A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 4

What then shall we say? (τ ουν ερουμεν?). Paul is fond of this rhetorical question (4:1; 6:1; 7:7; 8:31; 9:14,30).

Forefather (προπατορα). Old word, only here in N.T. Accusative case in apposition with Αβρααμ (accusative of general reference with the infinitive).

Hath found (ευρηκενα). Westcott and Hort put ευρηκενα in the margin because B omits it, a needless precaution. It is the perfect active infinitive of ευρισκω in indirect discourse after ερουμεν. The MSS. differ in the position of κατα σαρκα.

The Scripture (η γραφη). Genesis 15:6.

Was justified by works (εξ εργων εδικαιωθη). Condition of first class, assumed as true for the sake of argument, though untrue in fact. The rabbis had a doctrine of the merits of Abraham who had a superfluity of credits to pass on to the Jews (Luke 3:8).

But not towards God (αλλ' ου προς θεον). Abraham deserved all the respect from men that came to him, but his relation to God was a different matter. He had there no ground of boasting at all.

It was reckoned unto him for righteousness (ελογισθη εις δικαιοσυνην). First aorist passive indicative of λογιζομα, old and common verb to set down accounts (literally or metaphorically). It was set down on the credit side of the ledger "for" (εις as often) righteousness. What was set down? His believing God (επιστευσεν τω θεω).

But as of debt (αλλα κατα οφειλημα). An illustration of the workman (εργαζομενω) who gets his wages due him, "not as of grace" (ου κατα χαριν).

That justifieth the ungodly (τον δικαιουντα τον ασεβη). The impious, irreverent man. See 1:25. A forensic figure (Shedd). The man is taken as he is and pardoned. "The whole Pauline gospel could be summed up in this one word-- God who justifies the ungodly" (Denney).