Keraia
Romans 2

Romans 2:25

The Jews and the Law · Romans 2:17–29
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Translations

Modern
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Traditional
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Literal
For circumcision indeed profits if you practice the law; but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Latin
Circumcisio quidem prodest, si legem observes: si autem prævaricator legis sis, circumcisio tua præputium facta est.

Original

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

Notes

Romans 2:25

God established the Jewish ceremony of circumcision as a sign of his covenant (special agreement) with Abraham. God required that every male Israelite child be circumcised (Genesis 17:9–13; see Romans 4:11). Circumcision represents God’s covenant with his people, Israel.

The ceremony became more important during the intertestamental period (the time between the Old and New Testaments). During this time, the pagan king Antiochus IV Epiphanes tried to destroy the Jewish faith. He did this by forbidding circumcision and other Jewish practices.

The Jews resisted him in the Maccabean Revolt (166–160 BC). After they restored worship of the Lord in Israel, the Jews viewed circumcision as a valued sign of loyalty to God while living among pagan peoples.

Romans 1:18–3:20

Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Faith Jew Letter to the Romans Sin Uncircumcision

Topics

Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning