Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Romans 4:6 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes Romans 4 to prove that justification is by faith apart from works. After using Abraham as his first witness, he now calls King David as a second Old Testament witness. In Romans 4:6 Paul introduces David’s testimony from Psalm 32:1, showing that both the father of the Jewish nation and its most honored king understood the same truth: God credits righteousness to the one who believes, not to the one who earns it.

Meaning

The key word is “imputeth,” meaning God reckons or credits righteousness to a person. This is not a righteousness that belongs to the person by nature or achievement; it is a righteousness credited to one who has none of his own. The blessedness David describes is the happiness and security of the person who receives this divine gift. Paul’s point is that this blessing comes “without works”—no amount of human effort or law-keeping can earn it. It is received through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is inseparable from the forgiveness of sins, as the following verses in Romans 4:7-8 make clear.

Biblical connections

David’s words in Psalm 32:1-2 agree with Paul’s teaching about Abraham. Both testify that justification is a gift of God’s grace, not a reward for works. This does not mean works are unnecessary in the Christian life; rather, they are not the basis for justification. The righteousness that saves is an alien righteousness, credited to the believer by God’s sovereign grace.

Application

This verse calls believers to rest in the finished work of Christ. When guilt or doubt arises, the answer is not to try harder but to trust the One who justifies the ungodly. The blessedness David describes—joy, peace, and assurance of salvation—belongs to all who receive God’s imputed righteousness through faith.

Reflection

Do you live as though God’s favor must be earned, or do you rest in the righteousness He credits to you? Let David’s testimony lead you to praise, for the person whose sins are forgiven and who is counted righteous in Christ is truly blessed.