Romans 4:2

For if Abraham was declared righteous ¹  by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God.

If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

Was it because of his good deeds that God accepted him? If so, he would have had something to boast about. But from God’s point of view Abraham had no basis at all for pride.

If Abraham, by what he did for God, got God to approve him, he could certainly have taken credit for it. But the story we're given is a God-story, not an Abraham-story.

For if Abraham got righteousness by works, he has reason for pride; but not before God.

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

For if Abraham was declared righteous ¹  by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God.

¹ tn Or “was justified.”