Romans 2:27

And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

And {G2532} shall not {G2919} uncircumcision {G203} which is by {G1537} nature {G5449}, if it fulfil {G5055} the law {G3551}, judge {G2919} thee {G4571}, who by {G1223} the letter {G1121} and {G2532} circumcision {G4061} dost transgress {G3848} the law {G3551}?

Indeed, the man who is physically uncircumcised but obeys the Torah will stand as a judgment on you who have had a b’rit-milah and have Torah written out but violate it!

The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

and shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who with the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law?

Romans 2:27 (KJV): "And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?"

Commentary on Romans 2:27

This verse is part of Paul's powerful argument in Romans chapters 1 and 2, where he establishes that both Gentiles and Jews are accountable to God and fall short of His glory. He confronts the Jewish assumption that their privileged status, symbolized by circumcision and possession of the written law, guaranteed their righteousness or exempted them from judgment.

Context

In Romans 2, Paul directly addresses the Jewish people (though not exclusively), highlighting their hypocrisy. They condemned Gentiles for sin while committing the same sins themselves, despite having the law. Paul argues that God judges based on deeds, not on external identity or possession of the law (Romans 2:6). He points out that some Gentiles, "by nature," might instinctively live in accordance with the moral principles of the law, demonstrating the law is "written in their hearts" (Romans 2:15). This verse (2:27) builds on that, presenting a stark contrast.

Key Themes

  • Internal vs. External Righteousness: The verse contrasts external markers (circumcision, having the written law - "the letter") with genuine obedience ("fulfil the law"). True righteousness comes from the heart and actions, not just religious identity or knowledge.
  • Judgment Based on Deeds: Paul reiterates that judgment is based on whether one *keeps* the law, not whether one *possesses* it or an outward sign like circumcision.
  • The Paradox of Privilege: Having the law and circumcision, which should lead to obedience, actually highlights the failure of those who "transgress the law," making their position worse than those who, without these privileges, somehow manage to "fulfil the law."
  • Gentiles Judging Jews: The "uncircumcision which is by nature" (Gentiles) is presented as a potential judge of the circumcised Jew who breaks the law, underscoring that God's standard applies universally.

Linguistic Insights

The term "uncircumcision which is by nature" refers to Gentiles in their natural state, without the covenant sign of circumcision. "By the letter and circumcision" refers to Jews who possess the written law and the sign of circumcision. The core contrast is between outwardly possessing religious markers and inwardly, habitually obeying the moral requirements of God's law. To "fulfil the law" implies living in accordance with its principles, while "transgress the law" means actively breaking it.

Reflection and Application

Romans 2:27 is a timeless warning against religious hypocrisy and relying on outward forms or labels for salvation or righteousness. It challenges anyone who identifies with a faith tradition but fails to live according to its core principles. It reminds us that God looks beyond titles, rituals, or knowledge to the state of the heart and the reality of our actions. For Christians today, it emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated by obedience that flows from a transformed heart, not merely by church membership, baptism, or biblical knowledge. The "uncircumcision" who fulfils the law can be seen as a picture of someone who, perhaps unknowingly or through God's common grace, aligns their life with God's moral will, standing in contrast to those who claim to know God but disobey Him.

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.

  • Matthew 12:41

    The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

  • Matthew 12:42

    The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

  • Romans 8:4

    That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • 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.

  • Romans 7:6

    But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter.

  • Romans 7:8

    But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6

    ¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

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