Romans 4:8-18 in English

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.

¹⁴ For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect:

¹⁵ for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

¹⁷ (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

¹⁵ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

¹⁷ (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.

¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect:

¹⁵ for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

¹⁷ (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ If we think that it is those who obey God's laws who will receive what he has promised, it is useless for us to trust in him. And what he promised is worthless. Remember that it is stated in God's law PRS that he will punish people who do not perfectly obey them, and remember that wherever MTY laws exist, people disobey them LIT.

¹⁶ So it is because we trust in God that we will receive the things that he has promised. It is not because we perfectly obey God's laws. He wants ◄to erase the record of our sins/to declare us no longer guilty► without our earning it. As a result, what God now promises, he guarantees to give to all people who are Abraham's spiritual descendants. He promises to do that not only for us Jewish believers, who have God's laws and trust in him as Abraham did, but also for those non-Jews who do not have God's laws but who trust in him as Abraham did. Abraham is the spiritual ancestor of all of us believers.

¹⁷ What is written {What Moses wrote} in the Scriptures about what God promised Abraham shows that this is true. God said to him, “It is in order that you (sg) may be the ancestor of many ethnic groups that I have chosen you.” Romans 4:17b-22 God guaranteed that he would give Abraham many descendants. Abraham confidently believed that God would do that,

¹⁸ even though there was no physical reason for him to hope that he would have descendants, because he and his wife were too old to bear children. But God is the one who causes dead people to live again, and who talks about things that do not yet exist as already existing. God said to Abraham, “You will have so many descendants that they will be as impossible to count as the stars.” And Abraham believed that, and he believed that he would become the ancestor of many ethnic groups.

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if they who are of the law are the people who get the heritage, then faith is made of no use, and the word of God has no power;

¹⁵ For the outcome of the law is wrath; but where there is no law it will not be broken.

¹⁶ For this reason it is of faith, so that it may be through grace; and so that the word of God may be certain to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

¹⁷ (As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith, that is, God, who gives life to the dead, and to whom the things which are not are as if they were.

¹⁸ Who without reason for hope, in faith went on hoping, so that he became the father of a number of nations, as it had been said, So will your seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if they which are of law be heirs, faith is made vain, and the promise made of no effect.

¹⁵ For law works wrath; but where no law is neither is there transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore it is on the principle of faith, that it might be according to grace, in order to the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of Abraham's faith, who is father of us all,

¹⁷ (according as it is written, I have made thee father of many nations,) before the God whom he believed, who quickens the dead, and calls the things which be not as being;

¹⁸ who against hope believed in hope to his becoming father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be:

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.

¹⁴ For if they who are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law worketh wrath. For where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

¹⁷ (As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations,) before God, whom he believed, who quickeneth the dead; and calleth those things that are not, as those that are.

¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope; that he might be made the father of many nations, according to that which was said to him: So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,

¹⁵ because the law produces wrath; for where there is no law neither is there transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith that it may be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those of the law, but also to those of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

¹⁷ (just as it is written, “I have appointed you a father of many nations”) before God, whom he believed, the One who gives life to the dead and calls those things which are not as though they were;

¹⁸ who, contrary to hope, on hope believed, so that he should become a father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of law are heirs, the faith is made empty and the promise has been invalidated;

¹⁵ because the law produces wrath, since where there is no law neither is there transgression.

¹⁶ For this reason it is of faith so that it may be according to grace, in order that the promise be guaranteed to all the seed—not only to those of law, but also to those of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all;

¹⁷ just as it is written: “I have made you a father of many ethnic nations”—in the presence of Him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead and calls the nonexistent things as though they did exist.

¹⁸ Contrary to hope, Abraham in hope believed, so as to become a father of many ethnic nations, according to what had been spoken: “So shall your seed be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if the promised inheritance is based on keeping the law, then the issue of trusting God is not necessary, and the promise is pointless.

¹⁵ For the law results in punishment—but if there's no law then it cannot be broken.

¹⁶ So the promise is based on trusting God. It is provided as a free gift, guaranteed to all the children of Abraham—not merely to those who follow the law, but also to those who trust like Abraham, the father of us all.

¹⁷ As Scripture says, “I've made you the father of many nations.” For in the presence of God, Abraham trusted in the God who makes the dead alive and speaks into existence what didn't previously exist.

¹⁸ Against all hope Abraham in hope trusted God, so he could become the father of many peoples, just as God had promised him: “This is how many descendants you'll have!”

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.

¹⁴ For if they which are of the Lawe, be heires, faith is made voide, and the promise is made of none effect.

¹⁵ For the Lawe causeth wrath: for where no Lawe is, there is no transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore it is by faith, that it might come by grace, and the promise might be sure to all the seede, not to that onely which is of the Lawe: but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of vs all,

¹⁷ (As it is written, I haue made thee a father of many nations) euen before God whom he beleeued, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those thinges which be not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Which Abraham aboue hope, beleeued vnder hope, that he should be the father of many nations: according to that which was spoken to him, So shall thy seede be.

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.

¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

¹⁵ because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

¹⁷ (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.

¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if they that are of the Law are heirs, then faith becometh a vain thing, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the Law is the cause of wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore the inheritance was made to depend on faith, that it might be a matter of grace; that the promise might be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is under the Law, but to that also which hath the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

¹⁷ (as it is written, “I have made thee a father of many nations”) in the sight of that God whom he believed, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ For he had confident hope in that which was past hope, that he should become a father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, “Thus shall thy offspring be;”

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.

¹⁴ If those who take their stand on Law are to inherit the world, then faith is robbed of its meaning and the promise comes to nothing!

¹⁵ Law entails punishment; but, where no Law exists, no breach of it is possible.

¹⁶ That is why everything is made to depend on faith: so that everything may be God's gift, and in order that the fulfilment of the promise may be made certain for all Abraham's descendants — not only for those who take their stand on the Law, but also for those who take their stand on the faith of Abraham. (He is the Father of us all;

¹⁷ as scripture says — ‘I have made you the Father of many nations.’) And this they do in the sight of that God in whom Abraham had faith, and who gives life to the dead, and speaks of what does not yet exist as if it did.

¹⁸ With no ground for hope, Abraham, sustained by hope, put faith in God; in order that, in fulfilment of the words — ‘So many will your descendants be,’ he might become ‘the Father of many nations.’

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.

¹⁴ If those who take their stand on Law are to inherit the world, then faith is robbed of its meaning and the promise comes to nothing!

¹⁵ Law entails punishment; but, where no Law exists, no breach of it is possible.

¹⁶ That is why everything is made to depend on faith: so that everything may be God's gift, and in order that the fulfillment of the promise may be made certain for all Abraham's descendants — not only for those who take their stand on the Law, but also for those who take their stand on the faith of Abraham. (He is the Father of us all;

¹⁷ as scripture says — ‘I have made you the Father of many nations.’) And this they do in the sight of that God in whom Abraham had faith, and who gives life to the dead, and speaks of what does not yet exist as if it did.

¹⁸ With no ground for hope, Abraham, sustained by hope, put faith in God; in order that, in fulfillment of the words — ‘So many will your descendants be,’ he might become ‘the Father of many nations.’

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.

¹⁴ Don’t think that God only promises good things to people that follow the law of Moses. If he is like that, nobody will get anything, whether they trust him or not. But really, God is not like that. He promises good things to people that trust him.

¹⁵ People try to follow that law but they can’t do it, and whenever they break that law God gets angry with them and punishes them. So all the law does is give us trouble. (The only way people will not break the law is if there is no law to break.)

¹⁶ So it is important that we trust God, just like Abraham trusted God. It doesn’t matter whether we Jewish or not Jewish. If we believe God like Abraham did, we belong to his family, like he is our grand-father from a long time ago.

¹⁷ That story in God’s book is all about this. God told Abraham, “I will make you the grand-father of lots of tribes of people to come.” Abraham believed that God can do anything. He can make dead people alive again, and he can make a new thing out of nothing.

¹⁸ Everyone reckoned that Abraham was too old to have any kids, but he remembered the word God that told him. God said that he will have kids and his family to come will grow to be a really big mob. Abraham kept on believing God and waited for God to do this, just like he promised. Abraham didn’t think about his old body. It was so old it was nearly dead. He was about 100 years old. And Sarah, his wife, she was also too old to have a baby. But Abraham kept on believing anyway.

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.

¹⁴ For yf they which are of the lawe be heyres then is fayth but vayne and the promes of none effecte.

¹⁵ Because the lawe causeth wrathe. For where no lawe is there is no trasgression.

¹⁶ Therfore by fayth is the inheritaunce geven that it myght come of faveour: and the promes myght be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the lawe: but also to them which are of the fayth of Abraham which is the father of vs all.

¹⁷ As it is wrytten: I have made the a father to many nacions even before god whom thou hast beleved which quyckeneth the deed and called those thinges which be not as though they were.

¹⁸ Which Abraham contrary to hope beleved in hope that he shuld be the father of many nacions accordynge to that which was spoken: So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if those who live by the law are to be the heirs, faith is made empty, and the promise is void.

¹⁵ For the law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there is no trespass.

¹⁶ For this reason it is by faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all of Abraham's descendants—not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all,

¹⁷ as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations.” Abraham was in the presence of him whom he trusted, that is, God, who gives life to the dead and calls the things that do not exist into existence.

¹⁸ In hope he believed against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what he had been told, “So will your descendants be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of no effect.

¹⁵ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all;

¹⁷ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, even God, who reviveth the dead, and calleth those things which are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Who against hope believed with hope, that he should become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

¹⁵ For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

¹⁶ For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

¹⁸ Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”

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.

¹⁴ For if they that be of the law, be heirs, faith is destroyed, promise is done away.

¹⁵ For the law worketh wrath; for where is no law, there is no trespass, neither is trespassing or prevarication.

¹⁶ Therefore rightwiseness is of faith, that by grace promise be stable or be steadfast to each seed, not to that seed only that is of the law, but to that that is of the faith of Abraham, which is father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, For I have set thee father of many folks, before God to whom thou hast believed. The which God quickeneth dead men or The which quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things that be not, as those that be.

¹⁸ The Which Abraham against hope believed into hope, that he should be made father of many folks, as it was said to him, Thus shall thy seed be, as the stars of heaven, and as the gravel or sand that is in the brink of the sea.

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.

¹⁴ For if they that be of the law, be heirs, faith is destroyed, (the) promise is done away.

¹⁵ For the law worketh wrath; for where (there) is no law, there is no trespass, neither is (there) trespassing or prevarication.

¹⁶ Therefore rightwiseness is of (the) faith, (so) that by grace (the) promise be stable or be steadfast to each seed, not to that seed only that is of the law, but to that that is of the faith of Abraham, which (or who) is (the) father of us all.

¹⁷ As it is written, For I have set thee father of many folks (or For I have made thee the father of many nations and peoples), before God to whom thou hast believed. The which God quickeneth dead men, or The which quickeneth the dead, (or The which God giveth life to the dead), and calleth those things that be not, as those that be.

¹⁸ The Which Abraham against hope believed into hope, that he should be made father of many folks (or that he would be made the father of many nations and peoples), as it was said to him or after that it is said to him, Thus shall thy seed be, as the stars of (the) heaven(s), and as the gravel or (the) sand that is in the brink of the sea (or and like the sand that is on the seashore).

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;

¹⁴ for if they who are of law are heirs, the faith hath been made void, and the promise hath been made useless;

¹⁵ for the law doth work wrath; for where law is not, neither is transgression.

¹⁶ Because of this it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, for the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that which is of the law only, but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham,

¹⁷ who is father of us all (according as it hath been written — 'A father of many nations I have set thee,') before Him whom he did believe — God, who is quickening the dead, and is calling the things that be not as being.

¹⁸ Who, against hope in hope did believe, for his becoming father of many nations according to that spoken: 'So shall thy seed be;'