1 Corinthians 7:18

KJV

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:18, the Apostle Paul addresses the early Christian community, particularly those grappling with their previous Jewish or Gentile identities in light of their new faith in Christ. He asserts that one's external status at the time of conversion—whether circumcised or uncircumcised—is spiritually irrelevant and should not be altered. This verse underscores a foundational principle of the New Covenant: salvation and spiritual standing are not dependent on physical rites or ethnic markers, but on one's relationship with God through Christ, emphasizing contentment in one's calling and the transcendence of the gospel over human distinctions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where Paul provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of Christian life, primarily in response to specific questions posed by the Corinthian church (see [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me")). The broader chapter deals with marriage, singleness, divorce, and, critically, the principle of remaining in the state in which one was called by God (cf. [1 Corinthians 7:17](/1_corinthians/7-17 "1 Corinthians 7:17 - But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk.")). Paul's counsel here extends the "remain as you are" principle to the highly sensitive issue of circumcision, which was a deeply divisive topic between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. He aims to prevent converts from feeling obligated to change their physical or social identity to conform to a perceived Christian norm, thereby reinforcing the universality of the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Circumcision was the quintessential sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), deeply embedded in Jewish identity and practice for millennia. It distinguished Jews from Gentiles, who were often referred to as "the uncircumcision" ([Ephesians 2:11](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11 - Remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;")). For Jewish converts to Christianity, there might have been pressure to abandon their Jewish distinctives, while Gentile converts might have felt compelled by some Jewish Christians (the "Judaizers") to undergo circumcision as a prerequisite for full inclusion or salvation (as seen in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council")). The practice of *epispasm* (reversing circumcision) was rare but known in the Greco-Roman world, sometimes undertaken by Jews wishing to assimilate more fully into Hellenistic culture, particularly to participate in Greek athletic games naked. Paul's instruction directly addresses these pressures, asserting that neither practice holds spiritual significance for a believer in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within Paul's epistles and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Identity Over External Markers**, emphasizing that one's relationship with God is not contingent upon physical rites, ethnic background, or social status. What truly matters is a transformed heart and obedience to God's commands (cf. [1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.")). Another key theme is **Contentment in God's Calling**, encouraging believers to find satisfaction and serve God effectively in the circumstances they were in when they came to faith, promoting stability and reducing anxiety over external changes. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Unity in Christ**, illustrating that the gospel transcends traditional divisions between Jew and Gentile, creating a new humanity where all are one in Christ Jesus ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.")). Finally, it speaks to **Freedom from the Law** as a means of salvation, echoing Paul's consistent message that in Christ, ceremonial laws like circumcision are no longer requirements for righteousness ([Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This term signifies God's divine invitation or summons to salvation. It implies a sovereign act of God bringing an individual into a relationship with Him, establishing their new identity in Christ. The context of "being called" points to the moment of conversion or the initiation of one's Christian life, setting the baseline for Paul's instruction to remain in that state.
* **become uncircumcised (Greek, _epispáomai'_):** Derived from "to draw over," this word specifically refers to the rare and painful surgical procedure of epispasm, which aimed to restore the foreskin and thus reverse the physical sign of circumcision. In this context, it represents an attempt to outwardly deny or erase one's Jewish heritage, often for social or cultural assimilation into the Hellenistic world. Paul's prohibition against this practice underscores that a Jewish convert should not seek to abandon their ethnic identity for the sake of their new faith.
* **uncircumcision (Greek, _akrobystía'_):** Literally meaning "the prepuce" or foreskin, this term is used metonymically to refer to the state of being uncircumcised, and by implication, to a Gentile person or even a spiritually unregenerate state. In this verse, it primarily denotes the Gentile identity. Paul's instruction for those "called in uncircumcision" not to be circumcised directly addresses the pressure on Gentile converts to adopt Jewish customs, asserting that their Gentile identity is no barrier to their standing in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised."**: This clause addresses Jewish believers who were already circumcised when they came to faith in Christ. Paul's instruction is clear: they should not attempt to reverse their circumcision or deny their Jewish heritage for the sake of their new Christian identity. This reinforces that one's ethnic or social background, established prior to conversion, is not a spiritual impediment or a requirement for change.
* **"Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised."**: This second clause speaks to Gentile believers who were uncircumcised at the time of their conversion. Paul explicitly commands them not to undergo circumcision. This directly counters the teaching of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be true Christians or to be saved, affirming that the New Covenant does not impose the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant as a prerequisite for faith or fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 7:18](/1_corinthians/7-18 "1 Corinthians 7:18 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.") to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where Paul presents two opposing states ("circumcised" vs. "uncircumcised") and applies the same principle to each, highlighting their spiritual equivalence. This creates a balanced, parallel structure that underscores his central point: neither state is superior or inferior in the eyes of God. Related to this is **Parallelism**, as the two halves of the verse mirror each other in structure and command, reinforcing the consistency of the principle. Furthermore, the verse begins with **Rhetorical Questions** ("Is any man called being circumcised? Is any called in uncircumcision?") which, though phrased as questions, function as statements designed to elicit an obvious affirmative answer, setting up the subsequent imperative commands. This rhetorical strategy engages the reader and prepares them for the direct injunctions that follow, making the teaching more impactful and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's instruction in [1 Corinthians 7:18](/1_corinthians/7-18 "1 Corinthians 7:18 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.") is a profound theological statement on the nature of salvation and Christian identity under the New Covenant. It decisively moves away from external markers and ethnic distinctions as determinants of one's standing with God, shifting the focus entirely to an internal, spiritual transformation. This principle liberates believers from the burden of conforming to human-made rituals or social expectations, allowing them to serve Christ authentically within their given circumstances. It underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel, which transcends all human divisions and unites believers from every background into one body in Christ. The theological implication is that God's calling is transformative of the heart, not merely of external appearance or social status.

* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision is of the Heart")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless wisdom of [1 Corinthians 7:18](/1_corinthians/7-18 "1 Corinthians 7:18 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.") resonates deeply in our contemporary world, which is often preoccupied with external identities, social categories, and superficial distinctions. Paul's message calls us to a profound spiritual freedom, reminding us that our ultimate identity is found in Christ alone, not in our ethnicity, social status, economic standing, or any other outward marker. This verse encourages us to embrace contentment and faithfulness in whatever circumstances God has called us, rather than striving to change our external situation in pursuit of perceived spiritual advantage or social acceptance. It challenges us to look beyond the visible and focus on the invisible work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, fostering genuine unity within the church that transcends all human-made divisions. Our mission is to live out our faith authentically, allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out, rather than conforming to external pressures or seeking to alter our physical or social identity for spiritual gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What external markers or social identities do I sometimes rely on, consciously or unconsciously, to define my worth or spiritual standing?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to change my outward circumstances or appearance to gain acceptance or feel more "Christian"?**
* **How does the truth that my identity in Christ transcends all human distinctions impact my view of myself and others within the church?**
* **Am I truly content to serve God faithfully in the circumstances He has called me to, or do I constantly seek external changes?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that all external practices or cultural expressions are irrelevant to faith?**

Answer: Not entirely. While [1 Corinthians 7:18](/1_corinthians/7-18 "1 Corinthians 7:18 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.") asserts that circumcision (a significant religious and cultural marker) is spiritually irrelevant for salvation, it does not mean all external practices are irrelevant. Paul's point is that such practices are not *prerequisites* for salvation or for a right standing with God. He later clarifies in [1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.") that "circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." This shows that while external rituals are secondary, obedience to God's moral commands, which often involve outward actions, remains vital. The verse teaches that one's *pre-conversion* external status should not be altered, but a transformed life will naturally manifest in new behaviors and expressions of faith that align with God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 7:18](/1_corinthians/7-18 "1 Corinthians 7:18 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the new spiritual reality that transcends all external distinctions. Before Christ, circumcision was the covenant sign that separated Israel from the nations, pointing forward to a future spiritual reality. In Christ, this physical sign is superseded by a spiritual circumcision of the heart, "made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" ([Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Circumcision of Christ")). Jesus' life, death, and resurrection inaugurated a New Covenant where access to God is no longer based on ethnic lineage or adherence to ceremonial law, but solely on faith in Him ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:")). He broke down "the middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Ephesians 2:14-15 - He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;")). Therefore, whether one is circumcised or uncircumcised, the true mark of belonging to God's people is union with Christ, who is "all, and in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.")). This verse, then, is a declaration of the gospel's power to unite diverse peoples under the headship of Christ, rendering external status secondary to the profound spiritual transformation wrought by His saving work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.