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 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants—not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence 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, “So shall your descendants be.”

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