Romans 4:20
New International Version
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

New Living Translation
Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.

English Standard Version
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,

Berean Standard Bible
Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

Berean Literal Bible
Yet he did not waver through unbelief at the promise of God, but was strengthened in faith, having given glory to God,

King James Bible
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

New King James Version
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

New American Standard Bible
yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

NASB 1995
yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

NASB 1977
yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Legacy Standard Bible
yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Amplified Bible
But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God,

Christian Standard Bible
He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

American Standard Version
yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,

Contemporary English Version
But Abraham never doubted or questioned God's promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God.

English Revised Version
yea, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He didn't doubt God's promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, giving honor to God [for the promise], he became strong because of faith

Good News Translation
His faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God's promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God.

International Standard Version
nor did he doubt God's promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, his faith became stronger and he gave glory to God,

Majority Standard Bible
Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

NET Bible
He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.

New Heart English Bible
Yet, looking to the promise of God, he did not waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,

Webster's Bible Translation
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Weymouth New Testament
Nor did he in unbelief stagger at God's promise, but became mighty in faith, giving glory to God,

World English Bible
Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and at the promise of God did not stagger in unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, having given glory to God,

Berean Literal Bible
Yet he did not waver through unbelief at the promise of God, but was strengthened in faith, having given glory to God,

Young's Literal Translation
and at the promise of God did not stagger in unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, having given glory to God,

Smith's Literal Translation
And for the promise of God he was not separated by unbelief; but was strengthened in faith, having given glory to God;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the promise also of God he staggered not by distrust; but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And then, in the Promise of God, he did not hesitate out of distrust, but instead he was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

New American Bible
He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God

New Revised Standard Version
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He did not doubt the promise of God as one who lacks faith; but his faith gave him strength, and he gave glory to God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he did not doubt The Promise of God as if his faith were lacking, but he was strengthened in faith and he gave praise to God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and he doubted not, through unbelief, with respect to the promise of God, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Godbey New Testament
but he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was filled up with dynamite through faith, having given glory to God;

Haweis New Testament
for he disputed not against the promise of God with unbelief; but was mighty in faith, giving glory to God;

Mace New Testament
he was not incredulously diffident of the divine promise; but was strong in faith, and did honour to God,

Weymouth New Testament
Nor did he in unbelief stagger at God's promise, but became mighty in faith, giving glory to God,

Worrell New Testament
but, in view of the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but was made strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Worsley New Testament
He hesitated not at the promise of God through unbelief: but was strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abraham Receives the Promise
19Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. 20Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.…

Cross References
Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Hebrews 11:11
By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.

James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

Hebrews 11:19
Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.

Galatians 3:6
So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Hebrews 11:17-18
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

Genesis 17:17
Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?”

Genesis 18:10-14
Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ...

Luke 1:18-20
“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” / “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. / And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Luke 1:45
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Matthew 21:21
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

Mark 11:22-23
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him.

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.


Treasury of Scripture

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

staggered.

Numbers 11:13-23
Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat…

2 Kings 7:2,19
Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof…

2 Chronicles 20:15-20
And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's…

but was.

Isaiah 35:4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Daniel 10:19
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Daniel 11:32
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

Jump to Previous
Faith Found Glory God's Grew Mighty Promise Regarding Respect Stagger Staggered Strength Strengthened Strong Unbelief Undertaking Waver Wavered
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Faith Found Glory God's Grew Mighty Promise Regarding Respect Stagger Staggered Strength Strengthened Strong Unbelief Undertaking Waver Wavered
Romans 4
1. Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness;
10. before he was circumcised.
13. By faith only he and his seed received the promise.
16. Abraham is the father of all who believe.
24. Our faith also shall be credited to us as righteousness.














He did not waver
The phrase "He did not waver" speaks to the unwavering faith of Abraham. The Greek word used here is "diakrinō," which means to doubt or hesitate. In the context of Abraham's life, this highlights his steadfast trust in God's promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances. Historically, Abraham's faith is a cornerstone for both Jewish and Christian traditions, serving as a model of trust in God's faithfulness. His unwavering belief is a call for believers to hold firm in their faith, even when faced with trials or delays in the fulfillment of God's promises.

through unbelief
The term "unbelief" is translated from the Greek word "apistia," which denotes a lack of faith or trust. In the scriptural context, unbelief is often portrayed as a barrier to experiencing God's power and blessings. Abraham's account is a testament to overcoming this barrier. Despite his advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, he chose to believe in God's promise of a son. This serves as an encouragement for believers to combat doubt and trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises, regardless of human limitations.

regarding the promise of God
The "promise of God" refers to the specific covenant God made with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and that he would be the father of many nations. This promise is foundational in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Abraham's lineage, ultimately leading to the coming of Christ. Theologically, it underscores the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His word and timing.

but was strengthened in his faith
The phrase "was strengthened in his faith" indicates a process of growth and fortification in belief. The Greek word "endynamoō" suggests being empowered or made strong. Abraham's faith was not static; it grew stronger as he continued to trust in God. This is a powerful reminder that faith can be nurtured and developed through reliance on God and His promises. For believers, it is an invitation to seek spiritual growth and resilience through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

and gave glory to God
"Giving glory to God" is an expression of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and power. The Greek word "doxa" refers to honor, praise, and worship. Abraham's response to God's promise was not only belief but also worship, recognizing God's greatness and faithfulness. This act of glorifying God is central to the Christian life, as it reflects a heart of gratitude and reverence. It serves as a reminder that faith is not just about receiving from God but also about honoring Him in all circumstances.

(20) In faith.--Better, through or by faith, corresponding to "through unbelief" in the preceding clause. Unbelief did not make him doubt, but faith made him confident and strong.

Giving glory to God.--This phrase does not necessarily refer to a verbal ascription of praise, but may be used of anything which tends to God's glory, whether in thought, word, or deed (comp. Joshua 7:19; Ezra 10:11; Jeremiah 13:16; Luke 17:18; John 9:24; Acts 12:23); here it seems to be applied to the frank recognition of God's omnipotence involved in Abraham's faith. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Yet
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

he did not waver
διεκρίθη (diekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1252: From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.

through disbelief
ἀπιστίᾳ (apistia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 570: Unbelief, unfaithfulness, distrust. From apistos; faithlessness, i.e. disbelief, or unfaithfulness.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

promise
ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.

of God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

was strengthened
ἐνεδυναμώθη (enedynamōthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1743: To fill with power, strengthen, make strong. From en and dunamoo; to empower.

in his
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

[and] gave
δοὺς (dous)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

glory
δόξαν (doxan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

to God,
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: Romans 4:20 Yet looking to the promise of God (Rom. Ro)
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