Romans 2:25

Romans 2:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

King James Version KJV

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

American Standard Version ASV

For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

Bible in Basic English BBE

It is true that circumcision is of use if you keep the law, but if you go against the law it is as if you had it not.

Free Bible Version FBV

Being circumcised has value only if you do what the law says. But if you break the law, your circumcision is as worthless as those who are not circumcised at all.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For circucision verely is profitable, if thou do the Lawe: but if thou be a transgressour of the Lawe, thy circumcision is made vncircumcision.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For circumcision, indeed, doth profit, if law thou mayest practise, but if a transgressor of law thou mayest be, thy circumcision hath become uncircumcision.

World English Bible WEB

For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keepest the law; but if thou art a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Circumcision profiteth indeed, if thou keep the law; but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Translation for Translators T4T

Any one of you who is circumcised to show that he belongs to God can benefit from that if he obeys the laws God gave to Moses. But if you (sg), a circumcised person, disobey God’s laws, God will consider that you who are circumcised are no better in God’s sight than someone who is not circumcised.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 2:25

BAB

Word Study

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Romans 2:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK περιτομη μεν γαρ ωφελει εαν νομον πρασσης εαν δε παραβατης νομου ης η περιτομη σου ακροβυστια γεγονεν

περιτομη peritomē G4061 circumcision Noun-NSF

μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

ωφελει ōpheleō G5623 to help Verb-PAI-3S

εαν ean G1437 if COND

νομον nomos G3551 law Noun-ASM

πρασσης prassō G4238 to do/require Verb-PAS-2S

εαν ean G1437 if COND

δε de G1161 then Conj

παραβατης parabatēs G3848 transgresor Noun-NSM

νομου nomos G3551 law Noun-GSM

ης eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAS-2S

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

περιτομη peritomē G4061 circumcision Noun-NSF

σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS

ακροβυστια akrobustia G203 uncircumcision Noun-NSF

γεγονεν ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2RAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 2:25

περιτομη peritomē G4061 "circumcision" Noun-NSF

Circumcision refers to the Jewish rite of cutting, as seen in Romans 4:11 and Galatians 5:11. It can also mean the state of being circumcised or the circumcised people themselves.

Definition: περι-τομή, -ῆς, ἡ (περιτέμνω), [in LXX: Gen.17:13, Exo.4:25-26 (מוּל ni., מוּלָה), Jer.11:16 * ;] circumcision; __(a) of the rite itself : Jhn.7:22-23 Act.7:8, Rom.4:11, Gal.5:11, Php.3:5; __(b) of the state of circumcision: Rom.2:25-28 3:1, 1Co.7:19, Gal.5:6 6:15, Col.3:11; ἐν π. ὤν, Rom.4:10; __(with) by meton., π. = οἱ περιτμηθέντες, the circumcised: Rom.3:30 4:9, 12 15:8, Gal.2:7-9, Eph.2:11; οἱ ἐκ τῆς π., of Jews, Rom.4:12; of Jewish Christians, Act.11:2, Gal.2:12, Tit.1:10; οἱ ἐκ π. πιστοί, Act.10:45; οἱ ὄντες ἐκ π., Col.4:11 Metaphorical, Rom.2:29, Col.2:11, Php.3:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: X circumcised, circumcision See also: 1 Corinthians 7:19; John 7:23; Romans 2:25.

μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle

This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.

Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

ωφελει ōpheleō G5623 "to help" Verb-PAI-3S

To help or benefit someone is the meaning of this verb. It appears in Matthew 27:24 and John 6:63, showing how Jesus' words and actions helped people.

Definition: ὠφελέω, -ῶ (ὄφελος), [in LXX chiefly for יָעַל hi. ;] to help, benefit, do good, profit: absol., Rom.2:25; οὐδέν (do no good; see Field, Notes, 21), Mat.27:24, Jhn.6:63 12:19; with accusative of person(s), Heb.4:2; with dupl. accusative, Mrk.8:36, 1Co.14:6, Gal.5:2; pass., Heb.13:9; with accusative, Mat.15:5 16:26, Mrk.5:26 7:11, Luk.9:25, 1Co.13:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: advantage, better, prevail, profit See also: 1 Corinthians 13:3; Luke 9:25; Hebrews 4:2.

εαν ean G1437 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.

Definition: ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; Hebrews 13:23; 1 Peter 3:13.

νομον nomos G3551 "law" Noun-ASM

The Greek word for law, referring to a set of rules or regulations, such as Moses' law or the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2.

Definition: νόμος, -ου, ὁ (νέμω, to deal out, distribute), [in LXX chiefly for תּוֹרָה, also for חֻקָּה, etc. ;] that which is assigned, hence, usage, custom, then law; in NT (only in Mt, Jo, Ja, and the Lucan and Pauline bks.); __1. of law in general: Rom.3:27 5:13b; pl., of divine laws, Heb.8:10 10:16; ὁ ν. τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2; (τ.) ἐλευθερίας, Jas.1:25 2:12; βασιλικιός (Hort., in l.; Deiss., LAE, 267:3), Jas.2:8. __2. Of a force or influence impelling to action: Rom.7:21, 23a, 25 8:2. __3. Of the Mosaic law: Mat.5:18, Luk.2:27, Jhn.1:17, Act.6:13, Rom.2:15, 1Co.9:8, 1Ti.1:8, Heb.7:19; al.; Μωυσέως, Luk.2:22, Jhn.7:23, Act.15:5, al.; κυρίου, Luk.2:39; κατὰ τὸν ν., Act.22:12, Heb.7:5 9:22. __4. As printed, Abbott-Smith mistakenly numbers this as 3.Anarthrous (Bl, §46, 8; ICC on Rom.2:12, 13), νόμος, __(a) of law in general: Rom.2:12, 14b 3:20, 21 4:15, al.; __(b) of the Mosaic law in its quality as law: Rom.2:14a 5:20 10:4, Gal.2:19, al.; οἱ ἐκ ν., Rom.4:14; ὑπὸ νόμον, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5; ν. πράσσειν (πληροῦν), Rom.2:25 13:8. __5. Of Christian teaching: ν. πίστεως, Rom.3:27; τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2. __6. By meton., of the books which contain the law; __(a) of the Pentateuch: Mat.12:5, Jhn.1:45, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ οἱ προφῆται, Mat.5:17, Luk.16:16, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ προφῆται κ. ψαλμοί, Luk.24:44. __(b) of the OT Scriptures in general (as Heb. תּוֹרָה): Jhn.10:34 12:34 15:25, 1Co.14:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: law See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 7:51; Hebrews 7:5.

πρασσης prassō G4238 "to do/require" Verb-PAS-2S

To do or require something means to perform it repeatedly or habitually, as seen in Acts 19:19 and Romans 7:15. It can also mean to achieve or accomplish something.

Definition: πράσσω (Att.. -ττω, and so Act.17:7 Rec.; cf. M, Pr., 25, 45), [in LXX chiefly for עָשָׂה, פָּעַל ;] = Lat agere, as ποιέω (which see) = facere, __1. to do, practise, be engaged in: Act.19:19, 36, 1Co.9:17; τ. ἴδια π., to mind one's own business (τὰ ἑαυτοῦ, Soph., Plat.), 1Th.4:11; intrans., to act, Act.17:7. __2. to achieve, effect, accomplish, perform: Act.26:20, 26 Rom.7:15 9:11, 2Co.5:10, Php.4:9; νόμον (ICC, in l), Rom.2:25; of unworthy acts (for WH. usually ποιέω in cl.), to commit, do: Luk.22:23 23:41, Jhn.3:20 5:29, Act.3:17 5:35 16:28 25:11, 25 26:9, 31, Rom.1:32 (ICC, in l), Rom.2:1-3 7:19 13:4, 1Co.5:2, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:21. __3. to transact, manage, hence, of payment, to exact (cl.): Luk.3:13 19:23. __4. Reflexively, of state or condition, to do or fare Æsch., Hdt., al.): Eph.6:21; εὖ π. (see M, Pr., 228 f.), Act.15:29.† SYN.: see: ποιέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts See also: 1 Corinthians 9:17; Galatians 5:21; Romans 1:32.

εαν ean G1437 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

παραβατης parabatēs G3848 "transgresor" Noun-NSM

A transgressor is someone who breaks or violates a law or rule, as seen in Romans 2:25 and Galatians 2:18. They are a person who disobeys or disregards what is expected.

Definition: παρα-βάτης, -ου, ὁ (παραβαίνω), [in Sm.: Psa.17:4 139:19, Jer.6:28 * ;] __1. one who stands beside, the warrior who stands by the charioteer (of. παραβαίνω, 1). __2. a transgressor (Æsch., παρβάτης): Gal.2:18, Jas.2:9; π. νόμου, Rom.2:25, 27, Jas.2:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: breaker, transgress(-or) See also: Galatians 2:18; James 2:11; James 2:9.

νομου nomos G3551 "law" Noun-GSM

The Greek word for law, referring to a set of rules or regulations, such as Moses' law or the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2.

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: law See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 7:51; Hebrews 7:5.

ης eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAS-2S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

περιτομη peritomē G4061 "circumcision" Noun-NSF

Circumcision refers to the Jewish rite of cutting, as seen in Romans 4:11 and Galatians 5:11. It can also mean the state of being circumcised or the circumcised people themselves.

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: X circumcised, circumcision See also: 1 Corinthians 7:19; John 7:23; Romans 2:25.

σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

ακροβυστια akrobustia G203 "uncircumcision" Noun-NSF

Uncircumcision refers to not being circumcised, often used to describe non-Jewish people. It appears in Romans 2:25-27 and Galatians 5:6.

Definition: ἀκροβυστία, -ας, ή (perh. an Alexandrian form of cl. ἀκροποσθία; cf. MM, VGT, see word) [in LXX for עׇרְלָה ;] the prepuce, foreskin (LXX), hence abstr., uncircumcision: Act.11:3, Rom.2:25-27 3:30 4:10-12, 1Co.7:18-19, Gal.5:6 6:15, Col.2:13 3:11 By meton., the uncircumcised: Rom.4:9, Gal.2:7, Eph.2:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: not circumcised, uncircumcised (with G2192 (ἔχω)), uncircumcision See also: 1 Corinthians 7:18; Galatians 6:15; Romans 2:25.

γεγονεν ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2RAI-3S

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

Study Notes — Romans 2:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 2:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 2:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 2:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 2:25
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 2:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 2:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 2:25
Cambridge Bible on Romans 2:25
Barnes' Notes on Romans 2:25
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 2:25
Sermons on Romans 2:25

Context — The Jews and the Law

23You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

25Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

26If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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.”
2	Galatians 5:3–6	Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.
3	Acts 7:51	You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.
4	Galatians 6:15	For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.
5	Jeremiah 9:25–26	“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised yet uncircumcised: 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.”
6	Deuteronomy 30:6	The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
7	Romans 2:28–2	—
8	Romans 2:23	You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
9	Ephesians 2:11–12	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.
10	Romans 4:11–12	And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Romans 2:25 Summary

[Romans 2:25 teaches that being a part of God's people is not just about outward signs like circumcision, but about living a life that honors God. If we claim to follow God but don't obey His commands, it's like we're not really following Him at all, as seen in 1 John 2:3-4. We need to make sure our hearts are surrendered to God and our actions reflect our love for Him, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 15:8-9. By doing so, we can demonstrate our true faith and please God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for circumcision to have value if one observes the law?

According to Romans 2:25, circumcision has value if one keeps the law, similar to how obedience to God's commands is emphasized in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. However, if one breaks the law, their circumcision becomes meaningless.

Is Paul saying that physical circumcision is worthless?

No, Paul is saying that physical circumcision has value only if accompanied by obedience to God's law, as stated in Romans 2:25. This is reinforced by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:20, where He emphasizes the importance of a heart that obeys God's commands.

How does this verse relate to the idea of salvation by works?

Romans 2:25 highlights the importance of obedience to God's law, but it does not teach salvation by works. Rather, it emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated by a life of obedience, as seen in James 2:26 and Ephesians 2:10.

What is the significance of 'uncircumcision' in this verse?

In Romans 2:25, 'uncircumcision' refers to a state of being cut off from God's covenant, despite physical circumcision. This is similar to the idea presented in Jeremiah 9:25-26, where God says that He will punish those who are physically circumcised but not circumcised in heart.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can examine my own heart to ensure I am not just outwardly obedient to God's law, but also inwardly surrendered to Him?
How does the idea that 'circumcision has become uncircumcision' if one breaks the law challenge my own understanding of my relationship with God?
In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God through obedience to His commands, as Jesus taught in John 14:15?
What are some potential consequences of prioritizing outward appearances of righteousness over genuine heart obedience, as warned against in Matthew 23:27-28?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 2:25

For circumcision verily profiteth,.... The plea from circumcision in favour of the Jews, and their acceptance with God, and justification before him, is here, and in the following verses, considered.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 2:25

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. For circumcision verily profiteth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 2:25

The Jews might object: If the former privileges availed not to righteousness and salvation, yet circumcision at least might stand them in some stead. In answer whereunto you have, 1. A concession; circumcision indeed is profitable. 2. A limitation; if thou keep the law; which is illustrated by a large antithesis, ,27. 3. A distinction; circumcision is of two sorts, outward and literal; inward and spiritual; the latter stands in force, and hath acceptation with God, ,29. If thou keep the law; if thou keep it perfectly, to which circumcision obligeth, ; or if thou use thy utmost care and endeavour so to do. But if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision; i.e. if otherwise thou transgress the law, thy circumcision avails thee nothing, it gives thee no privilege above the uncircumcised. A wicked Jew is to God as an Ethiopian, . The apostle corrects the carnal confidence and hypocrisy of the Jews, who valued themselves upon the account of this outward ceremony, and thought it sufficient to be circumcised in the flesh. Some think the apostle hath respect in these words to the time of the law, whilst circumcision was an ordinary sacrament of the covenant; then indeed it was profitable and available; but now, in the times of the gospel, it is abrogated: see ,6.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 2:25

25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Ver. 25. If thou keep the law] Which thou art thereby bound to do, either by thyself, or by thy surety Christ Jesus. Thy circumcision is made uncircumcision] Thou art no whit privileged by it. Unregenerate Israel is to God as Ethiopia, Amos 9:7.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 2:25

(25-29) This section forms a connecting-link with the opening of the next chapter. “The characteristic mark and badge of the Jew has two sides, the one outward and formal, the other inward and real. Its essence consists in the latter, and without this inward circumcision the outward profits nothing. It is not necessary to be born a Jew to possess it.” Precisely the same language might be applied to the Christian sacraments, or to the privileges of any particular communion. Privileges they may be, but they depend for their efficacy entirely upon the disposition of the heart which underlies them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 2:25

Verse 25. For circumcision verily profiteth] It is a blessing to belong to the Church of God and wear the sign of the covenant, provided the terms of the covenant are complied with. But if thou be a breaker of the law] If thou do not observe the conditions of the covenant, the outward sign is both without meaning and without effect. This was a maxim of the rabbins themselves; for they allowed that an apostate or ungodly Israelite must go to hell, notwithstanding his circumcision.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 2:25

25. For circumcision verily profiteth] With this verse a minor section or paragraph begins. The thought is not in. strict sequence with what has just been said, though in full connexion with the same general subject.—“Profiteth:”—for comment on this word, see Romans 3:1. Circumcision was the gate to ample privileges; above all to the familiar knowledge of the written oracles. But these privileges would finally benefit only the personally pious Jew.if thou keep the law] Lit. if thou do the law. The reference, probably, is not to absolute righteousness (q. d., “if thou act with sinless obedience”), but to practical sincere piety, as contrasted with neglectful or wilful disobedience. The emphasis here is on the destructive effect of this latter. In Galatians 5:2-3, where a widely different error is combated (not native Jewish pride, but Judaical ritualism creeping back amongst Christians), the Apostle emphasizes as he does not here the vast demands of the covenant of circumcision viewed as terms of justification.is made uncircumcision] The benefits of thy circumcision are as if they had not been.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 2:25

For circumcision - John 7:22 note; Acts 7:8 note. This was the special rite by which the relation to the covenant of Abraham was recognised; or by which the right to all the privileges of a member of

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 2:25

25. For—What the connexion indicated by the for is not immediately clear; but it doubtless refers to an intermediate thought which the apostle knows from experience to be in the mind of the Jew.

Sermons on Romans 2:25

	Sermon	Description
	Day 113, Romans 2 by David Servant	David Servant preaches on Paul's logical argument in Romans, emphasizing that when we condemn others for wrongdoing, we testify that we know what is right and wrong, and desire jus
	The Fox or Jackal by Harriet N. Cook	The preacher, Greek Word Studies, delves into the meaning of 'prasso' in the New Testament, emphasizing its distinction from 'poieo' and its various nuances such as accomplishing o
	Spiritual Appraisers by A.W. Tozer	The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'Opheleo,' which means to provide assistance or benefit, emphasizing the resulting gain or profit, both materially and s
	Casting Away All Confidence in Self by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship and dependence on God, highlighting the need to cut off all confidence in oneself and to worship in the spirit. It delves into
	Day 48, Galatians 1 by David Servant	David Servant delves into the letter of Galatians, written by Paul around 48 A.D., to address the unique problem of a distorted gospel that had surfaced among the churches. The ear
	Trust Not in Man by George Fox	The preacher delves into the significance of circumcision in the Bible, emphasizing the transition from physical circumcision to spiritual circumcision, symbolizing a removal of si
	The New Exodus Community - Galatians 5:1 by Michael Flowers	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about his dog and a bone to illustrate the destructive nature of biting and devouring one another. He connects this behavior