1 Corinthians 7:19

KJV

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Circumcision {G4061} is {G2076} nothing {G3762}, and {G2532} uncircumcision {G203} is {G2076} nothing {G3762}, but {G235} the keeping {G5084} of the commandments {G1785} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Being circumcised means nothing, and being uncircumcised means nothing; what does mean something is keeping God’s commandments.

Berean Standard Bible

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

American Standard Version

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:19 is a pivotal declaration by the Apostle Paul, asserting that external religious markers like circumcision or uncircumcision hold no inherent spiritual value in the New Covenant. Instead, Paul emphatically states that what truly matters for a believer is a life characterized by active and loving obedience to the commandments of God, thereby shifting the focus from outward ritual to inward transformation and ethical conduct as the genuine expression of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Christian Freedom"), where Paul addresses a range of practical issues concerning marriage, singleness, and social status within the diverse Corinthian church. The chapter is marked by Paul's pastoral counsel on how believers should live out their faith in various life circumstances, emphasizing that one's external state (married/single, slave/free, circumcised/uncircumcised) is secondary to their spiritual commitment to Christ. Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 7:17-24](/1_corinthians/7-17-24 "1 Corinthians 7:17-24 - Living as Called") is that believers should generally remain in the state in which they were called, as their identity in Christ transcends these earthly distinctions. Verse 19 specifically applies this principle to the highly contentious issue of circumcision, which was a significant point of division and theological debate in the early church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants, marking them as God's chosen people ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). For centuries, it was a defining characteristic of Jewish identity and adherence to the Mosaic Law. With the advent of Christianity, which welcomed Gentiles without requiring conversion to Judaism, the question arose whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be true followers of Christ. This was a major point of contention, leading to the Jerusalem Council in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), where it was definitively decided that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised to be saved. Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, consistently championed this freedom from the Law's ceremonial requirements, arguing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the Law. His audience in Corinth included both Jewish and Gentile believers, making the issue of circumcision's relevance a live and potentially divisive concern.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision and Obedience") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian freedom from ceremonial law**, asserting that outward rituals, once central to Old Covenant identity, are now spiritually irrelevant for salvation and standing with God. This aligns with Paul's broader arguments in [Galatians](/galatians/1 "Galatians - Freedom in Christ") and [Romans](/romans/1 "Romans - The Righteousness of God"). Secondly, it highlights the **supremacy of inward transformation and ethical obedience** over external religious observance. The "keeping of the commandments of God" points to a life lived in conformity with God's moral will, which is a fruit of genuine faith, not a means to earn it. This theme is echoed throughout the New Testament, as seen in Jesus' teaching that love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commands ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments")) and the emphasis on a "new creation" in Christ ([Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - A New Creation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Circumcision (Greek, _peritomḗ'_):** From περιτέμνω; refers to the physical rite of circumcision, but also, by extension, the condition or people who are circumcised. In this context, it represents the entire system of Old Covenant ceremonial law and Jewish identity that was marked by this sign. Paul declares its spiritual nullity in the New Covenant.
* **Uncircumcision (Greek, _akrobystía'_):** From ἄκρον and probably a modified form of (the penis or male sexual organ); literally, the prepuce. By implication, it refers to the uncircumcised state or person, typically signifying Gentiles. Paul states that this state, too, holds no inherent spiritual merit or demerit, emphasizing that one's ethnic or ritualistic background is irrelevant for salvation.
* **Keeping (Greek, _tḗrēsis'_):** From τηρέω; implies a watching, but figuratively, observance, preservation, or guarding. This term denotes more than mere intellectual assent or passive knowledge; it signifies diligent, active, and ongoing adherence to, and guarding of, the commandments. It speaks to a lived commitment rather than a perfunctory act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Circumcision is nothing":** This clause emphatically declares that the physical rite of circumcision, once a central sign of God's covenant with Israel, has no spiritual efficacy or salvific power in the New Covenant. It is utterly devoid of value in establishing a right relationship with God.
* **"and uncircumcision is nothing":** Mirroring the previous statement, this clause asserts that the absence of circumcision (the state of being a Gentile) also carries no inherent spiritual advantage or disadvantage. Neither external state, whether Jewish or Gentile, ritualistically marked or unmarked, contributes to one's standing before God.
* **"but the keeping of the commandments of God.":** This concluding clause presents the singular spiritual reality that truly matters. It is a powerful antithesis to the preceding negations, stating that what is of ultimate importance is active, diligent, and loving obedience to God's divine precepts. This obedience is not a means to earn salvation, but the genuine fruit and demonstration of a transformed heart and true faith in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision and Obedience") to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where "circumcision" and "uncircumcision" are set in stark opposition to "the keeping of the commandments of God." This contrast highlights the irrelevance of external markers versus the paramount importance of internal, active obedience. The repeated phrase "is nothing" serves as a form of **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the utter spiritual nullity of these external states. This emphatic negation also borders on **Hyperbole**, as Paul uses absolute language ("nothing") to stress the complete lack of spiritual value, ensuring his audience understands that these once-significant distinctions are now utterly superseded by a new covenant reality. The phrase "commandments of God" also functions as **Metonymy**, where a part (the commandments) stands for the whole (the will of God, the ethical demands of the New Covenant, and the transformed life of a believer).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision and Obedience") is a foundational theological statement that reorients believers from external ritualism to internal transformation and ethical living. It underscores the New Covenant's emphasis on a relationship with God based on grace through faith, rather than adherence to ceremonial laws. This verse does not negate the moral law of God but rather elevates it as the true expression of a redeemed life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It teaches that true spirituality is not about what we *do* to gain favor, but about how we *live* in response to God's saving grace, demonstrating our love for Him through obedience. This concept is consistently articulated throughout Paul's epistles, emphasizing that while salvation is not by works, genuine faith always results in a life of good works and obedience to God's will.

* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")
* [Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - A New Creation")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision and Obedience") serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing external religious forms or social distinctions over the core essence of the Christian faith. For believers today, this means examining what we might be tempted to elevate as markers of true spirituality or belonging—be it denominational affiliation, specific worship styles, adherence to non-essential traditions, or even particular social or political stances. Paul redirects our focus to the singular, indispensable truth: what truly counts is a heart devoted to God, expressed through a life of active and loving obedience to His commandments. This challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity and embrace a deep, transformative relationship with Christ that manifests in tangible acts of love, righteousness, and justice. Our spiritual growth is not measured by outward conformity but by inward transformation that produces fruit consistent with God's character and will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "external markers" or non-essential practices might I be prioritizing over genuine obedience to God's commands in my own life or within my Christian community?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate "the keeping of the commandments of God" in practical ways, beyond mere religious observance?**
* **In what areas do I need to re-evaluate my understanding of what truly defines a faithful follower of Christ, moving from external appearances to internal transformation?**

### FAQ

**What does "the commandments of God" refer to in the context of the New Covenant?**

Answer: In the New Covenant, "the commandments of God" do not refer to the ceremonial or civil laws of the Old Testament, which were fulfilled in Christ and are no longer binding on believers. Instead, they primarily refer to the moral and ethical will of God, as revealed through Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Apostles. This includes the two great commandments to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")). It also encompasses the ethical demands of the New Testament, such as those found in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), Paul's ethical exhortations (e.g., [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living Sacrifices")), and the general call to live a life of holiness, righteousness, and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). It is about living out the character of Christ in all aspects of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 7:19](/1_corinthians/7-19 "1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision and Obedience") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodied and fulfilled the "commandments of God." Jesus Himself declared, "If you love me, keep my commandments" ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments")), making love for Him the motivation for obedience. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), inaugurating a new covenant where the Law is written on hearts by the Spirit, not on stone tablets ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the righteousness we lack, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, He empowers believers to genuinely live out God's moral will, transforming them into "a new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - A New Creation in Christ")). Thus, the "keeping of the commandments of God" is not a legalistic burden but a joyful response to Christ's saving work, enabled by His Spirit, and leading to a life that reflects His character and brings glory to God.

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

Galatians 6:15

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

1 John 2:3

¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 2:4

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Romans 2:25

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.