Romans 4:1-2

The Illustration of Justification

4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh, 1  has discovered regarding this matter? 2  4:2 For if Abraham was declared righteous 3  by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God.

Romans 9:7

9:7 nor are all the children Abraham’s true descendants; rather “through Isaac will your descendants be counted.” 4 

1 tn Or “according to natural descent” (BDAG 916 s.v. σάρξ 4).

2 tn Grk “has found?”

3 tn Or “was justified.”

5 tn Grk “be called.” The emphasis here is upon God’s divine sovereignty in choosing Isaac as the child through whom Abraham’s lineage would be counted as opposed to Ishmael.