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Notes that are not verse specific
Verse 6: Further to Bro. Peter's comment above: it is interesting to note that Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel with flattery deceit and his self-pride, yet we read in 1Sam 18:14-16 that David behaved wisely in all his ways and that Yahweh was with him and consequently, verse 16 states that all Israel (not just the men) loved David and gave him their hearts because David was able to earn their hearts due to his trust in Yahweh, his courage and his integrity - characteristics that appear to have been sadly lacking in Absalom!
Nigel Morgan [Fawley UK] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Nigel
v31. At the worst time, humanly speaking, David hears that Ahithophel was supporting Absalom. Ahithophel was the best counsellor that David possessed (see the praise given at 2 Sam 16:23) and his allegiance with Absalom meant that Absalom had a clever counsellor who could second guess David's every move. So at this horrible time, David prays to God (v31) to overturn Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom. The very next event we learn about is that the relatively unknown and unrenowned Hushai appears out of nowhere (apparently he was nearby at the summit). This was the answer to David's prayer in v31. because Hushai, by God's providence, becomes the means for overthrowing Ahithophel's counsel. Even Ahithophel effectively acknowledged that! (2 Sam 17:14, 23). God answered David's prayer immediately after he had prayed the prayer! Even David could not entirely foresee God's hand in the appearance of Hushai. All David imagined was that Hushai report back to David (vv35, 36), whereas God used Hushai's counsel to directly thwart Absalom (and Ahithophel). "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the ecclesia and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen". Ephesians 3:20
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Bruce
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1. And it came to pass after this <310>, that Absalom <53> prepared <6213>(8799) him chariots <4818> and horses <5483>, and fifty <2572> men <376> to run <7323>(8801) before <6440> him.
2. And Absalom <53> rose up early <7925>(8689), and stood <5975>(8804) beside <3027> the way <1870> of the gate <8179>: and it was so, that when any man <376> that had a controversy <7379> came <935>(8800) to the king <4428> for judgment <4941>, then Absalom <53> called <7121>(8799) unto him, and said <559>(8799), Of what <335> city <5892> art thou? And he said <559>(8799), Thy servant <5650> is of one <259> of the tribes <7626> of Israel <3478>.
3. And Absalom <53> said <559>(8799) unto him, See <7200>(8798), thy matters <1697> are good <2896> and right <5228>; but there is no man deputed of the king <4428> to hear <8085>(8802) thee.
4. Absalom <53> said <559>(8799) moreover, Oh that I were made <7760>(8799) judge <8199>(8802) in the land <776>, that every man <376> which hath any suit <7379> or cause <4941> might come <935>(8799) unto me, and I would do him justice <6663>(8689)!
5. And it was so, that when any man <376> came nigh <7126>(8800) to him to do him obeisance <7812>(8692), he put forth <7971>(8804) his hand <3027>, and took <2388>(8689) him, and kissed <5401>(8804) him.
6. And on this manner <1697> did <6213>(8799) Absalom <53> to all Israel <3478> that came <935>(8799) to the king <4428> for judgment <4941>: so Absalom <53> stole <1589>(8762) the hearts <3820> of the men <582> of Israel <3478>.
7. And it came to pass after <7093> forty <705> years <8141>, that Absalom <53> said <559>(8799) unto the king <4428>, I pray thee, let me go <3212>(8799) and pay <7999>(8762) my vow <5088>, which I have vowed <5087>(8804) unto the LORD <3068>, in Hebron <2275>.
8. For thy servant <5650> vowed <5087>(8804) a vow <5088> while I abode <3427>(8800) at Geshur <1650> in Syria <758>, saying <559>(8800), If the LORD <3068> shall bring me again <7725>(8799)(8676) <7725>(8686) indeed to Jerusalem <3389>, then I will serve <5647>(8804) the LORD <3068>.
9. And the king <4428> said <559>(8799) unto him, Go <3212>(8798) in peace <7965>. So he arose <6965>(8799), and went <3212>(8799) to Hebron <2275>.
10. But Absalom <53> sent <7971>(8799) spies <7270>(8764) throughout all the tribes <7626> of Israel <3478>, saying <559>(8800), As soon as ye hear <8085>(8800) the sound <6963> of the trumpet <7782>, then ye shall say <559>(8804), Absalom <53> reigneth <4427>(8804) in Hebron <2275>.
11. And with Absalom <53> went <1980>(8804) two hundred <3967> men <376> out of Jerusalem <3389>, that were called <7121>(8803); and they went <1980>(8802) in their simplicity <8537>, and they knew <3045>(8804) not any thing <1697>.
12. And Absalom <53> sent <7971>(8799) for Ahithophel <302> the Gilonite <1526>, David's <1732> counsellor <3289>(8802), from his city <5892>, even from Giloh <1542>, while he offered <2076>(8800) sacrifices <2077>. And the conspiracy <7195> was strong <533>; for the people <5971> increased <7227> continually <1980>(8802) with Absalom <53>.
13. And there came <935>(8799) a messenger <5046>(8688) to David <1732>, saying <559>(8800), The hearts <3820> of the men <376> of Israel <3478> are after <310> Absalom <53>.
14. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) unto all his servants <5650> that were with him at Jerusalem <3389>, Arise <6965>(8798), and let us flee <1272>(8799); for we shall not else escape <6413> from <6440> Absalom <53>: make speed <4116>(8761) to depart <3212>(8800), lest he overtake <5381>(8689) us suddenly <4116>(8762), and bring <5080>(8689) evil <7451> upon us, and smite <5221>(8689) the city <5892> with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>.
15. And the king's <4428> servants <5650> said <559>(8799) unto the king <4428>, Behold, thy servants <5650> are ready to do whatsoever my lord <113> the king <4428> shall appoint <977>(8799).
16. And the king <4428> went forth <3318>(8799), and all his household <1004> after <7272> him. And the king <4428> left <5800>(8799) ten <6235> women <802>, which were concubines <6370>, to keep <8104>(8800) the house <1004>.
17. And the king <4428> went forth <3318>(8799), and all the people <5971> after <7272> him, and tarried <5975>(8799) in a place <1004> that was far off <4801>(8677) <1023>.
18. And all his servants <5650> passed on <5674>(8802) beside <3027> him; and all the Cherethites <3774>, and all the Pelethites <6432>, and all the Gittites <1663>, six <8337> hundred <3967> men <376> which came <935>(8804) after <7272> him from Gath <1661>, passed on <5674>(8802) before <6440> the king <4428>.
19. Then said <559>(8799) the king <4428> to Ittai <863> the Gittite <1663>, Wherefore goest <3212>(8799) thou also with us? return <7725>(8798) to thy place <4725>, and abide <3427>(8798) with the king <4428>: for thou art a stranger <5237>, and also an exile <1540>(8802).
20. Whereas thou camest <935>(8800) but yesterday <8543>, should I this day <3117> make thee go <3212>(8800) up and down <5128>(8686)(8675) <5128>(8799) with us? seeing I go <1980>(8802) whither I may, return <7725>(8798) thou, and take back <7725>(8685) thy brethren <251>: mercy <2617> and truth <571> be with thee.
21. And Ittai <863> answered <6030>(8799) the king <4428>, and said <559>(8799), As the LORD <3068> liveth <2416>, and as my lord <113> the king <4428> liveth <2416>, surely in what place <4725> my lord <113> the king <4428> shall be, whether in death <4194> or life <2416>, even there also will thy servant <5650> be.
22. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) to Ittai <863>, Go <3212>(8798) and pass over <5674>(8798). And Ittai <863> the Gittite <1663> passed over <5674>(8799), and all his men <582>, and all the little ones <2945> that were with him.
23. And all the country <776> wept <1058>(8802) with a loud <1419> voice <6963>, and all the people <5971> passed over <5674>(8802): the king <4428> also himself passed over <5674>(8802) the brook <5158> Kidron <6939>, and all the people <5971> passed over <5674>(8802), toward <6440> the way <1870> of the wilderness <4057>.
24. And lo Zadok <6659> also, and all the Levites <3881> were with him, bearing <5375>(8802) the ark <727> of the covenant <1285> of God <430>: and they set down <3332>(8686) the ark <727> of God <430>; and Abiathar <54> went up <5927>(8799), until all the people <5971> had done <8552>(8800) passing <5674>(8800) out of the city <5892>.
25. And the king <4428> said <559>(8799) unto Zadok <6659>, Carry back <7725>(8685) the ark <727> of God <430> into the city <5892>: if I shall find <4672>(8799) favour <2580> in the eyes <5869> of the LORD <3068>, he will bring me again <7725>(8689), and shew <7200>(8689) me both it, and his habitation <5116>:
26. But if he thus say <559>(8799), I have no delight <2654>(8804) in thee; behold, here am I, let him do <6213>(8799) to me as seemeth <5869> good <2896> unto him.
27. The king <4428> said <559>(8799) also unto Zadok <6659> the priest <3548>, Art not thou a seer <7200>(8802)? return <7725>(8798) into the city <5892> in peace <7965>, and your two <8147> sons <1121> with you, Ahimaaz <290> thy son <1121>, and Jonathan <3083> the son <1121> of Abiathar <54>.
28. See <7200>(8798), I will tarry <4102>(8700) in the plain <6160>(8675) <5679> of the wilderness <4057>, until there come <935>(8800) word <1697> from you to certify <5046>(8687) me.
29. Zadok <6659> therefore and Abiathar <54> carried <7725> <0> the ark <727> of God <430> again <7725>(8686) to Jerusalem <3389>: and they tarried <3427>(8799) there.
30. And David <1732> went up <5927>(8802) by the ascent <4608> of mount Olivet <2132>, and wept <1058>(8802) as he went up <5927>(8802), and had his head <7218> covered <2645>(8802), and he went <1980>(8802) barefoot <3182>: and all the people <5971> that was with him covered <2645>(8804) every man <376> his head <7218>, and they went up <5927>(8804), weeping <1058>(8800) as they went up <5927>(8800).
31. And one told <5046>(8689) David <1732>, saying <559>(8800), Ahithophel <302> is among the conspirators <7194>(8802) with Absalom <53>. And David <1732> said <559>(8799), O LORD <3068>, I pray thee, turn the counsel <6098> of Ahithophel <302> into foolishness <5528>(8761).
32. And it came to pass, that when David <1732> was come <935>(8804) to the top <7218> of the mount, where he worshipped <7812>(8691) God <430>, behold, Hushai <2365> the Archite <757> came to meet <7125>(8800) him with his coat <3801> rent <7167>(8803), and earth <127> upon his head <7218>:
33. Unto whom David <1732> said <559>(8799), If thou passest on <5674>(8804) with me, then thou shalt be a burden <4853> unto me:
34. But if thou return <7725>(8799) to the city <5892>, and say <559>(8804) unto Absalom <53>, I will be thy servant <5650>, O king <4428>; as I have been thy father's <1> servant <5650> hitherto <227>, so will I now also be thy servant <5650>: then mayest thou for me defeat <6565>(8689) the counsel <6098> of Ahithophel <302>.
35. And hast thou not there with thee Zadok <6659> and Abiathar <54> the priests <3548>? therefore it shall be, that what thing <1697> soever thou shalt hear <8085>(8799) out of the king's <4428> house <1004>, thou shalt tell <5046>(8686) it to Zadok <6659> and Abiathar <54> the priests <3548>.
36. Behold, they have there with them their two <8147> sons <1121>, Ahimaaz <290> Zadok's <6659> son, and Jonathan <3083> Abiathar's <54> son; and by them <3027> ye shall send <7971>(8804) unto me every thing <1697> that ye can hear <8085>(8799).
37. So Hushai <2365> David's <1732> friend <7463> came <935>(8799) into the city <5892>, and Absalom <53> came <935>(8799) into Jerusalem <3389>.
Notes that are not verse specific
V.9 "cannot be made whole again" A broken potter's vessel cannot be restored, but, a new one may be made of the same material.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Thinking of yesterday’s lesson taken from the clay pot, and noting how the potter can re-make it into whatever shape he chooses, we come today to a further stage in lessons about clay pots. When they are young, and before they have been fired, they can be changed. But when they are baked hard, they cannot be changed. They can only be broken. Jeremiah’s example of breaking the pot in the presence of the elders of the people and the priests, illustrated what God would do to the hardened hearts of this hard people. They wouldn't change – so the only thing to do was to break them
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
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1. Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, Go <1980>(8800) and get <7069>(8804) a potter's <3335>(8802) earthen <2789> bottle <1228>, and take of the ancients <2205> of the people <5971>, and of the ancients <2205> of the priests <3548>;
2. And go forth <3318>(8804) unto the valley <1516> of the son <1121> of Hinnom <2011>, which is by the entry <6607> of the east <2777> gate <8179>, and proclaim <7121>(8804) there the words <1697> that I shall tell <1696>(8762) thee,
3. And say <559>(8804), Hear <8085>(8798) ye the word <1697> of the LORD <3068>, O kings <4428> of Judah <3063>, and inhabitants <3427>(8802) of Jerusalem <3389>; Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>, the God <430> of Israel <3478>; Behold, I will bring <935>(8688) evil <7451> upon this place <4725>, the which whosoever heareth <8085>(8802), his ears <241> shall tingle <6750>(8799).
4. Because they have forsaken <5800>(8804) me, and have estranged <5234>(8762) this place <4725>, and have burned incense <6999>(8762) in it unto other <312> gods <430>, whom neither they nor their fathers <1> have known <3045>(8804), nor the kings <4428> of Judah <3063>, and have filled <4390>(8804) this place <4725> with the blood <1818> of innocents <5355>;
5. They have built <1129>(8804) also the high places <1116> of Baal <1168>, to burn <8313>(8800) their sons <1121> with fire <784> for burnt offerings <5930> unto Baal <1168>, which I commanded <6680>(8765) not, nor spake <1696>(8765) it, neither came <5927>(8804) it into my mind <3820>:
6. Therefore, behold, the days <3117> come <935>(8802), saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>, that this place <4725> shall no more be called <7121>(8735) Tophet <8612>, nor The valley <1516> of the son <1121> of Hinnom <2011>, but The valley <1516> of slaughter <2028>.
7. And I will make void <1238>(8804) the counsel <6098> of Judah <3063> and Jerusalem <3389> in this place <4725>; and I will cause them to fall <5307>(8689) by the sword <2719> before <6440> their enemies <341>(8802), and by the hands <3027> of them that seek <1245>(8764) their lives <5315>: and their carcases <5038> will I give <5414>(8804) to be meat <3978> for the fowls <5775> of the heaven <8064>, and for the beasts <929> of the earth <776>.
8. And I will make <7760>(8804) this city <5892> desolate <8047>, and an hissing <8322>; every one that passeth <5674>(8802) thereby shall be astonished <8074>(8799) and hiss <8319>(8799) because of all the plagues <4347> thereof.
9. And I will cause them to eat <398>(8689) the flesh <1320> of their sons <1121> and the flesh <1320> of their daughters <1323>, and they shall eat <398>(8799) every one <376> the flesh <1320> of his friend <7453> in the siege <4692> and straitness <4689>, wherewith their enemies <341>(8802), and they that seek <1245>(8764) their lives <5315>, shall straiten <6693>(8686) them.
10. Then shalt thou break <7665>(8804) the bottle <1228> in the sight <5869> of the men <582> that go <1980>(8802) with thee,
11. And shalt say <559>(8804) unto them, Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>; Even so <3602> will I break <7665>(8799) this people <5971> and this city <5892>, as one breaketh <7665>(8799) a potter's <3335>(8802) vessel <3627>, that cannot <3201>(8799) be made whole again <7495>(8736): and they shall bury <6912>(8799) them in Tophet <8612>, till there be no place <4725> to bury <6912>(8800).
12. Thus will I do <6213>(8799) unto this place <4725>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>, and to the inhabitants <3427>(8802) thereof, and even make <5414>(8800) this city <5892> as Tophet <8612>:
13. And the houses <1004> of Jerusalem <3389>, and the houses <1004> of the kings <4428> of Judah <3063>, shall be defiled <2931> as the place <4725> of Tophet <8612>, because of all the houses <1004> upon whose roofs <1406> they have burned incense <6999>(8765) unto all the host <6635> of heaven <8064>, and have poured out <5258>(8687) drink offerings <5262> unto other <312> gods <430>.
14. Then came <935>(8799) Jeremiah <3414> from Tophet <8612>, whither the LORD <3068> had sent <7971>(8804) him to prophesy <5012>(8736); and he stood <5975>(8799) in the court <2691> of the LORD'S <3068> house <1004>; and said <559>(8799) to all the people <5971>,
15. Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>, the God <430> of Israel <3478>; Behold, I will bring <935>(8688) upon this city <5892> and upon all her towns <5892> all the evil <7451> that I have pronounced <1696>(8765) against it, because they have hardened <7185>(8689) their necks <6203>, that they might not hear <8085>(8800) my words <1697>.
Notes that are not verse specific
WAGES OR GIFT
Imagine getting paid for all the good works you do. Every time you help someone, pray, do a Bible reading, avoid a sin, take an opportunity, give generously, show kindness, love, patience, enthusiasm or joy, your wages get credited into your account. The better you do, the bigger your commitment, the better your wages.
But then your contract also fines you for the things you do wrong. Wasted time, lying, grumpiness, missed opportunities, idle talk, sinning, pride, evil thoughts, forgetting God ... and each one of these removes huge chunks of credit from your account.
The problem is that everyone who accepts this sort of contract ends up in huge debt. No matter how hard we work, we find it impossible to keep our balance sheet in credit.
God gives us another option. It's called "Credited as Righteousness." Here's how it works. There is no contract, but despite not having a fixed wage we are asked to trust in the grace of God, to believe in his salvation, to have faith that God has forgiven our sins, to believe in him who raised Jesus from the dead, and to live in that faith. Then God will give us a gift because our faith will have been credited to us as righteousness. He will give us the gift of forgiveness, salvation and life.
Wages or gift? Which will you choose?
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Robert
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1. What <5101> advantage <4053> then <3767> hath the Jew <2453>? or <2228> what <5101> profit <5622> is there of circumcision <4061>?
2. Much <4183> every <2596> <3956> way <5158>: chiefly <4412>, because <3303> <1063> that <3754> unto them were committed <4100>(5681) the oracles <3051> of God <2316>.
3. For <1063> what <5101> if <1487> some <5100> did not believe <569>(5656)? <3361> shall <2673> <0> their <846> unbelief <570> make <2673> <0> the faith <4102> of God <2316> without effect <2673>(5692)?
4. God forbid <3361> <1096>(5636): yea <1161>, let <1096> <0> God <2316> be <1096>(5737) true <227>, but <1161> every <3956> man <444> a liar <5583>; as <2531> it is written <1125>(5769), That <3704> thou mightest <302> be justified <1344>(5686) in <1722> thy <4675> sayings <3056>, and <2532> mightest overcome <3528>(5661) when <1722> thou <4571> art judged <2919>(5745).
5. But <1161> if <1487> our <2257> unrighteousness <93> commend <4921>(5719) the righteousness <1343> of God <2316>, what <5101> shall we say <2046>(5692)? <3361> Is God <2316> unrighteous <94> who taketh <2018>(5723) vengeance <3709>? (I speak <3004>(5719) as <2596> a man <444>)
6. God forbid <3361> <1096>(5636): for then <1893> how <4459> shall <2919> <0> God <2316> judge <2919>(5692)(5719) the world <2889>?
7. For <1063> if <1487> the truth <225> of God <2316> hath more abounded <4052>(5656) through <1722> my <1699> lie <5582> unto <1519> his <846> glory <1391>; why <5101> yet <2089> am <2919> <0> I also <2504> judged <2919>(5743) as <5613> a sinner <268>?
8. And <2532> not <3361> rather, (as <2531> we be slanderously reported <987>(5743), and <2532> as <2531> some <5100> affirm <5346>(5748) that we <2248> say <3004>(5721),) <3754> Let us do <4160>(5661) evil <2556>, that <2443> good <18> may come <2064>(5632)? whose <3739> damnation <2917> is <2076>(5748) just <1738>.
9. What <5101> then <3767>? are we better <4284>(5736) than they? No <3756>, in no wise <3843>: for <1063> we have before proved <4256>(5662) both <5037> Jews <2453> and <2532> Gentiles <1672>, that they are <1511>(5750) all <3956> under <5259> sin <266>;
10. As <2531> it is written <1125>(5769), <3754> There is <2076>(5748) none <3756> righteous <1342>, no, not <3761> one <1520>:
11. There is <2076>(5748) none <3756> that understandeth <4920>(5723), there is <2076>(5748) none <3756> that seeketh after <1567>(5723) God <2316>.
12. They are <1578> <0> all <3956> gone out of the way <1578>(5656), they are <889> <0> together <260> become unprofitable <889>(5681); there is <2076>(5748) none <3756> that doeth <4160>(5723) good <5544>, no, not <3756> one <2076>(5748) <2193> <1520>.
13. Their <846> throat <2995> is an open <455>(5772) sepulchre <5028>; with their <848> tongues <1100> they have used deceit <1387>(5707); the poison <2447> of asps <785> is under <5259> their <846> lips <5491>:
14. Whose <3739> mouth <4750> is full <1073>(5719) of cursing <685> and <2532> bitterness <4088>:
15. Their <846> feet <4228> are swift <3691> to shed <1632>(5658) blood <129>:
16. Destruction <4938> and <2532> misery <5004> are in <1722> their <846> ways <3598>:
17. And <2532> the way <3598> of peace <1515> have <1097> <0> they not <3756> known <1097>(5627):
18. There is <2076>(5748) no <3756> fear <5401> of God <2316> before <561> their <846> eyes <3788>.
19. Now <1161> we know <1492>(5758) that <3754> what things soever <3745> the law <3551> saith <3004>(5719), it saith <2980>(5719) to them who are under <1722> the law <3551>: that <2443> every <3956> mouth <4750> may be stopped <5420>(5652), and <2532> all <3956> the world <2889> may become <1096>(5638) guilty <5267> before God <2316>.
20. Therefore <1360> by <1537> the deeds <2041> of the law <3551> there shall <1344> <0> no <3956> <3756> flesh <4561> be justified <1344>(5701) in his <846> sight <1799>: for <1063> by <1223> the law <3551> is the knowledge <1922> of sin <266>.
21. But <1161> now <3568> the righteousness <1343> of God <2316> without <5565> the law <3551> is manifested <5319>(5769), being witnessed <3140>(5746) by <5259> the law <3551> and <2532> the prophets <4396>;
22. Even <1161> the righteousness <1343> of God <2316> which is by <1223> faith <4102> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> unto <1519> all <3956> and <2532> upon <1909> all <3956> them that believe <4100>(5723): for <1063> there is <2076>(5748) no <3756> difference <1293>:
23. For <1063> all <3956> have sinned <264>(5627), and <2532> come short <5302>(5743) of the glory <1391> of God <2316>;
24. Being justified <1344>(5746) freely <1432> by his <846> grace <5485> through <1223> the redemption <629> that is in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:
25. Whom <3739> God <2316> hath set forth <4388>(5639) to be a propitiation <2435> through <1223> faith <4102> in <1722> his <846> blood <129>, to <1519> declare <1732> his <848> righteousness <1343> for <1223> the remission <3929> of sins <265> that are past <4266>(5761), through <1722> the forbearance <463> of God <2316>;
26. To <4314> declare <1732>, I say, at <1722> this <3568> time <2540> his <846> righteousness <1343>: that <1519> he might be <1511>(5750) just <1342>, and <2532> the justifier <1344>(5723) of him <846> which believeth <4102> in <1537> Jesus <2424>.
27. Where <4226> is boasting <2746> then <3767>? It is excluded <1576>(5681). By <1223> what <4169> law <3551>? of works <2041>? Nay <3780>: but <235> by <1223> the law <3551> of faith <4102>.
28. Therefore <3767> we conclude <3049>(5736) that a man <444> is justified <1344>(5745) by faith <4102> without <5565> the deeds <2041> of the law <3551>.
29. Is he <2228> the God <2316> of the Jews <2453> only <3440>? is he not <3780> also <1161> <2532> of the Gentiles <1484>? Yes <3483>, of the Gentiles <1484> also <2532>:
30. Seeing <1897> it is one <1520> God <2316>, which <3739> shall justify <1344>(5692) the circumcision <4061> by <1537> faith <4102>, and <2532> uncircumcision <203> through <1223> faith <4102>.
31. Do we <2673> <0> then <3767> make void <2673>(5719) the law <3551> through <1223> faith <4102>? God forbid <3361> <1096>(5636): yea <235>, we establish <2476>(5719) the law <3551>.
1. What <5101> shall we say <2046>(5692) then <3767> that Abraham <11> our <2257> father <3962>, as pertaining <2596> to the flesh <4561>, hath found <2147>(5760)?
2. For <1063> if <1487> Abraham <11> were justified <1344>(5681) by <1537> works <2041>, he hath <2192>(5719) whereof to glory <2745>; but <235> not <3756> before <4314> God <2316>.
3. For <1063> what <5101> saith <3004>(5719) the scripture <1124>? <1161> Abraham <11> believed <4100>(5656) God <2316>, and <2532> it was counted <3049>(5681) unto him <846> for <1519> righteousness <1343>.
4. Now <1161> to him that worketh <2038>(5740) is <3049> <0> the reward <3408> not <3756> reckoned <3049>(5736) of <2596> grace <5485>, but <235> of <2596> debt <3783>.
5. But <1161> to him that worketh <2038>(5740) not <3361>, but <1161> believeth <4100>(5723) on <1909> him that justifieth <1344>(5723) the ungodly <765>, his <846> faith <4102> is counted <3049>(5736) for <1519> righteousness <1343>.
6. Even as <2509> David <1138> also <2532> describeth <3004>(5719) the blessedness <3108> of the man <444>, unto whom <3739> God <2316> imputeth <3049>(5736) righteousness <1343> without <5565> works <2041>,
7. Saying, Blessed <3107> are they whose <3739> iniquities <458> are forgiven <863>(5681), and <2532> whose <3739> sins <266> are covered <1943>(5681).
8. Blessed <3107> is the man <435> to whom <3739> the Lord <2962> will <3049> <0> not <3364> impute <3049>(5667) sin <266>.
9. Cometh this <3778> blessedness <3108> then <3767> upon <1909> the circumcision <4061> only, or <2228> upon <1909> the uncircumcision <203> also <2532>? for <1063> we say <3004>(5719) that <3754> faith <4102> was reckoned <3049>(5681) to Abraham <11> for <1519> righteousness <1343>.
10. How <4459> was it <3049> <0> then <3767> reckoned <3049>(5681)? when he was <5607>(5752) in <1722> circumcision <4061>, or <2228> in <1722> uncircumcision <203>? Not <3756> in <1722> circumcision <4061>, but <235> in <1722> uncircumcision <203>.
11. And <2532> he received <2983>(5627) the sign <4592> of circumcision <4061>, a seal <4973> of the righteousness <1343> of the faith <4102> which <3588> he had yet being <1722> uncircumcised <203>: that <1519> he <846> might be <1511>(5750) the father <3962> of all <3956> them that believe <4100>(5723), though <1223> they be not circumcised <203>; that <1519> righteousness <1343> might be imputed <3049>(5683) unto them <846> also <2532>:
12. And <2532> the father <3962> of circumcision <4061> to them who are not <3756> of <1537> the circumcision <4061> only <3440>, but <235> who also <2532> walk <4748>(5723) in the steps <2487> of that faith <4102> of our <2257> father <3962> Abraham <11>, which he had being <1722> yet uncircumcised <203>.
13. For <1063> the promise <1860>, that he should be <1511>(5750) the heir <2818> of the world <2889>, was not <3756> to Abraham <11>, or <2228> to his <846> seed <4690>, through <1223> the law <3551>, but <235> through <1223> the righteousness <1343> of faith <4102>.
14. For <1063> if <1487> they which are of <1537> the law <3551> be heirs <2818>, faith <4102> is made void <2758>(5769), and <2532> the promise <1860> made of none effect <2673>(5769):
15. Because <1063> the law <3551> worketh <2716>(5736) wrath <3709>: for <1063> where <3757> no <3756> law <3551> is <2076>(5748), there is no <3761> transgression <3847>.
16. Therefore <1223> <5124> it is of <1537> faith <4102>, that <2443> it might be by <2596> grace <5485>; to the end <1519> the promise <1860> might be <1511>(5750) sure <949> to all <3956> the seed <4690>; not <3756> to that only <3440> which is of <1537> the law <3551>, but <235> to that also <2532> which is of <1537> the faith <4102> of Abraham <11>; who <3739> is <2076>(5748) the father <3962> of us <2257> all <3956>,
17. (As <2531> it is written <1125>(5769), <3754> I have made <5087>(5758) thee <4571> a father <3962> of many <4183> nations <1484>,) before <2713> him whom <3739> he believed <4100>(5656), even God <2316>, who quickeneth <2227>(5723) the dead <3498>, and <2532> calleth <2564>(5723) those things which be <5607>(5752) not <3361> as though <5613> they were <5607>(5752).
18. Who <3739> against <3844> hope <1680> believed <4100>(5656) in <1909> hope <1680>, that <1519> he <846> might become <1096>(5635) the father <3962> of many <4183> nations <1484>, according <2596> to that which was spoken <2046>(5772), So <3779> shall <2071> <0> thy <4675> seed <4690> be <2071>(5704).
19. And <2532> being not <3361> weak <770>(5660) in faith <4102>, he considered <2657>(5656) not <3756> his own <1438> body <4983> now <2235> dead <3499>(5772), when he was <5225>(5723) about <4225> an hundred years old <1541>, neither yet <2532> the deadness <3500> of Sara's <4564> womb <3388>:
20. <1161> He staggered <1252>(5681) not <3756> at <1519> the promise <1860> of God <2316> through unbelief <570>; but <235> was strong <1743>(5681) in faith <4102>, giving <1325>(5631) glory <1391> to God <2316>;
21. And <2532> being fully persuaded <4135>(5685) that <3754>, what <3739> he had promised <1861>(5766), he was <2076>(5748) able <1415> also <2532> to perform <4160>(5658).
22. And <2532> therefore <1352> it was imputed <3049>(5681) to him <846> for <1519> righteousness <1343>.
23. Now <1161> it was <1125> <0> not <3756> written <1125>(5648) for his sake <1223> <846> alone <3440>, that <3754> it was imputed <3049>(5681) to him <846>;
24. But <235> for <1223> us <2248> also <2532>, to whom <3739> it shall be <3195>(5719) imputed <3049>(5745), if we believe <4100>(5723) on <1909> him that raised up <1453>(5660) Jesus <2424> our <2257> Lord <2962> from <1537> the dead <3498>;
25. Who <3739> was delivered <3860>(5681) for <1223> our <2257> offences <3900>, and <2532> was raised again <1453>(5681) for <1223> our <2257> justification <1347>.