Romans 2:29

Translations

Modern

No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Traditional

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Literal

But a Jew is one on the inside, and circumcision is of heart, in spirit, not in letter, of whom the praise is not of men, but of God.

Latin

…sed qui in abscondito, Judæus est: et circumcisio cordis in spiritu, non littera: cujus laus non ex hominibus, sed ex Deo est.

Original

Greek

English

No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Notes

Romans 2:29

the written code: This refers to God's law written on tablets of stone (see 2 Corinthians 3:3). Now the Holy Spirit writes God’s law on people’s hearts, meaning that God places his law within them and changes how they think and live (Jeremiah 31:33–34). This contrast shows the difference between obeying rules only on the outside and obeying God because he has changed a person’s inner life.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Baptism Circumcision Circumcision in the New Testament Natural Revelation Sin Enters the World The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Deuteronomy 30:6
The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.
Colossians 2:11–12
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.
Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
2 Corinthians 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
1 Peter 3:4
…but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Romans 7:6
But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Romans 2:27
The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
Jeremiah 4:14
Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you?

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Baptism Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Deuteronomy, Book of Faith Inner Man Jew Letter to the Romans Peter, First Letter of Praise Sin

Topics

Changed Hearts Character of the Renewed Heart: Circumcised Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: Figurative Circumcision: Inward Grace Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning God: Grace of Heart: Renewed Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Man: Spirit Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart

Romans 2:29

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