Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. New Living Translation For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. English Standard Version For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. Berean Standard Bible A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. Berean Literal Bible For the one on the outside a Jew is not, neither that on the outside in flesh is circumcision. King James Bible For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: New King James Version For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; New American Standard Bible For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. NASB 1995 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. NASB 1977 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. Legacy Standard Bible For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. Amplified Bible For he is not a [real] Jew who is only one outwardly, nor is [true] circumcision something external and physical. Christian Standard Bible For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. Holman Christian Standard Bible For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. American Standard Version For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: Contemporary English Version Just because you live like a Jew and are circumcised doesn't make you a real Jew. English Revised Version For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: GOD'S WORD® Translation A person is not a Jew because of his appearance, nor is circumcision a matter of how the body looks. Good News Translation After all, who is a real Jew, truly circumcised? It is not the man who is a Jew on the outside, whose circumcision is a physical thing. International Standard Version For a person is not a Jew because of his appearance, nor is circumcision something just external and physical. Majority Standard Bible A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. NET Bible For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something that is outward in the flesh, New Heart English Bible For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; Webster's Bible Translation For he is not a Jew, who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: Weymouth New Testament For the true Jew is not the man who is simply a Jew outwardly, and true circumcision is not that which is outward and bodily. World English Bible For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor he is not a Jew who is [so] outwardly, neither [is] circumcision that which is outward in flesh; Berean Literal Bible For the one on the outside a Jew is not, neither that on the outside in flesh is circumcision. Young's Literal Translation For he is not a Jew who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in flesh; Smith's Literal Translation For he in appearance, is not a Jew; neither circumcision, in appearance in the flesh: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor it is not he is a Jew, who is so outwardly; nor is that circumcision which is outwardly in the flesh: Catholic Public Domain Version For a Jew is not he who seems so outwardly. Neither is circumcision that which seems so outwardly, in the flesh. New American Bible One is not a Jew outwardly. True circumcision is not outward, in the flesh. New Revised Standard Version For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor it is not the one who is outwardly a Jew, who is the real Jew; neither is circumcision that which is seen in the flesh. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that which is seen in the flesh circumcision. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: Godbey New Testament For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outwardly in the flesh. Haweis New Testament For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision. Mace New Testament for it is not the Jew in outward appearance, neither is it the external mark of circumcision: Weymouth New Testament For the true Jew is not the man who is simply a Jew outwardly, and true circumcision is not that which is outward and bodily. Worrell New Testament For he is not a Jew, who is one outwardly; nor is that circumcision, which is outward in flesh; Worsley New Testament nor is that circumcision, which is only in appearance, in the flesh; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Jews and the Law…27The 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. 28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. 29No, 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.… Cross References Galatians 6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. 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— 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. Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. John 1:47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! Ephesians 2:11-13 Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. / And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. 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.” Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more. Jeremiah 9:25-26 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— / Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” Ezekiel 44:9 This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites. Genesis 17:10-14 This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ... Leviticus 26:41 and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, Treasury of Scripture For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: For he. Romans 9:6-8 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: … Psalm 73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. Isaiah 1:9-15 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah… neither. Jeremiah 9:26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. Romans 4:10-12 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision… 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Jump to Previous Bodily Circumcision External Flesh Jew Merely Outward Outwardly Physical Publicly Real Simply Something True.Jump to Next Bodily Circumcision External Flesh Jew Merely Outward Outwardly Physical Publicly Real Simply Something True.Romans 2 1. No excuse for sin.6. No escape from judgment. 14. Gentiles cannot; 17. nor Jews. A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly This phrase challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of identity based on external markers. In the first century, Jewish identity was heavily tied to physical lineage and adherence to the Law of Moses. However, Paul emphasizes that true Jewish identity is not merely about external observance or ethnic heritage. This echoes the prophetic tradition found in the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 4:4, where God calls for a circumcision of the heart. The focus is on internal transformation rather than external conformity, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). nor is circumcision only outward and physical Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. The Roman Church The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were navigating the complexities of faith and cultural identity. 3. Jews The ethnic and religious group central to the discussion in Romans 2, representing those who traditionally followed the Law of Moses. 4. Circumcision A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, significant in Jewish identity and religious practice. 5. The Law Refers to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and religious observance, and a point of contention in understanding salvation and righteousness. Teaching Points True Identity in ChristOur identity as believers is not based on external rituals or ethnic heritage but on our relationship with Christ. Heart Transformation Over Rituals God desires a transformation of the heart, which is reflected in our actions and attitudes, rather than mere adherence to religious rituals. Spiritual Circumcision The true mark of belonging to God is a heart that is set apart for Him, characterized by obedience and love. Unity in the Body of Christ Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are united in Christ, and our focus should be on spiritual unity rather than cultural or ritualistic differences. Living Out Our Faith Our faith should be evident in our daily lives, demonstrating the inward change that has taken place through the Holy Spirit. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek A [man]ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not Οὐ (Ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. a Jew Ἰουδαῖός (Ioudaios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. [ because he is one ] ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. outwardly, φανερῷ (phanerō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 5318: Apparent, clear, visible, manifest; adv: clearly. From phaino; shining, i.e. Apparent; neuter publicly, externally. nor οὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. [is] circumcision περιτομή (peritomē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision. [ only ] outward φανερῷ (phanerō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 5318: Apparent, clear, visible, manifest; adv: clearly. From phaino; shining, i.e. Apparent; neuter publicly, externally. [and] ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. physical. σαρκὶ (sarki) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. Links Romans 2:28 NIVRomans 2:28 NLT Romans 2:28 ESV Romans 2:28 NASB Romans 2:28 KJV Romans 2:28 BibleApps.com Romans 2:28 Biblia Paralela Romans 2:28 Chinese Bible Romans 2:28 French Bible Romans 2:28 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew who (Rom. Ro) |