Romans 2:26

Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

Therefore {G3767} if {G1437} the uncircumcision {G203} keep {G5442} the righteousness {G1345} of the law {G3551}, shall {G3049} not {G3780} his {G846} uncircumcision {G203} be counted {G3049} for {G1519} circumcision {G4061}?

Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the Torah, won’t his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?

If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

If therefore the uncircumcision keep the ordinances of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision?

Commentary

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's powerful argument in Romans chapter 2, where he confronts the idea that merely possessing the law or an outward sign like circumcision guarantees God's favor or salvation. He is showing that God's judgment is based on deeds and the true state of the heart, not on external religious markers or national identity.

Context

In Romans 2, Paul directly addresses those who rely on their Jewish identity and the law. He previously established that Gentiles are accountable to God based on their conscience and the law written on their hearts (Romans 2:15). Here, he turns the tables, arguing that if a Gentile ('uncircumcision') actually lives according to the righteous requirements of the law, their lack of physical circumcision is irrelevant in God's sight. Their obedience will be 'counted' or regarded by God as true 'circumcision' – that which matters, the inward reality.

Key Themes

  • Inward vs. Outward Religion: The verse highlights the stark contrast between external religious practice (physical circumcision) and genuine, inward obedience to God's will.
  • Obedience Over Ritual: Paul emphasizes that keeping the 'righteousness of the law' (living righteously) is what truly matters to God, not the performance of religious ceremonies or possessing symbols.
  • God's Impartiality: This verse underscores God's fairness, showing that He does not favor one group over another based on ethnicity or religious status, but judges based on righteous living (Romans 2:11).
  • The True Meaning of Circumcision: Paul redefines true 'circumcision' as a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law (Romans 2:29).

Linguistic Insights

The term "uncircumcision" (Greek: akrobystia) refers to the state of being uncircumcised, commonly used to denote Gentiles. "Circumcision" (Greek: peritome) refers to the physical rite, symbolizing the covenant with Israel, but here it represents the status of being a Jew under the law. Paul's point is that the physical state (uncircumcision) of someone who "keep[s] the righteousness of the law" (obeys God) will be regarded (counted, Greek: logizomai) as if they had the true mark of belonging (circumcision), because the inward reality of obedience is what God values.

Related Scriptures

This concept of inward change and obedience being more important than outward signs is a recurring theme. It echoes the Old Testament prophets who called for a circumcision of the heart. Paul elaborates on this further in this chapter, explicitly stating that true circumcision is that of the heart, by the Spirit. This principle aligns with Jesus' teachings about the importance of internal righteousness over external religious performance, as seen in His critique of the Pharisees.

Practical Application

Romans 2:26 remains highly relevant today. It challenges individuals in all religious traditions to look beyond mere affiliation, rituals, or titles and examine their genuine obedience to God's moral will and the transformation of their hearts. It reminds us that God values authentic faith expressed through righteous living over outward religious display or belonging to a particular group. Our standing before God is not based on who we are externally, but on the reality of our relationship with Him, demonstrated by our lives.

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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

  • Colossians 2:11 (9 votes)

    In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:18 (6 votes)

    Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:19 (6 votes)

    Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

  • Romans 8:4 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 15:28 (2 votes)

    Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

  • Romans 3:30 (2 votes)

    Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

  • Matthew 8:11 (2 votes)

    And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.