Tree of Life Version
Romans 2:28
28For one is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something visible in the flesh.
Romans 2:28 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
- New International Version (NIV)A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
- New King James Version (NKJV)For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
Context of Romans 2:28
26Therefore, if the uncircumcised keeps the righteous decrees of the Torah, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27Indeed, the one not circumcised physically who fulfills the Torah will judge you who—even with the written code and circumcision—break the Torah. For one is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something visible in the flesh. 29Rather, the Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—in Spirit not in letter. His praise is not from men, but from God.
Read all of Romans 2Romans 2:28 word by word
οὐ γὰρ ὁ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ Ἰουδαῖός ἐστιν, οὐδὲ ἡ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ ἐν σαρκὶ περιτομή,Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Romans 2:28
- Romans 9:6But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all those who are descended from Israel are Israel,
- Psalms 73:1A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
- Isaiah 1:9Unless Adonai-Tzva’ot had left us a small remnant, we would have been as Sodom, we would have been as Gomorrah.
- Isaiah 48:1Hear this, house of Jacob, who are called by the Name of Israel, who came from the wellspring of Judah, who swear by the Name of Adonai and confess the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness.
- Hosea 1:6Then she conceived again, and bore a daughter. And He said to him: “Name her Lo-ruhamah— for no longer will I have compassion on the house of Israel that I should ever pardon them.
- Matthew 3:9and do not think that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’! For I tell you that from these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
- John 1:47Yeshua saw Nathanael coming toward Him. He said, “Look, a true Israelite! There’s nothing false in him.”
- John 8:37I know you are Abraham’s children; yet you are trying to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.
- Galatians 6:15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything—but only a new creation.
- Revelation 2:9I know your tribulation and your poverty (yet you are rich), as well as the slander of those who say they are Jewish and are not, but are a synagogue of satan.
- Romans 4:10In what state then was it credited? While circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised!
- 1 Peter 3:21Corresponding to that, immersion now brings you to safety—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but a pledge to God of a good conscience—through the resurrection of Messiah Yeshua.
Commentaries on Romans 2:28
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 28For he is not a Jew - A genuine member of the Church of God, who has only an outward profession. Neither is that circumcision - Circumcision is a rite which represents a spiritual thing, viz. the change and purification of the heart, as may be seen, Jeremiah 4:4, Jeremiah 4:6, Jeremiah 4:10; Jeremiah 9:26; Ezekiel 44:7, Ezekiel 44:9.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 28For he is not a Jew - He who is merely descended from Abraham, and is circumcised, and externally conforms to the Law only, does not possess the true character, and manifest the true spirit, contemplated by the separation of the Jewish people. Their separation required much more. Neither is that circumcision - Neither does it meet the full design of the rite of circumcision, that it is externally performed. It contemplated much more; see Romans 2:29.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 25-29Verses 25-29 No forms, ordinances, or notions can profit, without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking an interest in the righteousness of God by faith. For he is no more a Christian now, than he was really a Jew of old, who is only one outwardly: neither is that baptism, which is outward in the flesh: but he is the real Christian, who is inwardly a true believer, with an obedient faith. And the true baptism is that of the heart, by the…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-29Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 25-2925-29. For circumcision--that is, One's being within the covenant of which circumcision was the outward sign and seal. verily profiteth, if thou keep the law--if the inward reality correspond to the outward sign. but if, &c.--that is, "Otherwise, thou art no better than the uncircumcised heathen."Read the comment
Topics related to Romans 2:28
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Romans 2
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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