25 For circumcision indeed is of value (A)if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if (B)a man who is uncircumcised keeps (C)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 (D)will condemn you who have (E)the written code[c] and circumcision but break the law. 28 For (F)no one is a Jew (G)who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one (H)inwardly, and (I)circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. (J)His praise is not from man but from God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.

28 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. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise[a] from God, not from people.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2:29 Or receives praise.