Do we then
The sinner establishes the law in its right use and honour by confessing his guilt, and acknowledging that by it he is justly condemned. Christ, on the sinner's behalf, establishes the law by enduring its penalty, death. Cf. Matthew 5:17 ; Matthew 5:18 .
Verse Meaning
He started with a rhetorical question that he used often in Romans (cf. Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14; Romans 9:30): "What then shall we say?" By referring to Abraham as "our forefather after the flesh" ( Romans 4:1) Paul revealed that he was aiming these comments at his Jewish readers primarily. Abraham"s case is significant for Gentiles as well, however, because in another sense, as the father of the faithful, he is the father of "us all" ( Romans 4:16). "All" refers to all believers, Jews and Gentiles alike. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Romans 4:1-8 - Blessedness Follows Faith
In this chapter the doctrine of justification by faith is illustrated from the life of Abraham. It is evident that he was not justified because of his good works. Nothing is said of them, though he had crossed the desert in obedience to the divine command. No; he believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness, Romans 4:3. The life of God in the soul of man is one and the same in every age. The measure of light may vary from the twilight in Ur to the meridian glory of Patmos, but the attitude of the soul toward God must always be the same.
From the earliest times men have been justified by faith, Hebrews 11:4. Faith has two invariable elements: attitude and receptiveness; that is, the right position toward God, and the power of receiving the full inflow of the divine nature. We are made "partakers of the divine nature," 2 Peter 1:4. This was the case with the great Hebrew pilgrim-first of the pilgrim race. Rising above the rest of his contemporaries, he saw the advance gleam of the day of Christ and was glad, John 8:56. David also sings of the same grace which justifies the sinner and counts him as righteous, notwithstanding his iniquities and sins, Psalms 32:1-2. [source]
Chapter Summary: Romans 4
1Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness; 10before he was circumcised 13By faith only he and his seed received the promise 16Abraham is the father of all who believe 24Our faith also shall be credited to us as righteousness
Forefather [προπατορα] Old word, only here in N.T. Accusative case in apposition with Αβρααμ Abraam (accusative of general reference with the infinitive). Hath found (ευρηκεναι heurēkenai). Westcott and Hort put ευρηκεναι heurēkenai in the margin because B omits it, a needless precaution. It is the perfect active infinitive of ευρισκω heuriskō in indirect discourse after ερουμεν eroumen The MSS. differ in the position of κατα σαρκα kata sarka f0). [source]
Hath found [ευρηκεναι] Westcott and Hort put ευρηκεναι heurēkenai in the margin because B omits it, a needless precaution. It is the perfect active infinitive of ευρισκω heuriskō in indirect discourse after ερουμεν eroumen The MSS. differ in the position of κατα σαρκα kata sarka f0). [source]
What shall we say? [τι ἐροῦμεν] See Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14,Romans 9:30. The phrase anticipates an objection or proposes an inference. It is used by Paul only, and by him only in this Epistle and in its argumentative portions. It is not found in the last five chapters, which are hortatory. [source]
The best texts read προπάτορα forefather Hath found [] Westcott and Hort omit. Then the reading would be “what shall we say of Abraham,” etc. Found signifies, attained by his own efforts apart from grace. [source]
Our Father [] The best texts read προπάτορα forefatherHath foundWestcott and Hort omit. Then the reading would be “what shall we say of Abraham,” etc. Found signifies, attained by his own efforts apart from grace. [source]
As pertaining to the flesh [κατὰ σάρκα] Construe with found. The question is, Was Abraham justified by anything which pertained to the flesh? Some construe with Abraham: our father humanly speaking. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 4:1
Matthew 6:12Our debts [τα οπειληματα ημων] Luke (Luke 11:4) has “sins” In the ancient Greek οπειλημα opheilēma is common for actual legal debts as in Romans 4:4, but here it is used of moral and spiritual debts to God. “Trespasses” is a mistranslation made common by the Church of England Prayer Book. It is correct in Romans 4:14 in Christ‘s argument about prayer, but it is not in the Model Prayer itself. See Matthew 18:28,Matthew 18:30 for sin pictured again by Christ “as debt and the sinner as a debtor” (Vincent). We are thus described as having wronged God. The word οπειλη opheilē for moral obligation was once supposed to be peculiar to the New Testament. But it is common in that sense in the papyri (Deismann, Bible Studies, p. 221; Light from the Ancient East, New ed., p. 331). We ask forgiveness “in proportion as” It means to send away, to dismiss, to wipe off. [source]
John 1:17For [ὅτι] Because. Giving the ground of the statement that Christians received new and richer gifts of grace: the ground being that the law of Moses was a limited and narrow enactment, while Jesus Christ imparted the fullness of grace and truth which was in Him (John 1:14). Compare Romans 4:15; Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:10. [source]
Acts 21:24Purify thyself with them [αγνιστητι συν αυτοις] First aorist passive imperative of αγνιζω hagnizō old verb to purify, to make pure See the active voice in James 4:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Jo 1 Peter 3:3. It is possible to see the full passive force here, “Be purified.” But a number of aorist passives in the Koiné{[28928]}š supplant the aorist middle forms and preserve the force of the middle (Robertson, Grammar, p. 819). That is possible here. Hence, “Purify thyself” is allowable. The word occurs in Numbers 6:1 for taking the Nazarite vow. The point is that Paul takes the vow with them. Note αγνισμου hagnismou in Acts 21:26. Be at charges for them (δαπανησον επ αυτοις dapanēson ep' autois). First aorist active imperative of old verb δαπαναω dapanaō to incur expense, expend. Spend (money) upon (επ ep') them. Ramsay (St. Paul the Traveller, etc., p. 310) argues that Paul had use of considerable money at this period, perhaps from his father‘s estate. The charges for five men would be considerable. “A poor man would not have been treated with the respect paid him at Caesarea, on the voyage, and at Rome” (Furneaux). That they may shave their heads Note την κεπαλην tēn kephalēn the head (singular). Future middle indicative of χυραω xuraō late form for the old χυρεω xureō to shave, middle to shave oneself or (causative) to get oneself shaved. This use of ινα hina with the future indicative is like the classic οπως hopōs with the future indicative and is common in the N.T. as in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984). And all shall know (και γνωσονται kai gnōsontai). This future middle indicative of γινωσκω ginōskō (cf. ακουσονται akousontai in Acts 21:22) may be independent of ινα hina or dependent on it like χυρησονται xurēsontai though some MSS. (H L P) have γνωσιν gnōsin (second aorist subjunctive, clearly dependent on ινα hina). Of which Genitive plural of the relative α ha (accusative) object of the perfect passive verb κατηχηνται katēchēntai (cf. Acts 21:21 κατηχητησαν katēchēthēsan) attracted into the case of the omitted antecedent τουτων toutōn The instruction still in effect. But that thou thyself walkest orderly (αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος alla stoicheis kai autos). Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Acts 21:24But that thou thyself walkest orderly [αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος] Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Acts 21:24That they may shave their heads [ινα χυρησονται την κεπαλην] Note την κεπαλην tēn kephalēn the head (singular). Future middle indicative of χυραω xuraō late form for the old χυρεω xureō to shave, middle to shave oneself or (causative) to get oneself shaved. This use of ινα hina with the future indicative is like the classic οπως hopōs with the future indicative and is common in the N.T. as in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984). And all shall know (και γνωσονται kai gnōsontai). This future middle indicative of γινωσκω ginōskō (cf. ακουσονται akousontai in Acts 21:22) may be independent of ινα hina or dependent on it like χυρησονται xurēsontai though some MSS. (H L P) have γνωσιν gnōsin (second aorist subjunctive, clearly dependent on ινα hina). Of which Genitive plural of the relative α ha (accusative) object of the perfect passive verb κατηχηνται katēchēntai (cf. Acts 21:21 κατηχητησαν katēchēthēsan) attracted into the case of the omitted antecedent τουτων toutōn The instruction still in effect. But that thou thyself walkest orderly (αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος alla stoicheis kai autos). Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Acts 21:24Of which [ων] Genitive plural of the relative α ha (accusative) object of the perfect passive verb κατηχηνται katēchēntai (cf. Acts 21:21 κατηχητησαν katēchēthēsan) attracted into the case of the omitted antecedent τουτων toutōn The instruction still in effect. But that thou thyself walkest orderly (αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος alla stoicheis kai autos). Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Acts 7:8The covenant of circumcision [διατηκην περιτομης] A covenant marked by (genitive) circumcision (no article) of which circumcision is the sign (Romans 4:11) as set forth in Genesis 17:9-14. In the ancient Greek διατηκη diathēkē was usually will (Latin, testamentum) and συντηκη sunthēkē was used for covenant But the lxx and the N.T. use διατηκη diathēkē for covenant (will in Hebrews 9:15.) as Lightfoot on Galatians 3:16 says: “The lxx translation and New Testament writers probably preferred διατηκη diathēkē as better expressing the free grace of God than συντηκη sunthēkē [source]
Romans 6:6The body of sin [τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας] Σῶμα in earlier classical usage signifies a corpse. So always in Homer and often in later Greek. So in the New Testament, Matthew 6:25; Mark 5:29; Mark 14:8; Mark 15:43. It is used of men as slaves, Revelation 18:13. Also in classical Greek of the sum-total. So Plato: τὸ τοῦ κόσμου σῶμα thesum-total of the world (“Timaeus,” 31). The meaning is tinged in some cases by the fact of the vital union of the body with the immaterial nature, as being animated by the ψυξή soulthe principle of individual life. Thus Matthew 6:25, where the two are conceived as forming one organism, so that the material ministries which are predicated of the one are predicated of the other, and the meanings of the two merge into one another. -DIVIDER-
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In Paul it can scarcely be said to be used of a dead body, except in a figurative sense, as Romans 8:10, or by inference, 2 Corinthians 5:8. Commonly of a living body. It occurs with ψυχή soulonly 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and there its distinction from ψυχή rather than its union with it is implied. So in Matthew 10:28, though even there the distinction includes the two as one personality. It is used by Paul:-DIVIDER-
1. Of the living human body, Romans 4:19; 1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. -DIVIDER-
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2. Of the Church as the body of Christ, Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:18, etc. Σάρξ fleshnever in this sense. -DIVIDER-
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3. Of plants and heavenly bodies, 1 Corinthians 15:37,1 Corinthians 15:40. -DIVIDER-
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4. Of the glorified body of Christ, Philemon 3:21. -DIVIDER-
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5. Of the spiritual body of risen believers, 1 Corinthians 15:44. -DIVIDER-
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It is distinguished from σάρξ fleshas not being limited to the organism of an earthly, living body, 1 Corinthians 15:37,1 Corinthians 15:38. It is the material organism apart from any definite matter. It is however sometimes used as practically synonymous with σάρξ , 1 Corinthians 7:16,1 Corinthians 7:17; Ephesians 5:28,Ephesians 5:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10,2 Corinthians 4:11. Compare 1 Corinthians 5:3with Colossians 2:5. An ethical conception attaches to it. It is alternated with μέλη membersand the two are associated with sin (Romans 1:24; Romans 6:6; Romans 7:5,Romans 7:24; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5), and with sanctification (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19sq.; compare 1 Thessalonians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). It is represented as mortal, Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 10:10; and as capable of life, 1 Corinthians 13:3; 2 Corinthians 4:10. -DIVIDER-
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In common with μέλη membersit is the instrument of feeling and willing rather than σάρξ , because the object in such cases is to designate the body not definitely as earthly, but generally as organic, Romans 6:12,Romans 6:13,Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10. Hence, wherever it is viewed with reference to sin or sanctification, it is the outward organ for the execution of the good or bad resolves of the will. -DIVIDER-
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The phrase body of sin denotes the body belonging to, or ruled by, the power of sin, in which the members are instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). Not the body as containing the principle of evil in our humanity, since Paul does not regard sin as inherent in, and inseparable from, the body (see Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; 2 Corinthians 7:1. Compare Matthew 15:19), nor as precisely identical with the old man, an organism or system of evil dispositions, which does not harmonize with Romans 6:12,Romans 6:13, where Paul uses body in the strict sense. “Sin is conceived as the master, to whom the body as slave belongs and is obedient to execute its will. As the slave must perform his definite functions, not because he in himself can perform no others, but because of His actually subsistent relationship of service he may perform no others, while of himself he might belong as well to another master and render other services; so the earthly σῶμα bodybelongs not of itself to the ἁμαρτία sinbut may just as well belong to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13), and doubtless it is de facto enslaved to sin, so long as a redemption from this state has not set in by virtue of the divine Spirit” (Romans 7:24: Dickson).DestroyedSee on Romans 3:3.He that is dead ( ὁ ἀποθανὼν )Rev., literally, he that hath died. In a physical sense. Death and its consequences are used as the general illustration of the spiritual truth. It is a habit of Paul to throw in such general illustrations. See Romans 7:2. [source]
Romans 4:16Sure [βεβαίαν] Stable, valid, something realized, the opposite of made of none effect, Romans 4:14. [source]
Romans 4:1What shall we say? [τι ἐροῦμεν] See Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14,Romans 9:30. The phrase anticipates an objection or proposes an inference. It is used by Paul only, and by him only in this Epistle and in its argumentative portions. It is not found in the last five chapters, which are hortatory. [source]
Romans 2:23Transgression [παραβάσεως] Trench remarks upon “the mournfully numerous group of words” which express the different aspects of sin. It is ἁμαρτια themissing of a mark; παράβασις theoverpassing of a line; παρακοή thedisobedience to a voice; παράπτωμα afalling when one should have stood; ἀγνόημα ignoranceof what one should know; ἥττημα adiminishing of what should be rendered in full measure; ἀνομία or παρανομία non-observanceof law; πλημμέλεια discord. The primary sense of the preposition παρά is beside or by, with reference to a line or extended surface. Hence it indicates that which is not on its true line but beside it, either in the way of falling short or of going beyond. Thus, in the sense of going beyond, Romans 12:3, to think more highly than he ought ( παρ ' ὃ δεῖ ), where the sense of beyond is fixed by ὑπερφρονεῖν to think beyond or over.” So Luke 13:2. In the sense of falling short, Thucydides, 3,49: “Mitylene came near such peril” ( παρὰ τοσοῦτο κινδύνου ), as if parallel to the danger but not touching it. Hence παραβάσις differs from the Homeric ὑπερβασία transgressionin that the latter carries only the idea of going beyond or over. A mark or line as a standard is thus implied. Transgression implies something to transgress. With the law came in the possibility off transgressing the law. “Where there is no law there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15). Hence Adam's sin is called a transgression (Romans 5:14), because it was the violation of a definite command. Paul habitually uses the word and its kindred παραβάτης transgressorof the transgression of a commandment distinctly given (Galatians 3:19; 1 Timothy 2:14,Romans 2:25,Romans 2:27). Hence it is peculiarly appropriate here of one who boasts in the law. It thus differs from ἁμαρτία sin(see on sins, Matthew 1:21), in that one may sin without being under express law. See Romans 5. Sin ( ἁμαρτία ) was in the world until the law; i.e. during the period prior to the law. Death reigned from Adam to Moses over those who had not sinned ( ἁμαρτήσαντας ) after the similitude of Adam's transgression ( παραβάσεως ). The sin is implicit, the transgression explicit. -DIVIDER-
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Romans 11:33Unsearchable [ανεχεραυνητα] Double compound Another verbal adjective from α a privative and εχιχνιαζω exichniazō to trace out by tracks (ιχνος ichnos Romans 4:12). Late word in Job (Job 5:9; Job 9:10; Job 34:24) from which use Paul obtained it here and Ephesians 3:8 (only N.T. examples). Also in ecclesiastical writers. Some of God‘s tracks he has left plain to us, but others are beyond us. [source]
Romans 15:9And that the Gentiles might praise [τα δε ετνη δοχασαι] Coordinate with βεβαιωσαι bebaiōsai and εις το eis to to be repeated with τα ετνη ta ethnē the accusative of general reference and τον τεον ton theon the object of δοχασαι doxasai Thus the Gentiles were called through the promise to the Jews in the covenant with Abraham (Romans 4:11., Romans 4:16.). Salvation is of the Jews. Paul proves his position by a chain of quotations from the O.T., the one in Romans 15:9 from Psalm 18:50. For εχομολογεω exomologeō see note on Romans 14:11. [source]
Romans 15:28Have sealed [σπραγισαμενος] First aorist middle participle (antecedent action, having sealed) of σπραγιζω sphragizō old verb from σπραγις sphragis a seal (Romans 4:11), to stamp with a seal for security (Matthew 27:66) or for confirmation (2 Corinthians 1:22) and here in a metaphorical sense. Paul was keenly sensitive that this collection should be actually conveyed to Jerusalem free from all suspicion (2 Corinthians 8:18-23). [source]
Romans 4:12The father of circumcision [πατερα περιτομης] The accusative with εις το ειναι eis to einai to be repeated from Romans 4:11. Lightfoot takes it to mean, not “a father of a circumcised progeny,” but “a father belonging to circumcision,” a less natural interpretation. [source]
Romans 4:13That he should be the heir of the world [το κληρονομον αυτον ειναι κοσμου] The articular infinitive But where is that promise? Not just Genesis 12:7, but the whole chain of promises about his son, his descendants like the stars in heaven, the Messiah and the blessing to the world through him. In these verses (Romans 4:13) Paul employs (Sanday and Headlam) the keywords of his gospel (faith, promise, grace) and arrays them against the current Jewish theology (law, works, merit). [source]
Romans 4:16According to grace [κατα χαριν] As the pattern. To the end that (εις το ειναι eis to einai). Purpose again as in Romans 4:11. Sure Stable, fast, firm. Old adjective from βαινω bainō to walk. Not to that only which is of the law (ου τωι εκ του νομου μονον ou tōi ek tou nomou monon). Another instance where μονον monon (see Romans 4:12) seems in the wrong place. Normally the order would be, ου μονον τωι εκ του νομου αλλα και κτλ ou monon tōi ek tou nomouclass="translit"> alla kai ktl f0). [source]
Romans 4:16Sure [βεβαιαν] Stable, fast, firm. Old adjective from βαινω bainō to walk. Not to that only which is of the law (ου τωι εκ του νομου μονον ou tōi ek tou nomou monon). Another instance where μονον monon (see Romans 4:12) seems in the wrong place. Normally the order would be, ου μονον τωι εκ του νομου αλλα και κτλ ou monon tōi ek tou nomouclass="translit"> alla kai ktl f0). [source]
Romans 4:16Not to that only which is of the law [ου τωι εκ του νομου μονον] Another instance where μονον monon (see Romans 4:12) seems in the wrong place. Normally the order would be, ου μονον τωι εκ του νομου αλλα και κτλ ou monon tōi ek tou nomouclass="translit"> alla kai ktl f0). [source]
Romans 4:18To the end that he might become [εις το γενεσται αυτον] Purpose clause again with εις eis to and the infinitive as in Romans 4:11-16. [source]
Romans 9:7Shall be called [κληθήσεται] Named. See on Romans 4:17. Others, called from nothing. But the promise was made after Isaac was born. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:17Should be made of none effect [κενωθῇ] Lit., emptied. Rev., made void. Compare is made void, Romans 4:14, and the kindred adjective κενὸν, κενὴ vain 1 Corinthians 15:14. The nucleus of the apostolic preaching was a fact - Christ crucified. To preach it as a philosophic system would be to empty it of its saving power, a truth which finds abundant and lamentable illustration in the history of the Church. [source]
2 Corinthians 7:10Not to be repented of [ἀμεταμέλητον] Construe with repentance. The Rev., in order to bring out this connection, amplifies the translation: a repentance which bringeth no regret. The oxymoron (see on Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18) is in the A.V. rather than in the Greek. It should be carefully observed that the two words, repentance, not to be repented of, represent different roots and different ideas: repentance ( μετάνοιαν ) denoting the moral change, and to be repented of denoting the sentiment of misgiving or regret (see on Matthew 21:29), and so answering to λύπη sorrowThe Rev. brings out the distinction by substituting regret for repentance. [source]
2 Corinthians 4:10Dying [νέκρωσιν] Only here and Romans 4:19. Primarily a putting to death, and thence the state of deadness, as Romans 4:19. Here in the former sense. Paul says, in effect, “our body is constantly exposed to the same putting to death which Jesus suffered. The daily liability to a violent death is something, which we carry about with us.” Compare 1 Corinthians 15:31; Romans 8:36. This parallel with Christ's death is offset by the parallel with Christ's triumph - life through resurrection. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:4In all our tribulation - in any trouble [ἐπὶ πάση τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν - ἐν πάσῃ θλίψει] Note the nice use of the article: all our tribulation, collectively; any or every trouble, specifically. In is literally upon; the trouble forming the ground of the comfort. So in hope, Romans 4:18; Romans 5:2. [source]
2 Corinthians 4:10The dying of Jesus [την νεκρωσιν του Ιησου] Late word from νεκροω nekroō to put to death. In Galen. In N.T. only here and Romans 4:19. [source]
Galatians 5:4Ye are fallen from grace [τῆς χἁριτος ἐξεπέσατε] For a similar phrase see 2 Peter 3:17. Having put yourselves under the economy of salvation by law, you have fallen out of the economy of salvation by the grace of Christ. Paul's declarations are aimed at the Judaisers, who taught that the Christian economy was to be joined with the legal. His point is that the two are mutually exclusive. Comp. Romans 4:4,Romans 4:5,Romans 4:14,Romans 4:16. The verb ἐκπίπτειν tofall out, in the literal sense, Acts 12:7; James 1:11. In Class. of seamen thrown ashore, banishment, deprivation of an office, degeneration, of actors being hissed off the stage. [source]
Galatians 5:25Walk [στοιχῶμεν] A different word from that in Galatians 5:16. Only in Paul, except Acts 21:24. From στοίχος arow. Hence, to walk in line; to march in battle order (Xen. Cyr. vi. 3,34). Συνστοιχεῖ answerethto, Galatians 4:25(note). See also on στοιχεία elements Galatians 4:3. Paul uses it very graphically, of falling into line with Abraham's faith, Romans 4:12. [source]
Galatians 4:29After the Spirit [κατὰ πνεῦμα] The divine Spirit, which was the living principle of the promise. Comp. Romans 4:17. The Spirit is called “the Spirit of the promise,” Ephesians 1:13. [source]
Galatians 3:6Believed God [ἐπιστευσεν τῷ θεῷ] See on Romans 4:5. Believed God's promise that he should become the father of many nations. See Romans 4:18-21. The reference is not to faith in the promised Messiah. [source]
Galatians 3:18 [] d In the analogy of Galatians 3:15there was contemplated the double possibility of invalidation or addition. With relation to God's promise, the Judaisers insisted on addition; since, while they preached faith in the promise and in its fulfillment in Christ, they made the inheritance of the promise dependent upon the fulfilling of the law. Paul, on the other hand, holds that the Judaistic addition involves invalidation. Salvation must rest either upon the promise or upon the law. The Judaiser said, upon the promise and the law. For God gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise. It has been shown that the law did not abrogate the promise. Hence, if the inheritance be of the law it is no more of the promise. Comp. Romans 4:14. [source]
Galatians 1:15Called [καλέσας] See on Romans 4:17. Referring to Paul's call into the kingdom and service of Christ. It need not be limited to his experience at Damascus, but may include the entire chain of divine influences which led to his conversion and apostleship. He calls himself κλητὸς ἀπόστολος anapostle by call, Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1. [source]
Galatians 3:29Abraham's seed [] As being one with Christ. See Galatians 3:7,Galatians 3:16. In Romans 4Paul shows that Abraham was justified by faith, and was thus constituted the spiritual father of all believers in Christ, whether circumcised or uncircumcised. The purpose of God in making the inheritance of the promise dependent on faith was that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Abraham, he says, is “the father of us all ” (Romans 4:16). This spiritual paternity does away with the current Jewish notion of physical paternity. Physical relationship with Abraham is of no significance in the economy of salvation. The apostle “discovers the basis of Christian universalism in the very life of him in whose person theocratic particularism was founded. He has demonstrated the existence of a time when he represented Gentilism, or, to speak more properly, mankind in general; and it was during this period, when he was not yet a Jew, but simply a man, that he received salvation” (Godet). [source]
Galatians 3:7The same are sons of Abraham [ουτοι υιοι εισιν Αβρααμ] “These are.” This is Paul‘s astounding doctrine to Jews that the real sons of Abraham are those who believe as he did, “they which be of faith” (οι εκ πιστεως hoi ek pisteōs), a common idiom with Paul for this idea (Galatians 3:9; Romans 3:26; Romans 4:16; Romans 14:23), those whose spiritual sonship springs out of (εκ ek) faith, not out of blood. John the Baptist denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees as vipers though descendants of Abraham (Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7) and Jesus termed the Pharisees children of the devil and not spiritual children of Abraham (not children of God) in John 8:37-44. [source]
Ephesians 2:15Having abolished in His flesh the enmity [τὴν ἔχθραν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ καταργήσας] The enmity immediately follows the middle wall of partition, and should be rendered in apposition with and as defining it, and as dependent on brake down, not on abolished: the middle wall which was the enmity. It is used abstractly, as peace in Ephesians 2:14. The enmity was the result and working of the law regarded as a separative system; as it separated Jew from Gentile, and both from God. See Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Romans 7:7-11. For abolished, see on cumbereth, Luke 13:7, and make without effect, see on Romans 3:3. [source]
Colossians 3:5Mortify [νεκρώσατε] Only here, Romans 4:19; Hebrews 11:12. Mortify is used in its literal sense of put to death. So Erasmus: “Christ was mortified and killed.” And Shakespeare:“ - his wildness mortified in him,Seemed to die too.”“1 Henry V., 1, 26 ” [source]
Colossians 2:14Which was contrary to us [ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν] He has just said which was against us ( το καθ ' ἡμῶν ); which stood to our debit, binding us legally. This phrase enlarges on that idea, emphasizing the hostile character of the bond, as a hindrance. Compare Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:56; Galatians 3:23. “Law is against us, because it comes like a taskmaster, bidding us do, but neither putting the inclination into our hearts nor the power into our hands. And law is against us, because the revelation of unfulfilled duty is the accusation of the defaulter, and a revelation to him of his guilt. And law is against us, because it comes with threatenings and foretastes of penalty and pain. Thus, as standard, accuser, and avenger it is against us” (Maclaren). [source]
Colossians 2:12Having been buried with him in baptism [συνταπεντες αυτωι εν τωι βαπτισματι] Second aorist passive participle of συνταπτω sunthaptō old word, in N.T. only here and Romans 6:4, followed by associative instrumental case Thayer‘s Lexicon says: “For all who in the rite of baptism are plunged under the water, thereby declare that they put faith in the expiatory death of Christ for the pardon of their past sins.” Yes, and for all future sins also. This word gives Paul‘s vivid picture of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ and resurrection also to newness of life in him as Paul shows by the addition “wherein ye were also raised with him” “In which baptism” First aorist passive indicative of συνεγειρω sunegeirō late and rare verb (Plutarch for waking up together), in lxx, in N.T. only in Colossians 2:12; Colossians 3:1; Ephesians 2:6. In the symbol of baptism the resurrection to new life in Christ is pictured with an allusion to Christ‘s own resurrection and to our final resurrection. Paul does not mean to say that the new life in Christ is caused or created by the act of baptism. That is grossly to misunderstand him. The Gnostics and the Judaizers were sacramentalists, but not so Paul the champion of spiritual Christianity. He has just given the spiritual interpretation to circumcision which itself followed Abraham‘s faith (Romans 4:10-12). Cf. Galatians 3:27. Baptism gives a picture of the change already wrought in the heart “through faith” (δια της πιστεως dia tēs pisteōs). [source]
1 Timothy 1:16Believe [πιστευ.ειν] This verb, so frequent in Paul, occurs six times in the pastorals. In two instances, 1 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:3, it is passive, in the sense of to be intrusted with. Here in the Pauline sense of believing on Christ. In 1 Timothy 3:16, passive, of Christ believed on in the world. In 2 Timothy 1:12, of God the Father, in whom the writer confides to keep the trust committed to him. In Titus 3:8, of belief in God. With ἐπὶ uponand the dative, Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6(all citations), and Romans 4:18; Luke 24:25. [source]
2 Timothy 2:19Seal [σφραγῖδα] Mostly in Revelation. Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 9:2. Used here rather in the sense of inscription or motto. Comp. Deuteronomy 6:9; Deuteronomy 11:20; Revelation 21:14. There are two inscriptions on the foundation stone, the one guaranteeing the security, the other the purity, of the church. The two go together. The purity of the church is indispensable to its security. [source]
Titus 3:7That we might be made heirs [ινα κληρονομοι γενητωμεν] Purpose with ινα hina and first aorist passive of γινομαι ginomai See note on Romans 4:13; Romans 8:17. [source]
Titus 1:10They of the circumcision [οἱ ἐκ τῆς περιτομῆς] The phrase only here in Pastorals. Ὁι ἐκ περιτομῆς Acts 10:45; Acts 11:2; Romans 4:12; Galatians 2:12; Colossians 4:11. There can be no doubt of the presence of Jews in Crete. Tacitus (Hist. v. 2) even makes the absurd statement that the Jews were Cretan exiles; and that from their residence in the vicinity of the Cretan Mount Ida they were called Idaei, whence Judaei. There appears to have been some confusion between the Palestinians and the Philistines - the Cherethim or Cherethites, who, in Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5are called in lxx Κρῆτες Jews were in the island in considerable numbers between the death of Alexander and the final destruction of Jerusalem. In 1 Maccabees 15:23 the Cretan city of Gortyna is mentioned among the places to which letters were written by Lucius, the Roman consul, on behalf of the Jews when Simon Maccabaeus renewed the treaty which his brother Judas had made with Rome. Josephus (Ant. 17:12,1; Bell. Jud. 2:7,1) says that Herod's pseudo-son Alexander imposed on the Cretan Jews on his way to Italy. Philo (Leg. ad Cai. § 36) makes the Jewish envoys say to Caligula that all the principal islands of the Mediterranean, including Crete, were full of Jews. [source]
Hebrews 6:15He obtained [ἐπέτυχεν] The compounded preposition ἐπὶ has the force of upon: to light or hit upon. The verb indicates that Abraham did not personally receive the entire fulfillment of the promise, but only the germ of its fulfillment. It was partially fulfilled in the birth of Isaac. See Romans 4:18. The security of the divine promise illustrated by the analogy of human practice. -DIVIDER-
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Hebrews 12:9Fathers of our flesh [τοὺς μὲν τῆς σαρκὸς ἡμῶν πατέρας] Up to this point the suffering of Christians has been explained by God's fatherly relation to them. Now the emphatic point is that their fathers, with whom God is compared, were only earthly, human parents. The phrase πατέρας τῆς σαρκὸς N.T.obut kindred expressions are found Romans 4:1,Romans 9:3; Galatians 4:29; Hebrews 2:14. [source]
Hebrews 11:12As good as dead [νενεκρωμένου] Comp. Romans 4:19. As good as is an addition of A.V. The Greek reads and that a dead man. Comp. νέκρωσιν deadnessapplied to Sarah, Romans 4:19. [source]
Hebrews 1:6And again, when he bringeth in, etc. [ὅταν δὲ πάλιν εἰσαγάγῃ] Const. again with bringeth in. “When he a second time bringeth the first-begotten into the world.” Referring to the second coming of Christ. Others explain again as introducing a new citation as in Hebrews 1:5; but this would require the reading πάλιν δὲ ὅταν andagain, when. In Hebrews, πάλιν , when joined to a verb, always means a second time. See Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 6:1,Hebrews 6:2. It will be observed that in this verse, and in Hebrews 5:7,Hebrews 5:8, God is conceived as spoken of rather than as speaking; the subject of λέγει saithbeing indefinite. This mode of introducing citations differs from that of Paul. The author's conception of the inspiration of Scripture leads him to regard all utterances of Scripture, without regard to their connection, as distinct utterances of God, or the Holy Spirit, or the Son of God; whereas, by Paul, they are designated either as utterances of Scripture in general, or of individual writers. Very common in this Epistle are the expressions, “God saith, said, spake, testifieth,” or the like. See Hebrews 2:11,Hebrews 2:13; Hebrews 3:7; Hebrews 4:4,Hebrews 4:7; Hebrews 7:21; Hebrews 10:5,Hebrews 10:8,Hebrews 10:15,Hebrews 10:30. Comp. with these Romans 1:17; Romans 2:24; Romans 4:17; Romans 7:7; Romans 9:13; Romans 10:5,Romans 10:16,Romans 10:20,Romans 10:21; Romans 11:2. Ὅταν εἰσαγάγῃ wheneverhe shall have brought. The event is conceived as occurring at an indefinite time in the future, but is viewed as complete. Comp. John 16:4; Acts 24:22. This use of ὅταν with the aorist subjunctive never describes an event or series of events as completed in the past. [source]
James 2:12By a law of liberty [δια νομου ελευτεριας] The law pictured in James 1:25, but law, after all, not individual caprice of “personal liberty.” See Romans 2:12 for this same use of δια dia with κρινω krinō in the sense of accompaniment as in Romans 2:27; Romans 4:11; Romans 14:20. “Under the law of liberty.” [source]
James 2:21Justified by works [εχ εργων εδικαιωτη] First aorist passive indicative of δικαιοω dikaioō (see Galatians and Romans for this verb, to declare righteous, to set right) in a question with ουκ ouk expecting an affirmative answer. This is the phrase that is often held to be flatly opposed to Paul‘s statement in Romans 4:1-5, where Paul pointedly says that it was the faith of Abraham (Romans 4:9) that was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness, not his works. But Paul is talking about the faith of Abraham before his circumcision (Romans 4:10) as the basis of his being set right with God, which faith is symbolized in the circumcision. James makes plain his meaning also. [source]
James 2:24Is justified [δικαιουται] Present passive indicative of δικαιοω dikaioō here not “is made righteous,” but “is shown to be righteous.” James is discussing the proof of faith, not the initial act of being set right with God (Paul‘s idea in Romans 4:1-10).And not only by faith (και ουκ εκ πιστεως μονον kai ouk ek pisteōs monon). This phrase clears up the meaning of James. Faith (live faith) is what we must all have (James 2:18), only it must shew itself also in deeds as Abraham‘s did. [source]
1 Peter 2:21Because [οτι] The fact that Christ suffered Present active participle of the late Ionic verb υπολιμπανω hupolimpanō (in the papyri) for the common υπολειπω hupoleipō to leave behind (under), here only in N.T. υπογραμμος Hupogrammos is also a late and rare word (from υπογραπω hupographō to write under), a writing-copy for one to imitate, in 2 Macc. 2:28; Philo, Clement of Rome, here only in N.T. Clement of Alex. (Strom. V. 8. 49) uses it of the copy-head at the top of a child‘s exercise book for the child to imitate, including all the letters of the alphabet. The papyri give many examples of υπογραπη hupographē and υπογραπω hupographō in the sense of copying a letter.That ye should follow his steps Purpose clause with ινα hina and first aorist active subjunctive of επακολουτεω epakoloutheō old verb, to follow closely upon, with the associative-instrumental (1 Timothy 5:10,1 Timothy 5:24) or the locative here. Ιχνος Ichnos is old word (from ικω hikō to go), tracks, footprints, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 12:18; Romans 4:12. Peter does not mean that Christ suffered only as an example (1 Peter 1:18), but he did leave us his example for our copying (1 John 2:6). [source]
1 Peter 2:21That ye should follow his steps [ινα επακολουτησητε τοις ιχνεσιν αυτου] Purpose clause with ινα hina and first aorist active subjunctive of επακολουτεω epakoloutheō old verb, to follow closely upon, with the associative-instrumental (1 Timothy 5:10,1 Timothy 5:24) or the locative here. Ιχνος Ichnos is old word (from ικω hikō to go), tracks, footprints, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 12:18; Romans 4:12. Peter does not mean that Christ suffered only as an example (1 Peter 1:18), but he did leave us his example for our copying (1 John 2:6). [source]
1 Peter 4:2The rest of your time in the flesh [τον επιλοιπον εν σαρκι χρονον] Accusative of time Επιλοιπον Epiloipon is old adjective (επι λοιπος epiεις το loipos remaining in addition), here only in N.T. But eis to here can be result (so that) as in Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18. [source]
Revelation 5:1A book [βιβλιον] Diminutive of βιβλος biblos but no longer so used, βιβλαριδιον biblaridion occurring instead (Revelation 10:2).Written (γεγραμμενον gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of γραπω graphō and on the back (εσωτεν και οπιστεν esōthen kai opisthen). “Within and behind.” Description of a roll like that in Luke 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (οπιστεν opisthen), and so was an οπιστογραπον opisthographon like that in Ezekiel 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.Sealed Perfect passive predicate participle of κατασπραγιζω katasphragizō old compound (perfective use of κατα kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.With seven seals (σπραγισιν επτα sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1,Revelation 5:2,Revelation 5:5,Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1,Revelation 6:3,Revelation 6:5,Revelation 6:7,Revelation 6:9,Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: σάρξ
Sense: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts.
What are the major concepts related to Romans 4:1?
Greek Commentary for Romans 4:1
Paul is fond of this rhetorical question (Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14, Romans 9:30). [source]
Old word, only here in N.T. Accusative case in apposition with Αβρααμ Abraam (accusative of general reference with the infinitive). Hath found (ευρηκεναι heurēkenai). Westcott and Hort put ευρηκεναι heurēkenai in the margin because B omits it, a needless precaution. It is the perfect active infinitive of ευρισκω heuriskō in indirect discourse after ερουμεν eroumen The MSS. differ in the position of κατα σαρκα kata sarka f0). [source]
Westcott and Hort put ευρηκεναι heurēkenai in the margin because B omits it, a needless precaution. It is the perfect active infinitive of ευρισκω heuriskō in indirect discourse after ερουμεν eroumen The MSS. differ in the position of κατα σαρκα kata sarka f0). [source]
See Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14, Romans 9:30. The phrase anticipates an objection or proposes an inference. It is used by Paul only, and by him only in this Epistle and in its argumentative portions. It is not found in the last five chapters, which are hortatory. [source]
Westcott and Hort omit. Then the reading would be “what shall we say of Abraham,” etc. Found signifies, attained by his own efforts apart from grace. [source]
The best texts read προπάτορα forefatherHath foundWestcott and Hort omit. Then the reading would be “what shall we say of Abraham,” etc. Found signifies, attained by his own efforts apart from grace. [source]
Construe with found. The question is, Was Abraham justified by anything which pertained to the flesh? Some construe with Abraham: our father humanly speaking. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 4:1
Luke (Luke 11:4) has “sins” In the ancient Greek οπειλημα opheilēma is common for actual legal debts as in Romans 4:4, but here it is used of moral and spiritual debts to God. “Trespasses” is a mistranslation made common by the Church of England Prayer Book. It is correct in Romans 4:14 in Christ‘s argument about prayer, but it is not in the Model Prayer itself. See Matthew 18:28, Matthew 18:30 for sin pictured again by Christ “as debt and the sinner as a debtor” (Vincent). We are thus described as having wronged God. The word οπειλη opheilē for moral obligation was once supposed to be peculiar to the New Testament. But it is common in that sense in the papyri (Deismann, Bible Studies, p. 221; Light from the Ancient East, New ed., p. 331). We ask forgiveness “in proportion as” It means to send away, to dismiss, to wipe off. [source]
Because. Giving the ground of the statement that Christians received new and richer gifts of grace: the ground being that the law of Moses was a limited and narrow enactment, while Jesus Christ imparted the fullness of grace and truth which was in Him (John 1:14). Compare Romans 4:15; Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:10. [source]
First aorist passive imperative of αγνιζω hagnizō old verb to purify, to make pure See the active voice in James 4:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Jo 1 Peter 3:3. It is possible to see the full passive force here, “Be purified.” But a number of aorist passives in the Koiné{[28928]}š supplant the aorist middle forms and preserve the force of the middle (Robertson, Grammar, p. 819). That is possible here. Hence, “Purify thyself” is allowable. The word occurs in Numbers 6:1 for taking the Nazarite vow. The point is that Paul takes the vow with them. Note αγνισμου hagnismou in Acts 21:26. Be at charges for them (δαπανησον επ αυτοις dapanēson ep' autois). First aorist active imperative of old verb δαπαναω dapanaō to incur expense, expend. Spend (money) upon (επ ep') them. Ramsay (St. Paul the Traveller, etc., p. 310) argues that Paul had use of considerable money at this period, perhaps from his father‘s estate. The charges for five men would be considerable. “A poor man would not have been treated with the respect paid him at Caesarea, on the voyage, and at Rome” (Furneaux). That they may shave their heads Note την κεπαλην tēn kephalēn the head (singular). Future middle indicative of χυραω xuraō late form for the old χυρεω xureō to shave, middle to shave oneself or (causative) to get oneself shaved. This use of ινα hina with the future indicative is like the classic οπως hopōs with the future indicative and is common in the N.T. as in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984). And all shall know (και γνωσονται kai gnōsontai). This future middle indicative of γινωσκω ginōskō (cf. ακουσονται akousontai in Acts 21:22) may be independent of ινα hina or dependent on it like χυρησονται xurēsontai though some MSS. (H L P) have γνωσιν gnōsin (second aorist subjunctive, clearly dependent on ινα hina). Of which Genitive plural of the relative α ha (accusative) object of the perfect passive verb κατηχηνται katēchēntai (cf. Acts 21:21 κατηχητησαν katēchēthēsan) attracted into the case of the omitted antecedent τουτων toutōn The instruction still in effect. But that thou thyself walkest orderly (αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος alla stoicheis kai autos). Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Note την κεπαλην tēn kephalēn the head (singular). Future middle indicative of χυραω xuraō late form for the old χυρεω xureō to shave, middle to shave oneself or (causative) to get oneself shaved. This use of ινα hina with the future indicative is like the classic οπως hopōs with the future indicative and is common in the N.T. as in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984). And all shall know (και γνωσονται kai gnōsontai). This future middle indicative of γινωσκω ginōskō (cf. ακουσονται akousontai in Acts 21:22) may be independent of ινα hina or dependent on it like χυρησονται xurēsontai though some MSS. (H L P) have γνωσιν gnōsin (second aorist subjunctive, clearly dependent on ινα hina). Of which Genitive plural of the relative α ha (accusative) object of the perfect passive verb κατηχηνται katēchēntai (cf. Acts 21:21 κατηχητησαν katēchēthēsan) attracted into the case of the omitted antecedent τουτων toutōn The instruction still in effect. But that thou thyself walkest orderly (αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος alla stoicheis kai autos). Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
Genitive plural of the relative α ha (accusative) object of the perfect passive verb κατηχηνται katēchēntai (cf. Acts 21:21 κατηχητησαν katēchēthēsan) attracted into the case of the omitted antecedent τουτων toutōn The instruction still in effect. But that thou thyself walkest orderly (αλλα στοιχεις και αυτος alla stoicheis kai autos). Στοιχεις Stoicheis is an old verb to go in a row (from στοιχος stoichos row, rank, series), to walk in a line or by rule. In the N.T. only here and Galatians 5:25; Romans 4:12; Philemon 3:16. The rule is the law and Paul was not a sidestepper. The idea of the verb is made plain by the participle πυλασσων τον νομον phulassōn ton nomon (keeping or observing the law). [source]
A covenant marked by (genitive) circumcision (no article) of which circumcision is the sign (Romans 4:11) as set forth in Genesis 17:9-14. In the ancient Greek διατηκη diathēkē was usually will (Latin, testamentum) and συντηκη sunthēkē was used for covenant But the lxx and the N.T. use διατηκη diathēkē for covenant (will in Hebrews 9:15.) as Lightfoot on Galatians 3:16 says: “The lxx translation and New Testament writers probably preferred διατηκη diathēkē as better expressing the free grace of God than συντηκη sunthēkē [source]
Σῶμα in earlier classical usage signifies a corpse. So always in Homer and often in later Greek. So in the New Testament, Matthew 6:25; Mark 5:29; Mark 14:8; Mark 15:43. It is used of men as slaves, Revelation 18:13. Also in classical Greek of the sum-total. So Plato: τὸ τοῦ κόσμου σῶμα thesum-total of the world (“Timaeus,” 31). The meaning is tinged in some cases by the fact of the vital union of the body with the immaterial nature, as being animated by the ψυξή soulthe principle of individual life. Thus Matthew 6:25, where the two are conceived as forming one organism, so that the material ministries which are predicated of the one are predicated of the other, and the meanings of the two merge into one another. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In Paul it can scarcely be said to be used of a dead body, except in a figurative sense, as Romans 8:10, or by inference, 2 Corinthians 5:8. Commonly of a living body. It occurs with ψυχή soulonly 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and there its distinction from ψυχή rather than its union with it is implied. So in Matthew 10:28, though even there the distinction includes the two as one personality. It is used by Paul:-DIVIDER- 1. Of the living human body, Romans 4:19; 1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 2. Of the Church as the body of Christ, Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:18, etc. Σάρξ fleshnever in this sense. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 3. Of plants and heavenly bodies, 1 Corinthians 15:37, 1 Corinthians 15:40. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 4. Of the glorified body of Christ, Philemon 3:21. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 5. Of the spiritual body of risen believers, 1 Corinthians 15:44. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- It is distinguished from σάρξ fleshas not being limited to the organism of an earthly, living body, 1 Corinthians 15:37, 1 Corinthians 15:38. It is the material organism apart from any definite matter. It is however sometimes used as practically synonymous with σάρξ , 1 Corinthians 7:16, 1 Corinthians 7:17; Ephesians 5:28, Ephesians 5:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 4:11. Compare 1 Corinthians 5:3with Colossians 2:5. An ethical conception attaches to it. It is alternated with μέλη membersand the two are associated with sin (Romans 1:24; Romans 6:6; Romans 7:5, Romans 7:24; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5), and with sanctification (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19sq.; compare 1 Thessalonians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). It is represented as mortal, Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 10:10; and as capable of life, 1 Corinthians 13:3; 2 Corinthians 4:10. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In common with μέλη membersit is the instrument of feeling and willing rather than σάρξ , because the object in such cases is to designate the body not definitely as earthly, but generally as organic, Romans 6:12, Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10. Hence, wherever it is viewed with reference to sin or sanctification, it is the outward organ for the execution of the good or bad resolves of the will. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The phrase body of sin denotes the body belonging to, or ruled by, the power of sin, in which the members are instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). Not the body as containing the principle of evil in our humanity, since Paul does not regard sin as inherent in, and inseparable from, the body (see Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; 2 Corinthians 7:1. Compare Matthew 15:19), nor as precisely identical with the old man, an organism or system of evil dispositions, which does not harmonize with Romans 6:12, Romans 6:13, where Paul uses body in the strict sense. “Sin is conceived as the master, to whom the body as slave belongs and is obedient to execute its will. As the slave must perform his definite functions, not because he in himself can perform no others, but because of His actually subsistent relationship of service he may perform no others, while of himself he might belong as well to another master and render other services; so the earthly σῶμα bodybelongs not of itself to the ἁμαρτία sinbut may just as well belong to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13), and doubtless it is de facto enslaved to sin, so long as a redemption from this state has not set in by virtue of the divine Spirit” (Romans 7:24: Dickson).DestroyedSee on Romans 3:3.He that is dead ( ὁ ἀποθανὼν )Rev., literally, he that hath died. In a physical sense. Death and its consequences are used as the general illustration of the spiritual truth. It is a habit of Paul to throw in such general illustrations. See Romans 7:2. [source]
This attribute of God is selected with special reference to the circumstances of Abraham as described in Romans 4:18, Romans 4:21. As a formal attribute of God it occurs 1 Samuel 2:6; John 5:21; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 6:13. [source]
Stable, valid, something realized, the opposite of made of none effect, Romans 4:14. [source]
See Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14, Romans 9:30. The phrase anticipates an objection or proposes an inference. It is used by Paul only, and by him only in this Epistle and in its argumentative portions. It is not found in the last five chapters, which are hortatory. [source]
Trench remarks upon “the mournfully numerous group of words” which express the different aspects of sin. It is ἁμαρτια themissing of a mark; παράβασις theoverpassing of a line; παρακοή thedisobedience to a voice; παράπτωμα afalling when one should have stood; ἀγνόημα ignoranceof what one should know; ἥττημα adiminishing of what should be rendered in full measure; ἀνομία or παρανομία non-observanceof law; πλημμέλεια discord. The primary sense of the preposition παρά is beside or by, with reference to a line or extended surface. Hence it indicates that which is not on its true line but beside it, either in the way of falling short or of going beyond. Thus, in the sense of going beyond, Romans 12:3, to think more highly than he ought ( παρ ' ὃ δεῖ ), where the sense of beyond is fixed by ὑπερφρονεῖν to think beyond or over.” So Luke 13:2. In the sense of falling short, Thucydides, 3,49: “Mitylene came near such peril” ( παρὰ τοσοῦτο κινδύνου ), as if parallel to the danger but not touching it. Hence παραβάσις differs from the Homeric ὑπερβασία transgressionin that the latter carries only the idea of going beyond or over. A mark or line as a standard is thus implied. Transgression implies something to transgress. With the law came in the possibility off transgressing the law. “Where there is no law there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15). Hence Adam's sin is called a transgression (Romans 5:14), because it was the violation of a definite command. Paul habitually uses the word and its kindred παραβάτης transgressorof the transgression of a commandment distinctly given (Galatians 3:19; 1 Timothy 2:14, Romans 2:25, Romans 2:27). Hence it is peculiarly appropriate here of one who boasts in the law. It thus differs from ἁμαρτία sin(see on sins, Matthew 1:21), in that one may sin without being under express law. See Romans 5. Sin ( ἁμαρτία ) was in the world until the law; i.e. during the period prior to the law. Death reigned from Adam to Moses over those who had not sinned ( ἁμαρτήσαντας ) after the similitude of Adam's transgression ( παραβάσεως ). The sin is implicit, the transgression explicit. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- [source]
Double compound Another verbal adjective from α a privative and εχιχνιαζω exichniazō to trace out by tracks (ιχνος ichnos Romans 4:12). Late word in Job (Job 5:9; Job 9:10; Job 34:24) from which use Paul obtained it here and Ephesians 3:8 (only N.T. examples). Also in ecclesiastical writers. Some of God‘s tracks he has left plain to us, but others are beyond us. [source]
See note on 1 Corinthians 8:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 4:19. [source]
Coordinate with βεβαιωσαι bebaiōsai and εις το eis to to be repeated with τα ετνη ta ethnē the accusative of general reference and τον τεον ton theon the object of δοχασαι doxasai Thus the Gentiles were called through the promise to the Jews in the covenant with Abraham (Romans 4:11., Romans 4:16.). Salvation is of the Jews. Paul proves his position by a chain of quotations from the O.T., the one in Romans 15:9 from Psalm 18:50. For εχομολογεω exomologeō see note on Romans 14:11. [source]
First aorist middle participle (antecedent action, having sealed) of σπραγιζω sphragizō old verb from σπραγις sphragis a seal (Romans 4:11), to stamp with a seal for security (Matthew 27:66) or for confirmation (2 Corinthians 1:22) and here in a metaphorical sense. Paul was keenly sensitive that this collection should be actually conveyed to Jerusalem free from all suspicion (2 Corinthians 8:18-23). [source]
Paul is fond of this rhetorical question (Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14, Romans 9:30). [source]
The accusative with εις το ειναι eis to einai to be repeated from Romans 4:11. Lightfoot takes it to mean, not “a father of a circumcised progeny,” but “a father belonging to circumcision,” a less natural interpretation. [source]
The articular infinitive But where is that promise? Not just Genesis 12:7, but the whole chain of promises about his son, his descendants like the stars in heaven, the Messiah and the blessing to the world through him. In these verses (Romans 4:13) Paul employs (Sanday and Headlam) the keywords of his gospel (faith, promise, grace) and arrays them against the current Jewish theology (law, works, merit). [source]
As the pattern. To the end that (εις το ειναι eis to einai). Purpose again as in Romans 4:11. Sure Stable, fast, firm. Old adjective from βαινω bainō to walk. Not to that only which is of the law (ου τωι εκ του νομου μονον ou tōi ek tou nomou monon). Another instance where μονον monon (see Romans 4:12) seems in the wrong place. Normally the order would be, ου μονον τωι εκ του νομου αλλα και κτλ ou monon tōi ek tou nomouclass="translit"> alla kai ktl f0). [source]
Purpose again as in Romans 4:11. [source]
Stable, fast, firm. Old adjective from βαινω bainō to walk. Not to that only which is of the law (ου τωι εκ του νομου μονον ou tōi ek tou nomou monon). Another instance where μονον monon (see Romans 4:12) seems in the wrong place. Normally the order would be, ου μονον τωι εκ του νομου αλλα και κτλ ou monon tōi ek tou nomouclass="translit"> alla kai ktl f0). [source]
Another instance where μονον monon (see Romans 4:12) seems in the wrong place. Normally the order would be, ου μονον τωι εκ του νομου αλλα και κτλ ou monon tōi ek tou nomouclass="translit"> alla kai ktl f0). [source]
Purpose clause again with εις eis to and the infinitive as in Romans 4:11-16. [source]
Named. See on Romans 4:17. Others, called from nothing. But the promise was made after Isaac was born. [source]
See on Romans 4:11; see on John 3:33; see on Revelation 22:10. [source]
See on Romans 4:17. [source]
Lit., emptied. Rev., made void. Compare is made void, Romans 4:14, and the kindred adjective κενὸν, κενὴ vain 1 Corinthians 15:14. The nucleus of the apostolic preaching was a fact - Christ crucified. To preach it as a philosophic system would be to empty it of its saving power, a truth which finds abundant and lamentable illustration in the history of the Church. [source]
See Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Romans 6:14; Chapter 7; Galatians 2:16; 3:1-5:4 for Paul‘s ideas here briefly expressed. In man‘s unrenewed state he cannot obey God‘s holy law. [source]
Construe with repentance. The Rev., in order to bring out this connection, amplifies the translation: a repentance which bringeth no regret. The oxymoron (see on Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18) is in the A.V. rather than in the Greek. It should be carefully observed that the two words, repentance, not to be repented of, represent different roots and different ideas: repentance ( μετάνοιαν ) denoting the moral change, and to be repented of denoting the sentiment of misgiving or regret (see on Matthew 21:29), and so answering to λύπη sorrowThe Rev. brings out the distinction by substituting regret for repentance. [source]
Only here and Romans 4:19. Primarily a putting to death, and thence the state of deadness, as Romans 4:19. Here in the former sense. Paul says, in effect, “our body is constantly exposed to the same putting to death which Jesus suffered. The daily liability to a violent death is something, which we carry about with us.” Compare 1 Corinthians 15:31; Romans 8:36. This parallel with Christ's death is offset by the parallel with Christ's triumph - life through resurrection. [source]
Note the nice use of the article: all our tribulation, collectively; any or every trouble, specifically. In is literally upon; the trouble forming the ground of the comfort. So in hope, Romans 4:18; Romans 5:2. [source]
Late word from νεκροω nekroō to put to death. In Galen. In N.T. only here and Romans 4:19. [source]
For a similar phrase see 2 Peter 3:17. Having put yourselves under the economy of salvation by law, you have fallen out of the economy of salvation by the grace of Christ. Paul's declarations are aimed at the Judaisers, who taught that the Christian economy was to be joined with the legal. His point is that the two are mutually exclusive. Comp. Romans 4:4, Romans 4:5, Romans 4:14, Romans 4:16. The verb ἐκπίπτειν tofall out, in the literal sense, Acts 12:7; James 1:11. In Class. of seamen thrown ashore, banishment, deprivation of an office, degeneration, of actors being hissed off the stage. [source]
A different word from that in Galatians 5:16. Only in Paul, except Acts 21:24. From στοίχος arow. Hence, to walk in line; to march in battle order (Xen. Cyr. vi. 3,34). Συνστοιχεῖ answerethto, Galatians 4:25(note). See also on στοιχεία elements Galatians 4:3. Paul uses it very graphically, of falling into line with Abraham's faith, Romans 4:12. [source]
Rather, by the Spirit, as the rule of action. Comp. Galatians 6:16; Philemon 3:16; Romans 4:12. [source]
The divine Spirit, which was the living principle of the promise. Comp. Romans 4:17. The Spirit is called “the Spirit of the promise,” Ephesians 1:13. [source]
See on Romans 4:5. Believed God's promise that he should become the father of many nations. See Romans 4:18-21. The reference is not to faith in the promised Messiah. [source]
d In the analogy of Galatians 3:15there was contemplated the double possibility of invalidation or addition. With relation to God's promise, the Judaisers insisted on addition; since, while they preached faith in the promise and in its fulfillment in Christ, they made the inheritance of the promise dependent upon the fulfilling of the law. Paul, on the other hand, holds that the Judaistic addition involves invalidation. Salvation must rest either upon the promise or upon the law. The Judaiser said, upon the promise and the law. For God gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise. It has been shown that the law did not abrogate the promise. Hence, if the inheritance be of the law it is no more of the promise. Comp. Romans 4:14. [source]
See on Romans 4:17. Referring to Paul's call into the kingdom and service of Christ. It need not be limited to his experience at Damascus, but may include the entire chain of divine influences which led to his conversion and apostleship. He calls himself κλητὸς ἀπόστολος anapostle by call, Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1. [source]
Ἑκ πίστεως fromor out of faith, is found with the verb to justify (Romans 3:26, Romans 3:30; Romans 5:1): with other verbs, as live (Romans 1:17); eat (Romans 14:23): with the noun δικαιοσύνη righteousness(Romans 1:17; Romans 9:30; Romans 10:6): with other nouns, as promise (Galatians 3:22), law (Galatians 3:12). For parallels to the phrase οἱ ἐκ πίστεως , see Romans 3:26; Romans 4:16; Romans 14:23; Galatians 3:9. It denotes believers as sprung from, or receiving their spiritual condition from that which specially characterizes them. Comp. οἱ ἐξ ἐριθίας theywho are of faction, Romans 2:8; οἱ ἐκ νόμου theywho are of the law, Romans 4:14; ὁ ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας hewho is of the truth, John 18:37. [source]
As being one with Christ. See Galatians 3:7, Galatians 3:16. In Romans 4Paul shows that Abraham was justified by faith, and was thus constituted the spiritual father of all believers in Christ, whether circumcised or uncircumcised. The purpose of God in making the inheritance of the promise dependent on faith was that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Abraham, he says, is “the father of us all ” (Romans 4:16). This spiritual paternity does away with the current Jewish notion of physical paternity. Physical relationship with Abraham is of no significance in the economy of salvation. The apostle “discovers the basis of Christian universalism in the very life of him in whose person theocratic particularism was founded. He has demonstrated the existence of a time when he represented Gentilism, or, to speak more properly, mankind in general; and it was during this period, when he was not yet a Jew, but simply a man, that he received salvation” (Godet). [source]
“These are.” This is Paul‘s astounding doctrine to Jews that the real sons of Abraham are those who believe as he did, “they which be of faith” (οι εκ πιστεως hoi ek pisteōs), a common idiom with Paul for this idea (Galatians 3:9; Romans 3:26; Romans 4:16; Romans 14:23), those whose spiritual sonship springs out of (εκ ek) faith, not out of blood. John the Baptist denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees as vipers though descendants of Abraham (Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7) and Jesus termed the Pharisees children of the devil and not spiritual children of Abraham (not children of God) in John 8:37-44. [source]
The enmity immediately follows the middle wall of partition, and should be rendered in apposition with and as defining it, and as dependent on brake down, not on abolished: the middle wall which was the enmity. It is used abstractly, as peace in Ephesians 2:14. The enmity was the result and working of the law regarded as a separative system; as it separated Jew from Gentile, and both from God. See Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Romans 7:7-11. For abolished, see on cumbereth, Luke 13:7, and make without effect, see on Romans 3:3. [source]
Only here, Romans 4:19; Hebrews 11:12. Mortify is used in its literal sense of put to death. So Erasmus: “Christ was mortified and killed.” And Shakespeare:“ - his wildness mortified in him,Seemed to die too.”“1 Henry V., 1, 26 ” [source]
For the circumcised. So Romans 4:12; Ephesians 2:11; Philemon 3:3. [source]
He has just said which was against us ( το καθ ' ἡμῶν ); which stood to our debit, binding us legally. This phrase enlarges on that idea, emphasizing the hostile character of the bond, as a hindrance. Compare Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:56; Galatians 3:23. “Law is against us, because it comes like a taskmaster, bidding us do, but neither putting the inclination into our hearts nor the power into our hands. And law is against us, because the revelation of unfulfilled duty is the accusation of the defaulter, and a revelation to him of his guilt. And law is against us, because it comes with threatenings and foretastes of penalty and pain. Thus, as standard, accuser, and avenger it is against us” (Maclaren). [source]
Second aorist passive participle of συνταπτω sunthaptō old word, in N.T. only here and Romans 6:4, followed by associative instrumental case Thayer‘s Lexicon says: “For all who in the rite of baptism are plunged under the water, thereby declare that they put faith in the expiatory death of Christ for the pardon of their past sins.” Yes, and for all future sins also. This word gives Paul‘s vivid picture of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ and resurrection also to newness of life in him as Paul shows by the addition “wherein ye were also raised with him” “In which baptism” First aorist passive indicative of συνεγειρω sunegeirō late and rare verb (Plutarch for waking up together), in lxx, in N.T. only in Colossians 2:12; Colossians 3:1; Ephesians 2:6. In the symbol of baptism the resurrection to new life in Christ is pictured with an allusion to Christ‘s own resurrection and to our final resurrection. Paul does not mean to say that the new life in Christ is caused or created by the act of baptism. That is grossly to misunderstand him. The Gnostics and the Judaizers were sacramentalists, but not so Paul the champion of spiritual Christianity. He has just given the spiritual interpretation to circumcision which itself followed Abraham‘s faith (Romans 4:10-12). Cf. Galatians 3:27. Baptism gives a picture of the change already wrought in the heart “through faith” (δια της πιστεως dia tēs pisteōs). [source]
This verb, so frequent in Paul, occurs six times in the pastorals. In two instances, 1 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:3, it is passive, in the sense of to be intrusted with. Here in the Pauline sense of believing on Christ. In 1 Timothy 3:16, passive, of Christ believed on in the world. In 2 Timothy 1:12, of God the Father, in whom the writer confides to keep the trust committed to him. In Titus 3:8, of belief in God. With ἐπὶ uponand the dative, Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6(all citations), and Romans 4:18; Luke 24:25. [source]
By Paul mostly in a moral sense, as weak in the faith, Romans 4:19; the law was weak, Romans 8:3; the weak brother, 1 Corinthians 8:11. Of bodily sickness, Philemon 2:26, Philemon 2:27. [source]
Mostly in Revelation. Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 9:2. Used here rather in the sense of inscription or motto. Comp. Deuteronomy 6:9; Deuteronomy 11:20; Revelation 21:14. There are two inscriptions on the foundation stone, the one guaranteeing the security, the other the purity, of the church. The two go together. The purity of the church is indispensable to its security. [source]
Old adjective, solid, compact, in N.T. only here, 1 Peter 5:9; Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14. See στερεωμα stereōma in Colossians 2:5. For τεμελιος themelios see note on 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 15:20; 1 Timothy 6:19. Cf. εδραιωμα hedraiōma in 1 Timothy 3:15. Seal (σπραγις sphragis). See 1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11. Knoweth Timeless aorist active indicative of γινωσκω ginōskō Quotation from Numbers 16:5. Let every one depart (αποστητω πας apostētō pās). Paraphrase of Numbers 16:27; Isaiah 26:13; Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 20:9. Second aorist active imperative of απιστημι aphistēmi (intransitive use), “Let every one stand off from.” Probably another echo of the rebellion of Korah. [source]
See 1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11. [source]
Purpose with ινα hina and first aorist passive of γινομαι ginomai See note on Romans 4:13; Romans 8:17. [source]
The phrase only here in Pastorals. Ὁι ἐκ περιτομῆς Acts 10:45; Acts 11:2; Romans 4:12; Galatians 2:12; Colossians 4:11. There can be no doubt of the presence of Jews in Crete. Tacitus (Hist. v. 2) even makes the absurd statement that the Jews were Cretan exiles; and that from their residence in the vicinity of the Cretan Mount Ida they were called Idaei, whence Judaei. There appears to have been some confusion between the Palestinians and the Philistines - the Cherethim or Cherethites, who, in Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5are called in lxx Κρῆτες Jews were in the island in considerable numbers between the death of Alexander and the final destruction of Jerusalem. In 1 Maccabees 15:23 the Cretan city of Gortyna is mentioned among the places to which letters were written by Lucius, the Roman consul, on behalf of the Jews when Simon Maccabaeus renewed the treaty which his brother Judas had made with Rome. Josephus (Ant. 17:12,1; Bell. Jud. 2:7,1) says that Herod's pseudo-son Alexander imposed on the Cretan Jews on his way to Italy. Philo (Leg. ad Cai. § 36) makes the Jewish envoys say to Caligula that all the principal islands of the Mediterranean, including Crete, were full of Jews. [source]
Κληρονόμος heironly here in Pastorals. A favorite idea of Paul. See Romans 4:13; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29. Heirship of eternal life is the result of justification. So, clearly, 2Corinthians href="/desk/?q=2co+5:5&sr=1">2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:14. [source]
Const. of eternal life with heirs, and rend. heirs of eternal life according to hope. Comp. Romans 4:18; Romans 5:2; Romans 8:24; Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5, Colossians 1:27; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:3. [source]
The compounded preposition ἐπὶ has the force of upon: to light or hit upon. The verb indicates that Abraham did not personally receive the entire fulfillment of the promise, but only the germ of its fulfillment. It was partially fulfilled in the birth of Isaac. See Romans 4:18. The security of the divine promise illustrated by the analogy of human practice. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- [source]
Up to this point the suffering of Christians has been explained by God's fatherly relation to them. Now the emphatic point is that their fathers, with whom God is compared, were only earthly, human parents. The phrase πατέρας τῆς σαρκὸς N.T.obut kindred expressions are found Romans 4:1, Romans 9:3; Galatians 4:29; Hebrews 2:14. [source]
Comp. Romans 4:19. As good as is an addition of A.V. The Greek reads and that a dead man. Comp. νέκρωσιν deadnessapplied to Sarah, Romans 4:19. [source]
Faith prevailing against natural impossibilities. See Romans 4:19-22. Both Abraham and Sarah doubted at first (Genesis 17:17; Genesis 18:12); but both became persuaded of the truthfulness of the promise. [source]
Const. again with bringeth in. “When he a second time bringeth the first-begotten into the world.” Referring to the second coming of Christ. Others explain again as introducing a new citation as in Hebrews 1:5; but this would require the reading πάλιν δὲ ὅταν andagain, when. In Hebrews, πάλιν , when joined to a verb, always means a second time. See Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 6:1, Hebrews 6:2. It will be observed that in this verse, and in Hebrews 5:7, Hebrews 5:8, God is conceived as spoken of rather than as speaking; the subject of λέγει saithbeing indefinite. This mode of introducing citations differs from that of Paul. The author's conception of the inspiration of Scripture leads him to regard all utterances of Scripture, without regard to their connection, as distinct utterances of God, or the Holy Spirit, or the Son of God; whereas, by Paul, they are designated either as utterances of Scripture in general, or of individual writers. Very common in this Epistle are the expressions, “God saith, said, spake, testifieth,” or the like. See Hebrews 2:11, Hebrews 2:13; Hebrews 3:7; Hebrews 4:4, Hebrews 4:7; Hebrews 7:21; Hebrews 10:5, Hebrews 10:8, Hebrews 10:15, Hebrews 10:30. Comp. with these Romans 1:17; Romans 2:24; Romans 4:17; Romans 7:7; Romans 9:13; Romans 10:5, Romans 10:16, Romans 10:20, Romans 10:21; Romans 11:2. Ὅταν εἰσαγάγῃ wheneverhe shall have brought. The event is conceived as occurring at an indefinite time in the future, but is viewed as complete. Comp. John 16:4; Acts 24:22. This use of ὅταν with the aorist subjunctive never describes an event or series of events as completed in the past. [source]
The law pictured in James 1:25, but law, after all, not individual caprice of “personal liberty.” See Romans 2:12 for this same use of δια dia with κρινω krinō in the sense of accompaniment as in Romans 2:27; Romans 4:11; Romans 14:20. “Under the law of liberty.” [source]
First aorist passive indicative of δικαιοω dikaioō (see Galatians and Romans for this verb, to declare righteous, to set right) in a question with ουκ ouk expecting an affirmative answer. This is the phrase that is often held to be flatly opposed to Paul‘s statement in Romans 4:1-5, where Paul pointedly says that it was the faith of Abraham (Romans 4:9) that was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness, not his works. But Paul is talking about the faith of Abraham before his circumcision (Romans 4:10) as the basis of his being set right with God, which faith is symbolized in the circumcision. James makes plain his meaning also. [source]
Present passive indicative of δικαιοω dikaioō here not “is made righteous,” but “is shown to be righteous.” James is discussing the proof of faith, not the initial act of being set right with God (Paul‘s idea in Romans 4:1-10).And not only by faith (και ουκ εκ πιστεως μονον kai ouk ek pisteōs monon). This phrase clears up the meaning of James. Faith (live faith) is what we must all have (James 2:18), only it must shew itself also in deeds as Abraham‘s did. [source]
The fact that Christ suffered Present active participle of the late Ionic verb υπολιμπανω hupolimpanō (in the papyri) for the common υπολειπω hupoleipō to leave behind (under), here only in N.T. υπογραμμος Hupogrammos is also a late and rare word (from υπογραπω hupographō to write under), a writing-copy for one to imitate, in 2 Macc. 2:28; Philo, Clement of Rome, here only in N.T. Clement of Alex. (Strom. V. 8. 49) uses it of the copy-head at the top of a child‘s exercise book for the child to imitate, including all the letters of the alphabet. The papyri give many examples of υπογραπη hupographē and υπογραπω hupographō in the sense of copying a letter.That ye should follow his steps Purpose clause with ινα hina and first aorist active subjunctive of επακολουτεω epakoloutheō old verb, to follow closely upon, with the associative-instrumental (1 Timothy 5:10, 1 Timothy 5:24) or the locative here. Ιχνος Ichnos is old word (from ικω hikō to go), tracks, footprints, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 12:18; Romans 4:12. Peter does not mean that Christ suffered only as an example (1 Peter 1:18), but he did leave us his example for our copying (1 John 2:6). [source]
Purpose clause with ινα hina and first aorist active subjunctive of επακολουτεω epakoloutheō old verb, to follow closely upon, with the associative-instrumental (1 Timothy 5:10, 1 Timothy 5:24) or the locative here. Ιχνος Ichnos is old word (from ικω hikō to go), tracks, footprints, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 12:18; Romans 4:12. Peter does not mean that Christ suffered only as an example (1 Peter 1:18), but he did leave us his example for our copying (1 John 2:6). [source]
Accusative of time Επιλοιπον Epiloipon is old adjective (επι λοιπος epiεις το loipos remaining in addition), here only in N.T. But eis to here can be result (so that) as in Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18. [source]
Diminutive of βιβλος biblos but no longer so used, βιβλαριδιον biblaridion occurring instead (Revelation 10:2).Written (γεγραμμενον gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of γραπω graphō and on the back (εσωτεν και οπιστεν esōthen kai opisthen). “Within and behind.” Description of a roll like that in Luke 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (οπιστεν opisthen), and so was an οπιστογραπον opisthographon like that in Ezekiel 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.Sealed Perfect passive predicate participle of κατασπραγιζω katasphragizō old compound (perfective use of κατα kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.With seven seals (σπραγισιν επτα sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Perfect passive predicate participle of κατασπραγιζω katasphragizō old compound (perfective use of κατα kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.With seven seals (σπραγισιν επτα sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]