1 Corinthians 7:19

1 Corinthians 7:19 is a profound statement by the Apostle Paul, cutting through external religious observances to highlight what truly matters in the Christian life. This verse declares, "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 7, where he addresses various practical matters concerning marriage, singleness, and social status within the diverse Corinthian church. The community included both Jewish and Gentile converts, and the issue of circumcision was a significant point of contention in the early church. Jewish believers often struggled with the idea that Gentiles could be full members of the covenant without adopting this key sign of the Mosaic Law. Paul consistently argued against such requirements, emphasizing that salvation and true standing with God are not based on ethnic or ritualistic markers but on faith in Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

• Irrelevance of External Rituals: Paul unequivocally states that physical circumcision, a foundational covenant sign for Israel, holds absolutely no spiritual significance for salvation or a right relationship with God in the New Covenant. Conversely, the lack of circumcision (uncircumcision) also carries no inherent spiritual merit. This principle extends to any external religious practice or social status that might be seen as a prerequisite for God's favor.
• Primacy of Obedience: The core message is that what truly counts is "the keeping of the commandments of God." This is not about earning salvation through works, but about demonstrating genuine faith and love for God through active obedience. True faith is always expressed in a transformed life, bearing fruit that aligns with God's will.
• New Covenant Reality: This verse underscores the shift from the Old Covenant's emphasis on outward signs and ritual law to the New Covenant's focus on an inward transformation of the heart and a life lived in loving obedience to Christ's teachings.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "nothing" (ouden) is an emphatic negation, stressing the utter lack of value or spiritual significance in either state. The term "keeping" (tērēsis) implies more than mere knowledge; it signifies diligent observance, preservation, and guarding of the commandments. It speaks to an active, ongoing commitment to live according to God's will, which is summarized in the New Testament as love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).

Related Scriptures

Paul reiterates this theme in other letters, emphasizing that what matters is not ritual but a transformed heart:

• Galatians 5:6: "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
• Galatians 6:15: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."
• Romans 2:29: True circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.

The concept of obedience as a hallmark of true faith is also central to the teachings of Jesus and other apostles, such as in John 14:21 and 1 John 2:3.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:19 serves as a timeless reminder to focus on the essentials of faith. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances, religious traditions, or denominational affiliations that might distract from the heart of the gospel. What truly defines a follower of Christ is not adherence to non-essential rules or external markers, but a life characterized by genuine love for God and neighbor, expressed through diligent obedience to God's moral and ethical commandments. Our spiritual growth is measured by our conformity to Christ's character, not by our participation in rituals that have lost their spiritual significance in the New Covenant.