Romans 4:1-10
What then shall we say? ( τ ουν ερουμεν? ). Paul is fond of this rhetorical question (4:1; 6:1; 7:7; 8:31; 9:14, 30).Forefather ( προπατορα ). Old word, only here in N.T. Accusative case in apposition with Αβρααμ (accusative of general reference with the infinitive).
Hath found ( ευρηκενα ). Westcott and Hort put ευρηκενα in the margin because B omits it, a needless precaution. It is the perfect active infinitive of ευρισκω in indirect discourse after ερουμεν. The MSS. differ in the position of κατα σαρκα.
The Scripture ( η γραφη ). Ge 15:6.
Was justified by works ( εξ εργων εδικαιωθη ). Condition of first class, assumed as true for the sake of argument, though untrue in fact. The rabbis had a doctrine of the merits of Abraham who had a superfluity of credits to pass on to the Jews (Lu 3:8).
But not towards God ( αλλ' ου προς θεον ). Abraham deserved all the respect from men that came to him, but his relation to God was a different matter. He had there no ground of boasting at all.
It was reckoned unto him for righteousness ( ελογισθη εις δικαιοσυνην ). First aorist passive indicative of λογιζομα, old and common verb to set down accounts (literally or metaphorically). It was set down on the credit side of the ledger "for" ( εις as often) righteousness. What was set down? His believing God ( επιστευσεν τω θεω ).
But as of debt ( αλλα κατα οφειλημα ). An illustration of the workman ( εργαζομενω ) who gets his wages due him, "not as of grace" ( ου κατα χαριν ).
That justifieth the ungodly ( τον δικαιουντα τον ασεβη ). The impious, irreverent man. See 1:25. A forensic figure (Shedd). The man is taken as he is and pardoned. "The whole Pauline gospel could be summed up in this one word-- God who justifies the ungodly" (Denney).
Pronounceth blessing ( λεγε τον μακαρισμον ). old word from μακαριζω, to pronounce blessed (Lu 1:48), felicitation, congratulation, in N.T. only here, verse 9; Ac 4:15.
Blessed ( μακαριο ). See on Mt 5:3.
Are forgiven ( αφεθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of αφιημ, without augment ( αφειθησαν, regular form). Paul quotes Ps 32:1f. and as from David. Paul thus confirms his interpretation of Ge 15:6.
Iniquities ( ανομια ). Violations of law whereas αμαρτια (sins) include all kinds.
Are covered ( επεκαλυφθησαν ). First aorist passive of επικαλυπτω, old verb, to cover over (upon, επ ) as a shroud. Only here in N.T.
To whom ( ω ). But the best MSS. read ου like the LXX and so Westcott and Hort, "whose sin."
Will not reckon ( ου μη λογισητα ). Strong negation by double negative and aorist middle subjunctive.
Is this blessing then pronounced? ( ο μακαρισμος ουν ουτοσ? ). "Is this felicitation then?" There is no verb in the Greek. Paul now proceeds to show that Abraham was said in Ge 15:6 to be set right with God by faith before he was circumcised.
When he was in circumcision ( εν περιτομη οντ ). Dative masculine singular of the present active participle of ειμ; "to him being in a state of circumcision or in a state of uncircumcision?" A pertinent point that the average Jew had not noticed.
Copyright information for
RWP