Discovery BoxRomans 4:2 
Context4:2 For if Abraham was declared righteous 1 by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God.
Romans 4:13-15
Context4:13 For the promise 2 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. 3 4:15 For the law brings wrath, because where there is no law there is no transgression 4 either.
1 tn Or “was justified.”
2 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).
3 tn Grk “rendered inoperative.”
4 tn Or “violation.”
