Romans 4:4

The reward [ο μ ι σ θ ο ς]. See on 2 Peter 2:13.

Not of grace but of debt [ο υ κ α τ α χ α ρ ι ν α λ λ α κ α τ α ο φ ε ι λ η μ α]. Lit., according to grace, etc. Not grace but debt is the regulative standard according to which his compensation is awarded. The workman for hire represents the legal method of salvation; he who does not work for hire, the gospel method; wages cannot be tendered as a gift. Grace is out of the question when wages is in question.