16 For this reason it is [a]by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with (A)grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to (B)all the [b]descendants, not only to [c]those who are of the Law, but also to [d](C)those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is (D)the father of us all, 17 (as it is written: “I have made you (E)a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, that is, God, (F)who gives life to the dead and (G)calls into being (H)things that do not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become (I)a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “(J)So shall your [e]descendants be.”

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:16 Or out of
  2. Romans 4:16 Lit seed
  3. Romans 4:16 Lit that which is
  4. Romans 4:16 Lit that which is
  5. Romans 4:18 Lit seed

16 Therefore, the promise[a] is based on faith, so that it may be a matter of grace and may be guaranteed for all of Abraham’s[b] descendants—not only for those who were given the Law,[c] but also for those who share the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. 17 As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations.”[d] Abraham[e] acted in faith when he stood in the presence of God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that don’t yet exist. 18 Hoping in spite of hopeless circumstances, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,”[f] just as he had been told:[g] “This is how many descendants you will have.”[h]

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:16 Lit. it
  2. Romans 4:16 Lit. his
  3. Romans 4:16 Lit. those of the law
  4. Romans 4:17 Cf. Gen 17:5
  5. Romans 4:17 Lit. He
  6. Romans 4:18 Cf. Gen 17:5
  7. Romans 4:18 Lit. according to what was said
  8. Romans 4:18 Gen 15:5

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace(A) and may be guaranteed(B) to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.(C) 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a](D) He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life(E) to the dead and calls(F) into being things that were not.(G)

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,(H) just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[b](I)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:17 Gen. 17:5
  2. Romans 4:18 Gen. 15:5