Ephesians 2:11

¶ 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;

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};

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 —

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)—

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;

Ephesians 2:11 serves as a powerful reminder from the Apostle Paul to Gentile believers in Ephesus, urging them to reflect on their past spiritual and social standing before Christ. It sets the stage for Paul's profound explanation of the unity found in Jesus, who broke down the long-standing barriers between Jew and Gentile.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Ephesians 2:11-22) where Paul details the radical transformation brought about by Christ's redemptive work. Having just described God's grace in saving believers (Ephesians 2:1-10), Paul now specifically addresses the Gentile members of the church, reminding them of their former condition. Historically, Gentiles were considered "outsiders" to the covenant promises given to Israel. This distinction was deeply ingrained in the religious and social fabric of the time, often leading to animosity and separation between Jewish and non-Jewish peoples.

Key Themes

  • Remembering Former Identity: Paul's command to "remember" highlights the stark contrast between their past state of alienation and their new identity in Christ. This remembrance fosters humility and appreciation for God's grace.
  • The Jewish-Gentile Divide: The verse explicitly mentions the labels "Uncircumcision" (Gentiles) and "Circumcision" (Jews), which were not just physical distinctions but profound markers of religious and social identity. The "Circumcision in the flesh made by hands" emphasizes that this was a human, external mark, distinguishing it from a spiritual reality.
  • Alienation and Exclusion: Before Christ, Gentiles were considered outside the covenants of promise, without the same access to God as the Jewish people. Paul reminds them of this former status as outsiders, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Gentiles" comes from the Greek word ethne (ἔθνη), which literally means "nations" or "peoples." In a biblical context, it refers to all non-Israelite peoples. The contrast between "Uncircumcision" and "Circumcision" highlights a defining religious and cultural boundary of the ancient world. Paul later elaborates that true circumcision is not merely external but of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter (see also Colossians 2:11).

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 2:11 offers several profound applications:

  • Gratitude for Salvation: Regardless of our background, this verse calls us to remember the spiritual darkness and separation from God that was our past, and to appreciate the immense grace that brought us into His family.
  • Unity in Christ: It underscores that in Christ, traditional divisions (ethnic, social, economic, cultural) are transcended. The "dividing wall" of hostility has been broken down (as further explained in Ephesians 2:14), emphasizing that all believers are one in Christ Jesus.
  • Focus on Internal Transformation: The distinction between "circumcision in the flesh made by hands" and spiritual circumcision reminds us that God values internal transformation of the heart over external rituals or human distinctions.

This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the incredible peace and unity that Christ brought about, reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God in one body through the cross.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 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;

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