Romans 4:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When there was no human reason to hope, Abraham still hoped and believed God's promise that his offspring would be countless.
What Does Romans 4:18 Mean?
Paul describes the quality of Abraham's faith. Against hope he believed in hope. Humanly speaking, there was no ground for expectation; he and Sarah were old and childless. Yet he held to the promise that he would father many nations.
God had told him, looking at the stars, 'So shall thy seed be,' and Abraham took that word as more certain than his circumstances. This is faith at its purest: trusting God's promise even when everything visible argues against it. Hope here is not wishful thinking but confidence anchored in what God has said. When our own situation offers no encouragement, Abraham shows us where to look, not at the impossibility before us, but at the One who promised, whose word cannot fail.
Romans 4:18 in the Original Language
elpis (ἐλπίς), 'hope' -- confident expectation, not mere wishing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 4:18
What does Romans 4:18 mean?
When there was no human reason to hope, Abraham still hoped and believed God's promise that his offspring would be countless.