4:20a–c

In this verse, Paul spoke more about Abraham’s faith in relation to the promise that God told him.

4:20a

Yet: This Greek word indicates contrast. Some languages would naturally want to indicate contrast here to “Without weakening in his faith” (4:19a). But in some languages 4:20a does not contrast to 4:19a. Consider what is most natural in your language.

he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God: The Greek is literally “toward the promise of God he did not waver/doubt in/by unbelief.” Abraham lived believing God and what he said. So he was not uncertain about God’s promise. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God (New International Version)
-or-
He didn’t doubt God’s promise out of a lack of faith (God’s Word)
-or-
He never doubted that God would keep his promise (New Century Version)
-or-
He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
He continued to believe that finally God’s promise to him would be fulfilled. Abraham did not doubt

4:20b

but: The word but here indicates a contrast. However, in some languages there is no contrast between “he did not waver” (4:20a) and “was strengthened in his faith” here. For example:

and

was strengthened in his faith: This clause indicates that Abraham’s faith in God increased. He believed in God more and more. The Greek is passive, indicating that God strengthened Abraham’s faith. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

he became stronger in his faith
-or-
his faith/believing strengthened
-or-

⌊God⌋ strengthened his/Abraham’s faith

In some languages the word faith cannot be used with strengthened. If that is true in your language, consider how to translate the meaning. For example:

he believed in God in more and more ways
-or-
his faith matured
-or-
his faith continued to be great

4:20c

and: The word and indicates that Abraham gave glory to God at the same time that his faith grew strong (4:20b). Another way to translate this word is:

at-the-same-time

gave glory to God: This clause indicates that Abraham honored and praised God. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

he also was praising God
-or-
he honored and praised God

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