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Romans 4:2

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

If Abraham had earned his way to being right with God through all his good deeds, he'd have something to brag about. But that's not how it works with God.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Even Abraham couldn't flex his way into God's good graces.

📚 Historical Context

In the first century AD, the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans to address misunderstandings about salvation, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith rather than human effort. He draws on the story of Abraham from the Old Testament, specifically Genesis 15:6, to show that Abraham was declared righteous by God because of his faith, not his actions. This was a direct challenge to Jewish traditions that often emphasized works of the law for justification.

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