Romans 4:2 “If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast ab…”

Romans 4:2

If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

World English Bible

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.

American Standard Version

For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

Geneva Bible 1599

For if Abraham were iustified by workes, he hath wherein to reioyce, but not with God.

Darby Translation

For if Abraham has been justified on the principle of works, he has whereof to boast: but not before God;

Young's Literal Translation

for if Abraham by works was declared righteous, he hath to boast — but not before God;

Bible in Basic English

For if Abraham got righteousness by works, he has reason for pride; but not before God.

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Cross references

“Abraham”

Philippians 3:9 Romans 3:20–28

Philippians 3:9 · BSB

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

Romans 3:20–28 · BSB

Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

“he hath”

2 Corinthians 11:30 Ephesians 2:9 1 Corinthians 9:16 2 Corinthians 12:1–9 Romans 15:17 2 Corinthians 5:12

2 Corinthians 11:30 · BSB

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Ephesians 2:9 · BSB

not by works, so that no one can boast.

1 Corinthians 9:16 · BSB

Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

2 Corinthians 12:1–9 · BSB

I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

Romans 15:17 · BSB

Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.

2 Corinthians 5:12 · BSB

We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.

“but”

Galatians 3:22 1 Corinthians 1:29 Genesis 12:18 Genesis 12:20 Genesis 20:9–13 Joshua 24:2

Galatians 3:22 · BSB

But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.

1 Corinthians 1:29 · BSB

so that no one may boast in His presence.

Genesis 12:18 · BSB

So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?

Genesis 12:20 · BSB

Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions.

Genesis 20:9–13 · BSB

Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.”

Joshua 24:2 · BSB

And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your fathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods.

Also

1 Corinthians 1:31

1 Corinthians 1:31 · BSB

Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered?

3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Read Romans 4