹ What then shall we say, that Abraham, our father after the flesh, found?

² For if Abraham is justified of works of the law, he hath glory, but not with God.

³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed to God, and it was areckoned to him to rightwiseness.

⁴ And to him that worketh, meed is not areckoned by grace, but by debt.

⁵ Soothly to him that worketh not, but believeth into him that justifieth a wicked or an unpious man, his faith is areckoned to rightwiseness, after the purpose of God’s grace.

⁶ As David saith the blessedness of a man, whom God accepteth, he giveth to him rightwiseness without works of the law,

⁷ Blessed be they, whose wicked-nesses be forgiven, and whose sins be hid or be covered.

⁸ Blessed is that man, to whom God areckoned not sin.

⁹ Then whether dwelleth this blessedness only in circumcision, or also in prepuce? For we say, that the faith was areckoned to Abraham to rightwiseness.

¹⁰ How then was it areckoned? in circumcision, or in prepuce? Not in circumcision, but in prepuce.

¹¹ And he took a sign of circumcision, a token or a marking of rightwiseness of the faith which is in prepuce, that he be father of all men believing by prepuce, that it be areckoned also to them to rightwise-ness;

¹² and that he be father of circumcision, not only to them that be of circumcision, but also to them that pursue the steps of the faith, which faith is in prepuce of our father Abraham, or but and to them that pursue the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, that is in prepuce.

¹³ For not by the law is the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be the heir of the world, but by the rightwiseness of faith.

¹ What then shall we say, that Abraham, our father after the flesh, found?

² For if Abraham is justified of works of the law, he hath glory, but not with God. (For if Abraham is justified by works of the Law, he can boast, but not of God or not before God.)

³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed to God (or Abraham believed God), and it was areckoned to him to rightwiseness.

⁴ And to him that worketh, meed is not areckoned by grace, but by debt. (And to him who worketh, his wages, or his reward, is not reckoned as a gift, but as a debt that is owed to him.)

⁵ Soothly to him that worketh not, but believeth into him that justifieth a wicked or an unpious man, his faith is areckoned to rightwiseness, after the purpose of God’s grace.

⁶ As David saith the blessedness of a man, whom God accepteth, he giveth to him rightwiseness without works of the law,

⁷ Blessed be they, whose wickednesses be forgiven, and whose sins be hid, or be covered, (or and whose sins be hidden, or covered over).

⁸ Blessed is that man, to whom God areckoned not sin.

⁹ Then whether dwelleth this blessedness only in (the) circumcision, or also in (the) prepuce? (or also among the uncircumcised, or among the Gentiles?) For we say, that the faith was areckoned to Abraham to rightwiseness.

¹⁰ How then was it areckoned? in circumcision, or in prepuce? Not in circumcision, but in prepuce. (But when was it reckoned? when he was circumcised, or when he was uncircumcised? Not when he was circumcised, but when he was uncircumcised.)

¹¹ And he took a sign of circumcision, a token or a marking of (the) rightwiseness of the faith which is in (the) prepuce, that he be (the) father of all men believing by prepuce, that it be areckoned also to them to rightwiseness; (And he later received the sign of circumcision, a marking of the righteousness of his faith, when he was still uncircumcised, and so he is the father of all believing men who be uncircumcised, so that righteousness is also reckoned to them;)

¹² and that he be (the) father of (the) circumcision, not only to them that be of (the) circumcision, but also to them that (pur)sue the steps of the faith, which faith is in (the) prepuce of our father Abraham. and that he be (the) father of (the) circumcision, not only to them that be of circumcision, but and to them that (pur)sue the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, that is in (the) prepuce (or who was uncircumcised). (and so he is the father of the circumcised, not only to those who be of the circumcision, but also to those who follow the steps of the faith, which faith Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised.)

¹³ For not by the law is the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be the heir of the world, but by the rightwiseness of faith.

¹ What, then, shall we say Abraham our father, to have found, according to flesh?

² for if Abraham by works was declared righteous, he hath to boast — but not before God;

³ for what doth the writing say? 'And Abraham did believe God, and it was reckoned to him — to righteousness;'

⁴ and to him who is working, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt;

⁵ and to him who is not working, and is believing upon Him who is declaring righteous the impious, his faith is reckoned — to righteousness:

⁶ even as David also doth speak of the happiness of the man to whom God doth reckon righteousness apart from works:

⁷ 'Happy they whose lawless acts were forgiven, and whose sins were covered;

⁸ happy the man to whom the Lord may not reckon sin.'

⁹ Is this happiness, then, upon the circumcision, or also upon the uncircumcision — for we say that the faith was reckoned to Abraham — to righteousness?

¹⁰ how then was it reckoned? he being in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision;

¹¹ and a sign he did receive of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith in the uncircumcision, for his being father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness also being reckoned to them,

¹² and father of circumcision to those not of circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of the faith, that is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

¹³ For not through law is the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, of his being heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith;