Romans 4:12

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

…and father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those walking in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham in uncircumcision.

Latin

…et sit pater circumcisionis non iis tantum, qui sunt ex circumcisione, sed et iis qui sectantur vestigia fidei, quæ est in præputio patris nostri Abrahæ.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

Romans 4:11–12

When God introduced circumcision, he called it “a sign of the covenant” between himself and Abraham (Genesis 17:11). The covenant existed before Abraham became circumcised (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–21; 17:1–8). This shows that it was on the basis of faith, not circumcision. Therefore, Abraham is the spiritual father of all people, whether circumcised (Jews) or uncircumcised (Gentiles), "who are of the faith of Abraham" (Romans 4:13–25).

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Paul (Saul) Blessing God’s Covenant with Abraham

Related verses

Song of Solomon 1:8
If you do not know, O fairest of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and graze your young goats near the tents of the shepherds.
Proverbs 2:20
So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.
John 8:39–40
“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
2 Corinthians 12:18
I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?
Galatians 4:22–31
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
Job 33:11
He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches over all my paths.’
Luke 16:23–31
In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.
Romans 9:6–7
It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
Matthew 3:9
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

Parallels

Genesis 15:1–7 Psalm 32:1–11 Hebrews 11:8–19

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Ezekiel, Book of Faith Freedom, Liberty Imputation Isaac Letter to the Romans Righteousness Uncircumcision

Topics

Abraham: Faith of Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against Catholicity: Inculcated Faith by It Saints: Walk Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Justification: General Scriptures Concerning Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation

Romans 4:12

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