Romans 3:1

¶ What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?

What {G5101} advantage {G4053} then {G3767} hath the Jew {G2453}? or {G2228} what {G5101} profit {G5622} is there of circumcision {G4061}?

Then what advantage has the Jew? What is the value of being circumcised?

What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision?

Commentary

In Romans 3:1, the Apostle Paul anticipates and addresses a crucial question arising from his previous arguments in Romans chapter 2. Having established that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and that God judges all people impartially based on their actions and the true state of their hearts, not merely outward identity or adherence to the law, this verse poses a direct challenge to traditional Jewish understanding.

Context

Paul has just concluded a section where he demonstrated that having the law or being circumcised does not automatically grant righteousness or immunity from judgment (Romans 2:17-29). He emphasized that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not the letter (Romans 2:29). This radical assertion prompts the obvious question: If these things don't save, what value is there in being Jewish? What benefit does physical circumcision offer?

Key Themes

  • Jewish Advantage: The verse directly questions if there is any remaining special status or privilege for the Jewish people in God's plan.
  • Profit of Circumcision: It challenges the perceived spiritual benefit or saving power of the physical sign of the covenant.
  • Transition in Argument: This verse serves as a pivot point, allowing Paul to clarify the true advantages God bestowed upon Israel before moving to demonstrate universal sinfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated 'advantage' is perisson (περισσόν), meaning something exceptional, surplus, or superior. 'Profit' is opheleia (ὠφέλεια), which refers to usefulness, benefit, or gain. Paul is asking if being Jewish brings any significant, unique gain or benefit, and if the act of circumcision itself carries any spiritual advantage.

Commentary & Analysis

Paul is not suggesting there is *no* advantage, but rather forcing his readers to consider what the true advantages are. His previous argument dismantled the idea that being Jewish or circumcised automatically guarantees salvation or a right standing before God independent of faith and genuine righteousness. The question highlights the tension between God's historical covenant with Israel and the reality of universal sin Paul is revealing. Paul will answer this question in the very next verse (Romans 3:2), stating that the primary advantage is being entrusted with the oracles (sayings) of God.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine what we rely on for our spiritual standing. Do we trust in our religious background, rituals, traditions, or heritage? Or do we understand that true standing before God comes through faith, as Paul will elaborate later in Romans? It reminds us that external religious markers, while sometimes significant in context, do not replace the need for genuine inward transformation and a relationship with God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:32

    And Esau said, Behold, I [am] at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:8

    For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

  • Ecclesiastes 6:11

    ¶ Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what [is] man the better?

  • Hebrews 13:9

    Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

  • Malachi 3:14

    Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
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