Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
- King James Version

But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,
- New American Standard Version (1995)

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.
- American Standard Version (1901)

But to him who without working has faith in him who gives righteousness to the evil-doer, his faith is put to his account as righteousness.
- Basic English Bible

but to him who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.
- Darby Bible

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
- Webster's Bible

whereas in the case of a man who pleads no actions of his own, but simply believes in Him who declares the ungodly free from guilt, his faith is placed to his credit as righteousness.
- Weymouth Bible

But to him who doesn't work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
- World English Bible

Sotheli to hym that worchith not, but bileueth in to hym that iustefieth a wickid man, his feith is arettid to riytwisnesse, aftir the purpos of Goddis grace.
- Wycliffe Bible

and to him who is not working, and is believing upon Him who is declaring righteous the impious, his faith is reckoned -- to righteousness:
- Youngs Literal Bible

Wesley's Notes for Romans 4:5

4:5 But to him that worketh not - It being impossible he should without faith. But believeth, his faith is imputed to him for righteousness - Therefore God's affirming of Abraham, that faith was imputed to him for righteousness, plainly shows that he worked not; or, in other words, that he was not justified by works, but by faith only. Hence we see plainly how groundless that opinion is, that holiness or sanctification is previous to our justification. For the sinner, being first convinced of his sin and danger by the Spirit of God, stands trembling before the awful tribunal of divine justice ; and has nothing to plead, but his own guilt, and the merits of a Mediator. Christ here interposes; justice is satisfied; the sin is remitted, and pardon is applied to the soul, by a divine faith wrought by the Holy Ghost, who then begins the great work of inward sanctification. Thus God justifies the ungodly, and yet remains just, and true to all his attributes! But let none hence presume to continue in sin; for to the impenitent, God is a consuming fire. On him that justifieth the ungodly - If a man could possibly be made holy before he was justified, it would entirely set his justification aside; seeing he could not, in the very nature of the thing, be justified if he were not, at that very time, ungodly.

People's Bible Notes for Romans 4:5

Ro 4:5 But to him that worketh not. Does not trust his works for acceptance with God. But believeth, etc. Trusts in the mercy of him who justifies sinners who come to him penitent and believing. His faith, etc. It is made the ground of his acceptance with God. By faith he clings to Christ, the Savior.