from ἄκρον and probably a modified form of (the penis or male sexual organ); the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e. gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person:--not circumcised, uncircumcised (with ἔχω), uncircumcision.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **akrobystía**, represented by `{{G203}}`, refers to the state of **uncircumcision**. It appears **20 times** across **17 unique verses**. While its base meaning denotes the prepuce, it is used by implication to describe an uncircumcised person, often a gentile, and figuratively, an unregenerate spiritual state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G203}}` is frequently used to highlight the distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles in Ephesus were referred to as "**Uncircumcision**" by those called "the Circumcision" [[Ephesians 2:11]]. Paul uses Abraham as a key example, noting that righteousness was credited to him through faith while he was still in a state of **uncircumcision** [[Romans 4:10]]. The term also carried social weight, as seen when Peter was challenged for going in to "men **uncircumcised**" to eat with them [[Acts 11:3]]. Figuratively, it is linked to a spiritual condition, describing those "dead in your sins and the **uncircumcision** of your flesh" before being made alive in Christ [[Colossians 2:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary word used in contrast with `{{G203}}` is:
* `{{G4061}}` **peritomḗ** (circumcision): This term describes the rite, condition, or people of the circumcision. It is the direct counterpart to **akrobystía** and is consistently placed in opposition to it to argue that external rites have no spiritual advantage in Christ Jesus [[Galatians 5:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G203}}` is central to understanding the gospel's reach beyond the Jewish people.
* **A Neutral State in Christ:** Paul repeatedly emphasizes that in Christ, one's physical state is irrelevant. Neither circumcision nor **uncircumcision** avails anything, but rather faith working through love [[Galatians 5:6]] or becoming a new creature [[Galatians 6:15]]. In fact, both are declared to be "nothing" compared to keeping God's commandments [[1 Corinthians 7:19]].
* **Justification Apart from the Law:** The concept of **uncircumcision** is crucial to the doctrine of justification by faith. Paul argues that God justifies both the circumcision and the **uncircumcision** through faith [[Romans 3:30]]. He proves this by showing that Abraham's faith was reckoned as righteousness while he was in **uncircumcision** [[Romans 4:9-10]].
* **Figurative Representation of Sin:** The term is used to describe a spiritual state separate from God. Being in "the **uncircumcision** of your flesh" is synonymous with being dead in sins [[Colossians 2:13]]. Conversely, a circumcised person who breaks the law has their circumcision effectively made into **uncircumcision** [[Romans 2:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G203}}` evolves from a simple descriptor of a physical state or a gentile person into a powerful theological concept. It is used by the Apostle Paul to systematically dismantle the idea that righteousness comes from physical acts or ethnic identity. By highlighting that faith was credited to Abraham in his **uncircumcision**, the word becomes foundational to the truth that salvation is available to all people through faith, rendering the external distinction between circumcision and **uncircumcision** obsolete in Christ [[Colossians 3:11]].
TRV