Romans 4:17 bbe — (As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith,…

Bible in Basic English

"(As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith, that is, God, who gives life to the dead, and to whom the things which are not are as if they were."

— Romans 4:17, Bible in Basic English

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Romans 4:17 in Other Translations

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Romans 4 — Context

14

For if they who are of the law are the people who get the heritage, then faith is made of no use, and the word of God has no power;

15

For the outcome of the law is wrath; but where there is no law it will not be broken.

16

For this reason it is of faith, so that it may be through grace; and so that the word of God may be certain to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

17

(As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith, that is, God, who gives life to the dead, and to whom the things which are not are as if they were.

18

Who without reason for hope, in faith went on hoping, so that he became the father of a number of nations, as it had been said, So will your seed be.

19

And not being feeble in faith though his body seemed to him little better than dead (he being about a hundred years old) and Sarah was no longer able to have children:

20

Still, he did not give up faith in the undertaking of God, but was made strong by faith, giving glory to God,

Romans 4:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Romans 4:17 say?
Romans 4:17 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “(As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith, that is, God, who gives life to the dead, and to whom the things which are not are as if they were.”
Where is Romans 4:17 in the Bible?
Romans 4:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans, chapter 4, verse 17.
Who wrote Romans?
Romans is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 56–57.
What is the book of Romans about?
Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — the universal need for salvation, justification by faith in Christ, the new life of the Spirit, the place of Israel in God's plan, and the practical shape of a transformed community. The most influential letter in church history.
What are the major themes of Romans?
Romans explores themes including Righteousness by Faith, Sin, Grace, Spirit-Filled Life, Israel, Christian Living. These themes shape the meaning and context of Romans 4:17.
What translation should I read Romans 4:17 in?
Romans 4:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Romans 4:17?
Romans 4:17 reads (BBE): “(As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith, that is, God, who gives life to the dead, and to whom the things which are not are as if they were.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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