He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
staggered.
Numbers 11:13-23 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat…
2 Kings 7:2,19 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof…
2 Chronicles 20:15-20 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's…
but was.
Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Daniel 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
but was strengthened in his faith
Abraham's faith grew stronger over time, even as the fulfillment of God's promise seemed impossible. This strengthening is akin to the process described in James 1:2-4, where trials test and develop perseverance, leading to maturity. The Greek term used here implies an active empowerment, suggesting that faith is not static but dynamic, growing through reliance on God. This concept is echoed in Philippians 4:13, where Paul speaks of being able to do all things through Christ who strengthens him.
and gave glory to God
Abraham's response to God's promise was to glorify Him, acknowledging His power and faithfulness. This act of giving glory is central to the Christian life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which instructs believers to do everything for the glory of God. Abraham's life exemplifies the ultimate purpose of humanity: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, as stated in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. His faith and actions foreshadow the ultimate glorification of God through Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's promises and brought salvation to humanity.
Paul points to Abraham, a man who faced impossibilities—his own age and Sarah’s barrenness—yet stayed steady. James 1:6 warns that doubt leaves a person tossed like a wave; Abraham refused that instability. Hebrews 11:11 highlights the same steadiness, noting that Sarah herself received power to conceive because she “considered Him faithful who had promised.”
• Faith took Abraham beyond what his eyes could see.
• He anchored on God’s proven character rather than fluctuating feelings.
Disbelief never gained a foothold. When Zechariah doubted Gabriel’s message in Luke 1:20, he was struck silent; Abraham’s trust brought a very different outcome. Mark 9:24 shows a father confessing, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”—honest doubt seeking help. In contrast, Abraham’s heart rested on Genesis 15:5-6, where God showed him the starry sky and promised descendants without number.
• God’s promises are certain because His nature is unchanging (Numbers 23:19).
• Disbelief questions God’s integrity; faith affirms it.
Faith is not static; it grows as God supplies strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 records the Lord saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Abraham experienced the same strengthening. 1 Peter 5:10 assures that God Himself will “restore, secure, strengthen, and establish” His people.
• Each delay became a workout for Abraham’s faith-muscles.
• Strength came from God, not from Abraham’s optimism.
A heart rooted in faith naturally overflows in worship. Psalm 115:1 declares, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” Abraham’s unwavering trust magnified God’s faithfulness long before Isaac arrived. John 9:3 shows Jesus framing miracles as platforms for divine glory, and 1 Corinthians 10:31 calls every action to that same purpose.
• Glorifying God is the inevitable result of trusting Him.
• Praise becomes proof that we believe His word is already as good as done.
Romans 4:20 portrays Abraham as a model believer: he refused to wobble, held tight to God’s promise, drew supernatural strength, and poured out glory to the Promise-Keeper. This verse invites every follower of Christ to cherish Scripture as literal, stand firm without doubting, lean on the Lord’s enabling power, and live in continual worship that spotlights His unfailing faithfulness.
(20) In faith.--Better, through or by faith, corresponding to "through unbelief" in the preceding clause. Unbelief did not make him doubt, but faith made him confident and strong.Giving glory to God.--This phrase does not necessarily refer to a verbal ascription of praise, but may be used of anything which tends to God's glory, whether in thought, word, or deed (comp. Joshua 7:19; Ezra 10:11; Jeremiah 13:16; Luke 17:18; John 9:24; Acts 12:23); here it seems to be applied to the frank recognition of God's omnipotence involved in Abraham's faith. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...