And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
And {G2532} he received {G2983} the sign {G4592} of circumcision {G4061}, a seal {G4973} of the righteousness {G1343} of the faith {G4102} which {G3588} he had yet being {G1722} uncircumcised {G203}: that {G1519} he {G846} might be {G1511} the father {G3962} of all {G3956} them that believe {G4100}, though {G1223} they be not circumcised {G203}; that {G1519} righteousness {G1343} might be imputed {G3049} unto them {G846} also {G2532}:
In fact, he received circumcision as a sign, as a seal of the righteousness he had been credited with on the ground of the trust he had while he was still uncircumcised. This happened so that he could be the father of every uncircumcised person who trusts and thus has righteousness credited to him,
And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.
and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;
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Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: -
Luke 19:9
And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. -
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. -
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. -
Galatians 3:7
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. -
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. -
Romans 10:6
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above:])
Romans 4:11 (KJV)
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Context
In Romans chapter 4, the Apostle Paul is building his case for justification by faith, not by works of the law. He uses Abraham, a foundational figure for both Jews and Christians, as a prime example. Paul argues that Abraham was declared righteous by God based on his faith (Genesis 15:6), *before* he was circumcised. This verse specifically explains the significance of Abraham receiving circumcision *after* his righteousness was credited.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The verse uses two significant Greek words to describe circumcision's role: semeion (sign) and sphragis (seal). A 'sign' points to something else; a 'seal' authenticates or confirms something already existing. Circumcision was a sign pointing to the covenant relationship and a seal confirming the righteousness Abraham already had by faith. The word 'imputed' comes from the Greek logizomai, which means to count, reckon, or credit to someone's account, emphasizing that this righteousness is given, not earned.
Commentary & Application
Paul clarifies here that Abraham's circumcision was not the basis of his righteousness but a subsequent event. He received it as a sign and a seal – a visible marker and confirmation – of the righteousness he already possessed through faith while he was still uncircumcised. This is a critical point that undermines the idea that salvation depends on adherence to the Mosaic Law or Jewish rituals.
The purpose of this timing was strategic: that Abraham would become the spiritual father of all who believe, whether they are circumcised (representing Jewish believers) or uncircumcised (representing Gentile believers). This highlights the universal nature of God's plan of salvation through faith, breaking down the barrier between Jew and Gentile that physical circumcision represented. Just as righteousness was credited to Abraham through his faith, the same principle applies to all who believe today – righteousness is imputed unto them also. This means our right standing before God is not based on our performance but on His gracious accounting of Christ's righteousness to us when we place our faith in Him.
Reflection
Romans 4:11 powerfully reinforces the Gospel truth that salvation is a gift received through faith. Abraham's example shows that God's method of saving people has always been consistent – by grace through faith. This verse encourages believers from all backgrounds, assuring them that they are part of the same spiritual family as Abraham, united not by ritual but by a shared trust in God's promises.