Definition: Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Romans 4:18. It’s a really profound statement about faith and God's plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s unwavering belief in something, even when others don't. It highlights that God believes in the possibility of a future, a future filled with great things, and that this belief is so strong that it leads to a specific outcome. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Who against hope believed…” : This is the key part. "Hope" here doesn't mean wishful thinking. It means a deep, confident expectation of something good happening – specifically, a future filled with blessing and abundance. It was against the belief of others that this person believed. “…that he might become the father of many nations…” : This is where it gets really powerful. “Become the father of many nations” means to produce descendants who will significantly impact the world – to create a large, influential group of people. It suggests God’s plan has the potential to lead to widespread prosperity and influence. “According to that which was spoken…” : This is a crucial phrase. It's saying that this belief must be followed by a specific outcome described in the scripture. "That which was spoken" refers to the promises and plans God had laid out for the future. “So shall thy seed be.” : This is the final, most significant part. “Thy seed” means your descendants – your family line. The verse suggests that this specific belief and its resulting actions will lead to a continuation of your lineage, creating a large and impactful group of people. In essence, this verse says God's faith in something incredibly positive has the potential to produce a huge and lasting outcome – your descendants. It’s about a divine plan of abundance and influence that is being actively cultivated through faith. Why is it important? This passage is often interpreted as an encouragement for believers to trust in God’s plan, even when things seem difficult or uncertain. It speaks to the idea that God has a purpose for our lives, and that embracing that purpose can lead to great things. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Discuss the context of the passage in more detail (like its relationship to other stories)? Explore what this verse might mean for modern believers?