Romans 4:7

"Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:"

Key Reflection

In the context of first-century Judaism, where salvation was often linked to adherence to ceremonial laws and works, this verse draws a powerful parallel from the psalms of David. For the Hebrews, who were familiar with the Psalter, this reference would have underscored that righteousness before God can be achieved without relying solely on external observances or human efforts. By invoking David's words, Paul emphasizes that faith in God alone suffices for justification, a concept central to his argument in Romans about the inclusivity of Gentiles in the covenant of Abraham.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 7. Blessed. Happy are they: they are highly favoured. See Barnes "Mt 5:3". Whose sins are covered. Are concealed; or hidden from the view. On which God will no more look, and which he will no more remember. "By these words," says Calvin, (in loco,) "we are taught that justification with Paul is nothing else but pardon of sin." The word cover here has not reference to the atonement, but is expressive of hiding, or concealing, i.e. of forgiving sin. {m} "Blessed are they" Psa 32:1,2 __________________________________________________________________

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