Romans 4:5

5 However, when people don't work but believe God, the one who approves ungodly people, their faith is regarded as God's approval.

Romans 4:5 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not
Not that the believer does not work at all, but not from such principles, and with such views as the other; he does not work in order to obtain life and salvation; he does not seek for justification by his doings:

but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly:
or that ungodly one: particular reference is had to Abraham, who in his state of unregeneracy was an ungodly person; as all God's elect are in a state of nature, and are such when God justifies them, being without a righteousness of their own; wherefore he imputes the righteousness of another, even that of his own Son, unto them: and though he justifies the ungodly, he does not justify their ungodliness, but them from it; nor will he, nor does he leave them to live and die in it; now to him that worketh not, that is perfect righteousness; or has no opportunity of working at all; or what he does, he does not do, that he might be justified by it; but exercises faith on God as justifying persons, who, like himself, are sinners, ungodly and destitute of a righteousness:

his faith is counted for righteousness;
not the act, but the object of it; which was Abraham's case, and therefore was not justified by works. The Vulgate Latin version here adds, "according to the purpose of the grace of God".

Romans 4:5 In-Context

3 What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and that faith was regarded by God to be his approval of Abraham."

4 When people work, their pay is not regarded as a gift but something they have earned.

5 However, when people don't work but believe God, the one who approves ungodly people, their faith is regarded as God's approval.

6 David says the same thing about those who are blessed: God approves of people without their earning it. David said,

7 "Blessed are those whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sins are pardoned.