Ephesians 2:11

KJV

¶ Wherefore 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} remember {G3421}, that {G3754} ye {G5210} being in time past {G4218} Gentiles {G1484} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}, who {G3588} are called {G3004} Uncircumcision {G203} by {G5259} that which {G3588} is called {G3004} the Circumcision {G4061} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561} made by hands {G5499};

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, remember your former state: you Gentiles by birth — called the Uncircumcised by those who, merely because of an operation on their flesh, are called the Circumcised —

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—

American Standard Version

Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:11 serves as a foundational reminder from the Apostle Paul to Gentile believers, urging them to reflect deeply on their former state of alienation and exclusion from God's covenant people. This verse strategically sets the stage for Paul's profound exposition on the radical transformation and new unity achieved through Christ's reconciling work, which dismantles the deeply entrenched social and spiritual barriers between Jewish and Gentile peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Having just expounded on the magnificent grace of God in saving believers from spiritual death and granting them new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10), Paul now pivots to address a specific and crucial implication of this salvation: the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles into one new humanity. Ephesians 2:11-22 elaborates on how Christ's redemptive work not only saves individuals but also breaks down the ancient dividing wall of hostility, creating a unified body of believers. Verse 11, therefore, serves as the preamble to this grand declaration of unity, reminding the Gentile audience of the stark contrast between their past separation and their present inclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the distinction between Jews and Gentiles was not merely ethnic but profoundly religious, social, and cultural. Jews, as God's chosen people, possessed the covenant, the Law, and the promises of God. Circumcision was the physical sign of this covenant, marking Jewish males as distinct from all other nations. Gentiles, by contrast, were considered "outsiders" to these divine privileges, often viewed with disdain by Jews, and reciprocally, they sometimes harbored animosity towards Jews. This division was palpable, even physically manifested in the Temple in Jerusalem, where a "middle wall of partition" (soreg) separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts accessible only to Jews, with inscriptions warning Gentiles against proceeding further on pain of death. Paul's address to the "Uncircumcision" by the "Circumcision" directly references this deeply ingrained and often hostile social and religious divide.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 2:11 introduces several critical themes that Paul develops throughout the subsequent verses. Firstly, the theme of **Remembrance** is paramount; Paul calls believers to recall their past state, fostering humility and a deeper appreciation for God's grace. Secondly, the verse highlights the profound **Jewish-Gentile Divide**, emphasizing the labels "Uncircumcision" and "Circumcision" as markers of a deeply entrenched religious and social identity that led to mutual alienation. This distinction, particularly "Circumcision in the flesh made by hands," underscores the external, human-made nature of this division, setting the stage for Paul to reveal Christ's work in breaking down such barriers. This theme culminates in the declaration that Christ is "our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition" as detailed in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Alienation and Exclusion**, reminding Gentiles that they were formerly "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Gentiles Without Christ")). This stark reminder serves to magnify the transformative power of God's grace in bringing them near.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remember (Greek, _mnēmoneúō'_):** This verb means to exercise memory, recollect, or be mindful. Paul's command to "remember" is not merely a call to intellectual recall but an exhortation to deep, grateful reflection. It implies a conscious act of acknowledging their former spiritual and social status, preventing pride and fostering a profound appreciation for their current state in Christ. This remembrance grounds their identity in God's grace, not in their past achievements or distinctions.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "race" or "tribe," _éthnos_ refers specifically to foreign, non-Jewish peoples, often implying a pagan or non-covenantal status in a biblical context. Here, it underscores the ethnic and religious identity of the audience, who, by virtue of not being born into the covenant people of Israel, were considered outsiders to God's special relationship with humanity. This term highlights their former exclusion from the promises and privileges extended to Israel.
* **made by hands (Greek, _cheiropoíētos'_):** This adjective, meaning "manufactured" or "of human construction," is crucial for understanding Paul's argument. When applied to "Circumcision," it emphasizes that this physical rite was a human act, an external mark performed by human hands. By highlighting its "man-made" nature, Paul subtly distinguishes it from a spiritual, internal reality, setting the stage for the New Testament understanding of true circumcision as a work of the Spirit on the heart (e.g., [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). This distinction is vital for understanding how Christ transcends external, human-imposed divisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore remember":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn injunction, urging the Gentile believers to pause and reflect. "Wherefore" (G1352, _dió_) connects this remembrance directly to the preceding declaration of God's grace and their salvation (Ephesians 2:1-10). It implies that because of what God has done, they *should* remember their past, not to dwell in despair, but to magnify the grace that brought them out of it.
* **"that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh":** This clause describes the former identity and state of the Ephesian believers. "In time past" (G4218, _poté_) emphasizes a definitive break from their former condition. Being "Gentiles" (G1484, _éthnos_) refers to their non-Jewish ethnic and religious background, signifying their exclusion from the covenant nation of Israel. The phrase "in the flesh" (G1722, _en_ G4561, _sárx_) here emphasizes their physical, human identity and the external, observable reality of their non-Jewish status, setting the stage for the contrast with the spiritual reality in Christ.
* **"who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;":** This final, lengthy clause elaborates on the nature of their past identity, defined by the prevailing social and religious labels. "Uncircumcision" (G203, _akrobystía_) was the pejorative term used by Jews to refer to Gentiles, highlighting their lack of the covenant sign. Conversely, "Circumcision" (G4061, _peritomḗ_) refers to the Jewish people, who bore this physical mark. The crucial addition "in the flesh made by hands" (G1722, _en_ G4561, _sárx_ G5499, _cheiropoíētos_) underscores that this distinction was based on an external, humanly performed ritual, not an internal, spiritual transformation. This sets up Paul's later argument that Christ has rendered such external distinctions obsolete for defining God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in Ephesians 2:11 to powerfully convey his message. **Antithesis** is prominent, with the stark contrast between "Uncircumcision" and "Circumcision," representing the two formerly estranged groups. This highlights the deep division that existed. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "Uncircumcision" and "Circumcision" are not just physical states but stand in for the entire Gentile and Jewish populations, respectively, embodying their distinct identities and the social chasm between them. The repetition of "in the flesh" serves as a device of **Emphasis**, underscoring that the distinctions being discussed were physical and external, rather than spiritual, preparing the reader for the radical spiritual unity Christ brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:11 is a crucial theological anchor, underscoring the radical nature of salvation in Christ, which transcends all human-made distinctions and divisions. It highlights that God's plan of redemption is cosmic in scope, not merely individual, bringing together disparate peoples into a unified body. The verse challenges any notion of spiritual superiority based on ethnic origin or external rites, redirecting focus to the transformative power of God's grace. By reminding Gentiles of their former alienation, Paul magnifies the magnitude of their inclusion and the profound peace that Christ has established between humanity and God, and between previously hostile human groups. This lays the groundwork for understanding the church as a new humanity, where old identities are subsumed into a shared identity in Christ.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - No Distinction in Christ")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:11 calls contemporary believers to a profound reflection on their own spiritual journey and identity. Regardless of our background—whether we come from a place of privilege or marginalization, religious upbringing or spiritual apathy—this verse reminds us that our true standing before God is solely by His grace, not by any human distinction or merit. It cultivates a spirit of humility and immense gratitude for the salvation we have received. Furthermore, it challenges us to actively dismantle any "dividing walls" that might exist within our own communities or hearts, whether based on ethnicity, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other human construct. Just as Christ broke down the ancient barrier between Jew and Gentile, we are called to embrace and foster unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that our shared identity in Him far surpasses any earthly differences. This verse encourages us to value internal transformation and spiritual reality over external markers or transient cultural norms, ensuring that our focus remains on the unifying work of the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering your "time past" (your life before Christ or before a deeper commitment to Him) deepen your appreciation for God's grace in your life today?**
* **In what ways do "man-made" distinctions or labels (social, economic, educational, cultural) still create barriers or perceived hierarchies within the church or in your personal interactions?**
* **How can you actively contribute to breaking down such "dividing walls" and fostering greater unity and inclusivity within your community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul want the Gentile believers to "remember" their past state of being "Gentiles in the flesh"?**

Answer: Paul's instruction to "remember" is not meant to shame or diminish the Gentile believers, but rather to deepen their understanding and appreciation of God's profound grace and the magnitude of their salvation. By recalling their former alienation from God's covenant people and the promises made to Israel, they can fully grasp the incredible privilege of their current inclusion. This remembrance fosters humility, prevents spiritual pride, and magnifies the reconciling work of Christ, who brought them near. It also sets the stage for Paul's subsequent explanation of how Christ broke down the very wall of hostility that defined their former existence, creating one new humanity in Himself, as explained in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:11 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of reconciliation and peace. The ancient, deeply entrenched division between Jew and Gentile, symbolized by "Circumcision in the flesh made by hands" and "Uncircumcision," was a chasm that no human effort could bridge. However, Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, became "our peace," effectively dismantling this "middle wall of partition" that separated humanity, both from God and from one another ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances, not by destroying it, but by fulfilling it, thereby creating in Himself "one new man" out of the two formerly hostile groups ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Man in Christ")). This means that in Christ, external markers and human distinctions, which once defined identity and separation, are rendered obsolete. The true "circumcision" is now of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter, a spiritual reality experienced by all who are united with Christ through faith ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart"); [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Spiritual Circumcision in Christ")). Thus, Christ's work transforms alienated outsiders into fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Colossians 2:11

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Colossians 2:13

¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

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.

Romans 2:28

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Romans 2:29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Jeremiah 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;