Romans 4:7-8 to Psalm 32:1-2

OT Source(s):

Psalm 32:1-2 (LXX 31:1-2) - "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin"

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Direct Quotation

Connection Method(s): Analogy

Significance: Paul quotes David's beatitude on forgiveness from Psalm 32 as a second witness (alongside Genesis 15:6) to justification apart from works. David speaks of the blessedness of the person whose sins God does not count — Paul argues this is the same principle as righteousness credited apart from works. Crucially, David wrote this as a circumcised Jew under the law, yet described blessedness in terms of non-imputation of sin rather than law-keeping, confirming Paul's argument that justification has always been by faith, not works.