Romans 2:26

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

Complete Jewish Bible:

Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the Torah, won’t his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?

Berean Standard Bible:

If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

American Standard Version:

If therefore the uncircumcision keep the ordinances of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Therefore^{G3767} if^{G1437} the uncircumcision^{G203} keep^{G5442} the righteousness^{G1345} of the law^{G3551}, shall^{G3049} not^{G3780} his^{G846} uncircumcision^{G203} be counted^{G3049} for^{G1519} circumcision^{G4061}?

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Romans 2:26

Romans 2:26 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians, written around AD 57-58. In this verse, Paul is addressing the relationship between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) in the context of God's righteousness and the role of the Mosaic Law. The theme of this verse is the inclusive nature of God's salvation and the redefinition of what it means to be part of God's people.

The historical context is crucial for understanding this verse. The Jewish people considered themselves God's chosen nation, with circumcision as a key sign of their covenant relationship with Him. Gentiles, who were uncircumcised, were typically seen as outside of this covenant. However, Paul challenges this view by suggesting that an uncircumcised person (a Gentile) who follows the moral requirements of the law (righteousness) is considered as if they were circumcised (part of the covenant community). This reflects the early Christian understanding that faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to God's moral law, rather than adherence to ritual practices like circumcision, are what truly matter in God's eyes.

In essence, Romans 2:26 expresses the principle that one's spiritual status is not determined by external physical signs but by one's internal faith and obedience to God. This concept was radical at the time, as it broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles and paved the way for a more universal understanding of God's kingdom, accessible to all who believe and obey. Paul's message here is consistent with the broader themes in Romans, which emphasize justification by faith for both Jews and Gentiles and the transformative power of God's grace through Jesus Christ.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3767
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὖν
   Transliteration: oûn
   Pronunciation: oon
   Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1437
   There are 254 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐάν
   Transliteration: eán
   Pronunciation: eh-an'
   Description: from εἰ and ἄν; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty:--before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever). See μή.
   
3. Strong's Number: G203
   There are 1037 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκροβυστία
   Transliteration: akrobystía
   Pronunciation: ak-rob-oos-tee'-ah
   Description: from ἄκρον and probably a modified form of (the penis or male sexual organ); the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e. gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person:--not circumcised, uncircumcised (with ἔχω), uncircumcision.
   
4. Strong's Number: G5442
   There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φυλάσσω
   Transliteration: phylássō
   Pronunciation: foo-las'-so
   Description: probably from φυλή through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid:--beward, keep (self), observe, save. Compare τηρέω.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1345
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δικαίωμα
   Transliteration: dikaíōma
   Pronunciation: dik-ah'-yo-mah
   Description: from δικαιόω; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision:--judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3551
   There are 158 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: νόμος
   Transliteration: nómos
   Pronunciation: nom'-os
   Description: from a primary (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3049
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λογίζομαι
   Transliteration: logízomai
   Pronunciation: log-id'-zom-ahee
   Description: middle voice from λόγος; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).
   
8. Strong's Number: G3780
   There are 54 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐχί
   Transliteration: ouchí
   Pronunciation: oo-khee'
   Description: intensive of οὐ; not indeed:--nay, not.
   
9. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
10. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
    
11. Strong's Number: G4061
    There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: περιτομή
    Transliteration: peritomḗ
    Pronunciation: per-it-om-ay'
    Description: from περιτέμνω; circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively):--X circumcised, circumcision.