Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
Is {G2564} any man {G5100} called {G2564} being circumcised {G4059}? let him {G1986} not {G3361} become uncircumcised {G1986}. Is {G2564} any {G5100} called {G2564} in {G1722} uncircumcision {G203}? let him {G4059} not {G3361} be circumcised {G4059}.
Was someone already circumcised when he was called? Then he should not try to remove the marks of his circumcision. Was someone uncircumcised when he was called? He shouldn’t undergo b’rit-milah.
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised.
Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
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Acts 15:5
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. -
Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; -
Acts 15:19
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: -
Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: -
Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. -
Galatians 5:1
¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. -
Galatians 5:3
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
1 Corinthians 7:18 is part of Paul's broader discussion on how believers should live out their faith within various life circumstances, emphasizing that one's external status or background is secondary to their spiritual identity in Christ. This verse specifically addresses the issue of circumcision, a pivotal marker of Jewish identity in the ancient world, in relation to Christian conversion.
Context
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 7, the Apostle Paul is answering specific questions posed by the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, and social status. His overarching principle is that believers should generally remain in the state they were in when they were "called" by God, unless there is a clear divine directive or a compelling reason to change. This verse extends that principle to the deeply significant cultural and religious distinction between Jews (circumcised) and Gentiles (uncircumcised). Paul's teaching here aims to discourage converts from feeling compelled to alter their physical or social identity based on their new faith, stressing that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is a prerequisite for salvation or spiritual standing.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "called" is kaleō (καλέω), which in this context signifies God's divine invitation or summons to salvation. The terms "circumcised" (peritomē, περιτομή) and "uncircumcised" (akrobystia, ἀκροβυστία) clearly distinguish between Jewish and Gentile identities. The phrase "let him not become uncircumcised" refers to the rare and painful practice of epispasm, a surgical procedure to reverse circumcision, or more broadly, an attempt to deny one's Jewish heritage. Conversely, "let him not be circumcised" directly warns Gentiles against adopting this Jewish practice as a requirement for Christian faith.
Significance and Application
1 Corinthians 7:18 holds enduring significance for believers today. It teaches us that our identity in Christ is paramount, overriding any cultural, ethnic, or social distinctions. It encourages us to focus on our spiritual transformation rather than external rituals or appearances. Whether one is rich or poor, married or single, from one culture or another, these external statuses do not determine one's worth or standing before God. The core message is to live out your calling faithfully in your current circumstances, knowing that "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature" (Galatians 6:15). This principle fosters unity within the church, reminding us that our common bond in Christ is far stronger than any human-made division.