Bible Strands
Romans 2:26
If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Jewish readers in Rome who rely on their covenant sign and Torah knowledge to judge others. He poses a rhetorical question to challenge the assumption that physical circumcision guarantees standing before God.
The words — ἀκροβυστὶα (akrobustia) literally means "uncircumcision," and δικαιώματα (dikaiōmata) refers to the "requirements" of the law. Paul uses these terms to contrast physical status with actual obedience.
The thread — The tension between physical markers and inward obedience appears in Romans 2:25 and 2:27. Colossians 2:11 and 1 Corinthians 7:18 address circumcision in terms of spiritual reality and personal calling, while Romans 8:4 shows the law's righteous requirement fulfilled in those who walk by the Spirit.
Why it lands — The verse demands that readers evaluate their standing before God based on obedience to His commands rather than external religious status. It forces a direct examination of whether one's life aligns with the law's actual requirements.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Cross-references
- Colossians 2:11 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.
- 1 Corinthians 7:18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised.
- Romans 8:4 so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
- Isaiah 56:6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—
- Matthew 8:11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
- Matthew 15:28 “O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
- Acts 10:2 He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.
- Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,
- Acts 11:3 and said, “You visited uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
- Romans 3:30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.