Romans 4:6 – “David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:”

Extended Explanation

Paul has been using Abraham as an example to show that righteousness comes through faith, not works. Now, in this verse, he brings in King David to reinforce the same point. Paul is about to quote David’s words from Psalm 32, where David describes how blessed a person is when God forgives their sins and gives them righteousness apart from anything they have done.

By bringing David into the discussion, Paul is showing that justification by faith isn’t just Abraham’s story—it’s a biblical principle seen throughout Scripture. Both Abraham, the father of faith, and David, Israel’s greatest king, recognized that righteousness is a gift from God, not something we earn.

This verse sets up the next two verses (Romans 4:7-8), where Paul will quote Psalm 32 directly to emphasize that forgiveness and righteousness are not the result of human effort but of God’s grace.

Historical Context

Paul is writing to both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Many Jews at the time believed that righteousness came from obeying the Law of Moses—following commandments, offering sacrifices, and doing good works. Paul is confronting this mindset by showing that even David, one of Israel’s most revered figures, understood that righteousness comes not from works but from faith in God’s mercy.

Psalm 32, which Paul is referencing, was written by David after he had committed serious sins—adultery with Bathsheba and the arranged killing of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Despite his sin, David found forgiveness and righteousness not through works, but through trusting in God’s mercy.

Paul is making the case that just as David was declared righteous apart from his works, so too is everyone who puts their faith in God.

Theological Implications

This verse reinforces the doctrine of justification by faith. Here are some key theological truths:

• Righteousness is a gift, not a reward. God credits (or counts) righteousness to a person, not because of their works, but because of His grace.
• Forgiveness is available to all. David was a deeply flawed man, yet he experienced God’s mercy. This means that no one is beyond God’s forgiveness.
• Faith, not religious effort, is the key to being right with God. If David—who lived under the Law of Moses—recognized that righteousness comes through faith, then no one can claim they are righteous because of their own good deeds.

This verse shows that both Abraham (before the law) and David (under the law) were justified by faith, proving that salvation has always been by grace, not by works.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of David here is significant. In Jewish culture, David was not just a king—he was the model of devotion to God. Yet, Paul reminds his readers that even David did not rely on his own works for righteousness.

Paul also uses the word “credits” again, which he used earlier in Romans 4:3-5. This is an accounting term meaning to put into someone’s account. It means that righteousness is given freely by God, not earned.

By transitioning from Abraham to David, Paul is making a stronger case. Abraham represents faith before the law, and David represents faith under the law—yet both were justified apart from works. This proves that righteousness has always come through faith, not by obeying rules.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 32:1-2 – “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (This is the passage Paul is referring to.)
• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Shows how Abraham was justified by faith.)
• Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a powerful reminder that our standing with God does not depend on our performance.

Many people struggle with guilt, thinking they need to “earn” God’s love or forgiveness. But David—who committed some of the worst sins imaginable—was forgiven and declared righteous apart from works. That means that no matter what we’ve done, God’s grace is enough.

This verse also challenges those who believe that being a Christian is about “being a good person.” The gospel isn’t about becoming righteous through effort—it’s about receiving righteousness as a gift from God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God’s love is not based on our goodness but on His grace. If God only justified people who were “good enough,” then none of us would have hope. But because God credits righteousness apart from works, anyone can be saved.

God’s love is for the broken, the sinful, and the undeserving. He doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up—He meets us where we are and gives us righteousness as a gift.

This is why David calls this “blessedness”—because there is no greater joy than knowing that God has forgiven our sins and made us righteous apart from what we’ve done.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

David’s words in Psalm 32 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

• Jesus took our sins upon Himself so that we could be credited with His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• His death and resurrection make it possible for our sins to be covered and for God to declare us righteous apart from works.
• David experienced forgiveness, but it was through Christ’s future sacrifice that his sins (and ours) were fully paid for.

Paul is showing that the same blessing David spoke of—being justified by faith—is now available to all who trust in Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul chose to use both Abraham and David as examples of righteousness apart from works?
2. How does David’s story encourage you when you struggle with guilt or past mistakes?
3. Why is it important to understand that righteousness is a gift, not something we earn?
4. How does this verse challenge people who think they can be saved by “being a good person”?
5. In what ways can you live with more confidence, knowing that God credits righteousness apart from works?

Romans 4:6 is a powerful reminder that salvation has always been by grace, not by effort. David understood that forgiveness and righteousness are gifts from God, not wages we earn. That same truth applies today: no matter our past, God freely gives righteousness to those who trust in Him. This is the joy of the gospel—the blessedness of knowing we are made right with God, not because of what we do, but because of who He is.