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.

For {G1063} circumcision {G4061} verily {G3303} profiteth {G5623}, if {G1437} thou keep {G4238} the law {G3551}: but {G1161} if {G1437} thou be {G5600} a breaker {G3848} of the law {G3551}, thy {G4675} circumcision {G4061} is made {G1096} uncircumcision {G203}.

For circumcision is indeed of value if you do what Torah says. But if you are a transgressor of Torah, your circumcision has become uncircumcision!

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

Commentary

This verse from Romans 2:25 is part of Paul's powerful argument against hypocrisy and the idea that external religious markers are sufficient for salvation or righteousness before God.

Context

In Romans chapter 2, Paul confronts those, particularly Jewish people, who judge Gentiles while committing the same sins. He argues that God's judgment is based on truth, not on outward appearance or privilege. He asserts that knowing the law or possessing the sign of the covenant (circumcision) does not exempt one from judgment if they fail to keep the law. This verse directly addresses the perceived advantage of circumcision among Jews.

Key Themes

  • The Insufficiency of Ritual Without Obedience: The verse highlights that a physical sign like circumcision is beneficial only if accompanied by genuine obedience to God's law.
  • The Law as a Standard: Paul emphasizes that the law remains a standard, and breaking it nullifies the perceived benefit of the covenant sign.
  • True Circumcision is of the Heart: The underlying message, which Paul expands on in the following verses (see Romans 2:29), is that true righteousness comes from an inward transformation, not an outward ritual.
  • Uncircumcision Through Disobedience: Breaking the law makes a circumcised person effectively "uncircumcised" in God's eyes, stripping away their perceived advantage.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "circumcision" is peritomē (περιτομή), referring to the physical rite commanded in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:10). "Uncircumcision" is akrobystia (ἀκροβυστία), referring to the state of being uncircumcised (Gentiles). Paul uses these terms here to contrast the physical state with the spiritual reality – obedience or disobedience to God's will.

Reflection & Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against relying on religious affiliation, rituals, or traditions alone for standing with God. Whether it's baptism, church membership, or any other external practice, true faith is demonstrated by a life of obedience that flows from a transformed heart. External acts are meaningful only when they reflect an inner reality of devotion and submission to God's will. The focus should always be on the condition of the heart and genuine relationship with God, not just outward religious performance.

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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

  • Galatians 5:3 (6 votes)

    For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

  • Galatians 5:6 (6 votes)

    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

  • Jeremiah 4:4 (6 votes)

    Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

  • Galatians 6:15 (5 votes)

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

  • Acts 7:51 (5 votes)

    ¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

  • Deuteronomy 30:6 (4 votes)

    And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

  • Jeremiah 9:25 (4 votes)

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;