Romans 4:6

Even as David. The quotation is from Ps. 32: 1 , 2 and agrees with the LXX rather than with the Masoretic text. David’s statement is quoted by Paul to confirm and further explain his interpretation of Abraham’s experience, which he resumes in Rom. 4:9. Further evidence is also thus provided that the doctrine of justification by faith, apart from works, is well supported by the OT and was understood by the greatest Jewish leaders.

Describeth the blessedness. Literally, “speaks the blessing,” hence the translation preferred by many interpreters, “David pronounces a blessing” (see RSV). Others, however, prefer to ascribe to God the pronouncing of blessing, by such a translation as, “David also tells of the blessedness.”

Imputeth. Gr. logizomai (see on v. 3). To reckon righteousness is essentially the same as to justify. The purpose of Ps. 32, from which Paul is quoting, is to show the blessedness of the man who is forgiven, whose sins are not charged to him, and who is therefore treated as a righteous person. No longer is he regarded as a rebellious sinner, but as a friend of God.

Without works. David does not use this phrase, but the idea is implicit in the psalm. Works are of absolutely no avail in atoning for past iniquity (see on ch. 3:28).