Romans 4:17

As Scripture says, “I've made you the father of many nations.” For in the presence of God, Abraham trusted in the God who makes the dead alive and speaks into existence what didn't previously exist.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

In Context

16So the promise is based on trusting God. It is provided as a free gift, guaranteed to all the children of Abraham—not merely to those who follow the law, but also to those who trust like Abraham, the father of us all.

18Against all hope Abraham in hope trusted God, so he could become the father of many peoples, just as God had promised him: “This is how many descendants you'll have!”

Read all of Romans 4

Cross References

Genesis 17:4“Listen! This is the agreement I'm making with you. You will be the father of many nations,

Genesis 17:20Now about Ishmael. I heard what you said, and I will also bless him. I will make sure he has a great many descendants. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.

Genesis 28:3God Almighty bless you and may your descendants be so numerous that you become the ancestor of many nations.

Isaiah 44:7Who is like me? Let them announce it, make a declaration, and demonstrate it before me. For I was the one who long ago established a people and predicted its future. Let them predict what's going to happen.

Isaiah 49:12Look at these people coming from far away! Look at these people coming from the north, and from the west, and from Upper Egypt.

Matthew 3:9and don't presume to say proudly to yourselves, ‘Abraham is our father.’ I tell you that God could make children of Abraham from these stones.

Matthew Henry on Romans 4:10-23

The Case of Abraham. ( a. d. 58.) 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Romans 4:17