17 But if you call yourself a Jew and (A)rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are (B)a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law (C)the embodiment of (D)knowledge and truth— 21 (E)you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you (F)rob temples? 23 You who (G)boast in the law (H)dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, (I)as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed (J)among the Gentiles because of you.”

25 For circumcision indeed is of value (K)if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if (L)a man who is uncircumcised keeps (M)the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded[a] as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically[b] uncircumcised but keeps the law (N)will condemn you who have (O)the written code[c] and circumcision but break the law. 28 For (P)no one is a Jew (Q)who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one (R)inwardly, and (S)circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. (T)His praise is not from man but from God.

God's Righteousness Upheld

Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, (U)the Jews were entrusted with (V)the oracles of God.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 2:26 Or counted
  2. Romans 2:27 Or is by nature
  3. Romans 2:27 Or the letter

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Economy Bible, Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $1.99
Save: $3.00 (60%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Chronological Bible (TruTone, Brown), Leather, imitation
ESV Chronological Bible (TruTone, Brown), Leather, imitation
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $30.00
Save: $39.99 (57%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
Retail: $124.99
Our Price: $59.99
Save: $65.00 (52%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Pew and Worship Bible, Large Print, Black
ESV Pew and Worship Bible, Large Print, Black
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $10.76
Save: $14.23 (57%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
Retail: $114.99
Our Price: $56.70
Save: $58.29 (51%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars