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Note that the first noun phrase is “by grace.” The other noun of importance is “faith” and the
importance phrase, “it is of God”. So let’s look at these words in detail.

The word, “grace” is N-DFS, which means Noun – dative, feminine, singular. Remember, nouns have
number (either singular or plural), gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and case (nominative, genitive,
dative, accusative, or vocative). So the key here is “grace” is feminine in gender. The word “faith” is N-
GFS meaning noun, genitive, feminine, singular. The key is that the word “faith” is feminine. Now the
next important word phrase is “this is not of yourself.” The important thing we need to find out is
whether the word “this” is referring to “FAITH” or “GRACE.” If it is referring to faith, then God has to
give us the faith to believe (See Norman Geisler’s book, Chosen but Free, p. 228-229 for validating
explanation).

The Greek word for “this” is, “touto” and is listed at DPro-NNS which means, demonstrative pronoun,
nominative, neuter, singular. The important part of this is that the word, “this” is neuter, not feminine.
So since it is neuter, it cannot be referring to “faith” which is feminine. The antecedent of “it is the gift
of God “ is salvation by grace through faith (verse 9). It is SALVATION BY GRACE which is the gift of God,
not the faith to believe.

Commenting on this passage, the great New Testament Greek scholar, A. T. Robertson noted:
“Grace” is God’s part, “faith” is ours. … So the act of being saved by grace is conditioned upon faith on
our part.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament – see Chosen but Free, p. 229)

This verse, using our small understanding of the Greek language, does not support the Calvinistic view
that men are dead and cannot believe, but rather states all men can be saved by an act of free will, if
they will reach out to Christ by faith, and believe. Remember, God is not willing that any perish, but
every man come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Commenting on this passage, the great New Testament Greek scholar, A. T. Robertson noted:
“Grace” is God’s plan. “Faith” is ours. … So the act of being saved by grace is conditioned upon faith on
our part.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament)

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