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Romans 4:12

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And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised.

And {G2532} the father {G3962} of circumcision {G4061} to them who are not {G3756} of {G1537} the circumcision {G4061} only {G3440}, but {G235} who also {G2532} walk {G4748} in the steps {G2487} of that faith {G4102} of our {G2257} father {G3962} Abraham {G11}, which he had being {G1722} yet uncircumcised {G203}.

and at the same time be the father of every circumcised person who not only has had a b’rit-milah, but also follows in the footsteps of the trust which Avraham avinu had when he was still uncircumcised.

And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.

Commentary

Romans 4:12 (KJV): "And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised."

Context

This verse continues Paul's argument in Romans chapter 4, which uses Abraham as the prime example of justification by faith, not by works or by adherence to the Mosaic Law or circumcision. Paul has just established in Romans 4:11 that Abraham received righteousness through faith while he was still uncircumcised. This verse then builds on that point, explaining Abraham's role as the "father" to two groups.

Key Themes

  • Abraham's Fatherhood: The verse defines Abraham's spiritual fatherhood. He is the father not just of physically circumcised Jews, but more importantly, of all who follow his pattern of faith, regardless of their physical status (circumcised or uncircumcised, effectively meaning Jews and Gentiles).
  • Faith as the Defining Factor: The core message is that true connection to Abraham's lineage, in a spiritual sense, comes through sharing his faith, not through physical markers like circumcision. It's about "walking in the steps of that faith." This underscores the principle of justification by faith alone.
  • Circumcision vs. Faith: Paul contrasts physical circumcision with genuine faith. While Abraham was indeed circumcised later as a sign, his justification happened beforehand (Genesis 15:6). This highlights that the outward sign followed the inward reality of faith, and the sign itself is not the basis for righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "walk in the steps" translates the Greek word stoichein (στοιχεῖν), which implies walking in line, keeping pace, or conforming to a pattern or rule. It suggests actively following the example set by Abraham's faith, not just intellectually assenting to it.

Reflection and Application

Romans 4:12 is vital for understanding the universality of God's plan of salvation through faith. It teaches us that our spiritual heritage is determined by our faith in God, just as Abraham's was. It breaks down barriers based on ethnicity, ritual, or background, emphasizing that all who believe are part of God's family through Christ. Our call is to emulate Abraham's trust and obedience, living a life that demonstrates the reality of our faith, just as he did even before receiving the sign of circumcision.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Proverbs 2:20 (3 votes)

    That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:8 (3 votes)

    If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

  • John 8:39 (3 votes)

    They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

  • John 8:40 (3 votes)

    But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:18 (2 votes)

    I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?

  • Galatians 4:22 (2 votes)

    For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

  • Galatians 4:31 (2 votes)

    So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.