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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Romans 4:17 - 4:17
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
A father of many nations
See Gen 17:5. Originally his name was Abram, exalted father; afterward Abraham, father of a multitude.
Have I made (τέθεικα)
Appointed or constituted. For a similar sense see Mat 24:51; Joh 15:16, and note; Act 13:47; 1Ti 2:7. The verb shows that the paternity was the result of a special arrangement. It would not be used to denote the mere physical connection between father and son.
Who quickeneth the dead
This attribute of God is selected with special reference to the circumstances of Abraham as described in Rom 4:18, Rom 4:21. As a formal attribute of God it occurs 1Sa 2:6; Joh 5:21; 2Co 1:9; 1Ti 6:13.
Calleth (καλοῦντος)
The verb is used in the following senses:
1. To give a name, with ὄνομα name, Mat 1:21, Mat 1:22, Mat 1:25; Luk 1:13, Luk 1:31; without ὄνομα Luk 1:59, Luk 1:60. To salute by a name, Mat 23:9; Mat 22:43, Mat 22:45.
2. Passive. To bear a name or title among men, Luk 1:35; Luk 22:25; 1Co 15:9. To be acknowledged or to pass as, Mat 5:9, Mat 5:19; Jam 2:23.
3. To invite, Mat 22:3, Mat 22:9; Joh 2:2; 1Co 10:27. To summon, Mat 4:21; Act 4:18; Act 24:2. To call out from, Mat 2:15; Heb 11:8; 1Pe 2:9.
4. To appoint. Select for an office, Gal 1:15; Heb 5:4; to salvation, Rom 9:11; Rom 8:30.
5. Of God's creative decree. To call forth from nothing, Isa 41:4; 2Ki 8:1.
In this last sense some explain the word here; but it can scarcely be said that God creates things that are not as actually existing. Others explain, God's disposing decree. He disposes of things that are not as though existing. The simplest explanation appears to be to give καλεῖν the sense of nameth, speaketh of. Compare Rom 9:7; Act 7:5. The seed of Abraham “which were at present in the category of things which were not, and the nations which should spring physically or spiritually from him, God spoke of as having an existence, which word Abraham believed” (Alford). In this case there may properly be added the idea of the summons to the high destiny ordained for Abraham's seed.