4:13 For the promise 1 to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not fulfilled through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 4:14 For if they become heirs by the law, faith is empty and the promise is nullified. 2 4:15 For the law brings wrath, because where there is no law there is no transgression 3 either. 4:16 For this reason it is by faith so that it may be by grace, 4 with the result that the promise may be certain to all the descendants – not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who have the faith of Abraham, 5 who is the father of us all
1 sn Although a singular noun, the promise is collective and does not refer only to Gen 12:7, but as D. Moo (Romans 1-8 [WEC], 279) points out, refers to multiple aspects of the promise to Abraham: multiplied descendants (Gen 12:2), possession of the land (Gen 13:15-17), and his becoming the vehicle of blessing to all people (Gen 12:13).
2 tn Grk “rendered inoperative.”
3 tn Or “violation.”
4 tn Grk “that it might be according to grace.”
5 tn Grk “those who are of the faith of Abraham.”