16 That is why it depends on faith, (A)in order that the promise may rest on grace and (B)be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, (C)who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, (D)“I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, (E)who gives life to the dead and calls into existence (F)the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, (G)“So shall your offspring be.”

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16 This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace,(A) to guarantee it to all the descendants(B)—not only to those who are of the law[a] but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all 17 in God’s sight. As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations.(C)[b] He believed in God, who gives life to the dead(D) and calls(E) things into existence that do not exist.(F) 18 He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations(G)[c] according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be.(H)[d]

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:16 Or not to those who are of the law only
  2. Romans 4:17 Gn 17:5
  3. Romans 4:18 Gn 17:5
  4. Romans 4:18 Gn 15:5