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 

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

[4:1]  ² tn Grk “has found?”

[4:2]  ³ tn Or “was justified.”

[9:7]  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.