Romans 4:18

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

באשר אין תקוה קוה ויאמן למען אשר יהיה לאב המון גוים כמו שנאמר כה יהיה זרעך:

What Does This Mean?

This verse speaks about Abraham's faith in God’s promise to make him the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible. It emphasizes that he believed with hope despite the odds against him.

Explained for Children

Imagine you want a big garden but only have tiny seeds and no soil. You believe the seeds will grow anyway because someone told you they would. That's like what Abraham did—he had faith in God’s promise, even though it seemed too good to be true!

Historical Background

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter around 57 AD from Corinth to Romans, aiming to explain how one can have righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, echoing the story of Abraham.

Living It Out Today

A modern scenario could involve someone believing they will get a job promotion despite not having the right qualifications. Their hope and belief in their potential, like Abraham's trust in God’s promise, might lead them to take steps that eventually fulfill this hope.

Topics

• faith
• hope
• promises of God
• Abraham's faith
• spiritual inheritance
• overcoming doubt

Related Verses

• Genesis 15:5
• Hebrews 11:12
• Galatians 3:6
• Romans 4:17
• Romans 4:20

Recommended Reading

Commentary Romans Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this verse important to Christians?

This verse is significant as it exemplifies trust and hope in God’s promises, teaching that faith can overcome impossibility and fulfill divine assurances.

How does Abraham's story relate to our lives today?

Abraham’s example of trusting God despite difficult circumstances shows us how faith can lead to unexpected blessings and the fulfillment of seemingly impossible dreams in our own lives.

What does 'against hope believed in hope' mean?

It means believing in something positive even when all signs point against it, showing that true faith often operates beyond what we can see or understand logically.

How do the cross-references help explain Romans 4:18?

Cross-referencing helps provide context and deeper understanding by connecting this verse with other passages in Genesis, Hebrews, Galatians, and elsewhere, showing a consistent theme of faith overcoming odds.