Romans 4:10

Romans 4:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In what context was it credited? Was it after his circumcision, or before? It was not after, but before.

King James Version KJV

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

American Standard Version ASV

How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision:

Bible in Basic English BBE

How, then, was it judged? when he had circumcision, or when he had it not? Not when he had it, but when he did not have it:

Free Bible Version FBV

But when did this happen? When Abraham was a Jew or before?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Howe was it then imputed? when he was circumcised, or vncircumcised? not when he was cricumcised, but when he was vncircumcised.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

how then was it reckoned? he being in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision;

World English Bible WEB

How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

How then was it reputed? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Translation for Translators T4T

◄Think about when God erased the record of Abraham’s sins./When did God erase the record of Abraham’s sins?► [RHQ] ◄Consider whether it happened after someone circumcised Abraham to mark him as one who belonged to God, or before someone circumcised him./Did it happen after Abraham was circumcised to be marked as one who belonged to God, or before he was circumcised?► [RHQ] It happened before he was circumcised, not after he was circumcised.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 4:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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Romans 4:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK πως ουν ελογισθη εν περιτομη οντι η εν ακροβυστια ουκ εν περιτομη αλλ εν ακροβυστια

πως pōs G4459 how?! Adv-I

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

ελογισθη logizomai G3049 to count Verb-API-3S

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

περιτομη peritomē G4061 circumcision Noun-DSF

οντι eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAP-DSM

η ē G2228 or Particle

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

ακροβυστια akrobustia G203 uncircumcision Noun-DSF

ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

περιτομη peritomē G4061 circumcision Noun-DSF

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

ακροβυστια akrobustia G203 uncircumcision Noun-DSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 4:10

πως pōs G4459 "how?!" Adv-I

How is a question about the way something is done, as in Matthew 12:29, or an exclamation of surprise, like how much something is.

Definition: πῶς, interrog. adv., correl. of ὅπως, __1. prop., in direct questions, how?: with indic., Mat.12:29, Mrk.3:23, Luk.11:18, Jhn.3:4, al.; καὶ π., Mrk.4:13, Luk.20:44; π. οὖν, Mat.12:26; π. οὐ, Mat.16:11, Luk.12:56; in deliberative questions (cf. Bl., §64, 6), with subjc., Mat.23:33 26:54; π. οὖν, Rom.10:14; π. δέ, Rom.10:14, 15; before ἄν, with optative, Act.8:31. __2. As sometimes in cl. but more frequently and increasingly so in late writers (see WM, §57, 2; Bl., §70, 2; Thumb, MGr., 192; Jannaris, Gr., App., vi, 13f.), = ὅπως, ὥς; __(a) in indirect discourse: with indic., Mat.6:28, Mrk.12:41, Luk.8:36, Jhn.9:15, Act.9:27, al.; with subjc., Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:11; __(b) in exclamations: Mat.21:20, Mrk.10:23, 24 Luk.12:50 18:24, Jhn.11:36. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: how, after (by) what manner (means), that See also: 1 Corinthians 3:10; Luke 8:18; Hebrews 2:3.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

ελογισθη logizomai G3049 "to count" Verb-API-3S

To count or estimate something, as seen in Romans 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 13:5. It involves reckoning or taking into account various factors. This can be numerical or metaphorical, such as estimating someone's character.

Definition: λογίζομαι (λόγος), [in LXX chiefly for חָשַׁב ;] __1. prop., of numerical calculation, to count, reckon: with accusative before μετά, Mrk.15:23 (LXX) (Rec., R, mg.), Luk.22:37. __2. Metaphorical, without reference to numbers, by a reckoning of characteristics or reasons; __(a) to reckon, take into account: with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.13:5; id. before dative of person(s), Rom.4:3 (LXX), Rom.4:4, 6 4:8" (LXX), 2Co.5:19, 2Ti.4:16; before εἰς (cf. Heb. ל חָשַׁב; Bl., § 33, 3), Act.19:27, Rom.2:26 4:3, 5 4:9-11, 22-24 9:8 Gal.3:6" (LXX), Jas.2:23 (LXX); __(b) to consider, calculate: with accusative of thing(s), Php.4:8; before ὅτι, Jhn.11:50, Heb.11:10; τοῦτο, ὅτι, 2Co.10:11; with accusative of person(s), with inf., Rom.6:11; before ὡς, Rom.8:36 (LXX); __(with) to suppose, judge, deem: 1Co.13:11; ὡς, 1Pe.5:12; οὕτως, 1Co.4:1; with accusative of thing(s), 2Co.3:5; id. before εἰς, 2Co.12:6; ὅτι, Rom.8:18; τοῦτο, ὅτι, Rom.2:3, 2Co.10:7; with inf., 2Co.11:5; accusative and inf., Rom.3:28 14:14, Php.3:13; with accusative of person(s) before ὡς, 2Co.10:2; __(d) to purpose, decide: with inf. (Eur., Or., 555), 2Co.10:2 (cf. ἀνα-, δια-, παρα-, συλ-λογίζομαι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:1; Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 5:12.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

περιτομη peritomē G4061 "circumcision" Noun-DSF

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.

οντι eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAP-DSM

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 ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

ακροβυστια akrobustia G203 "uncircumcision" Noun-DSF

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.

ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

περιτομη peritomē G4061 "circumcision" Noun-DSF

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.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

ακροβυστια akrobustia G203 "uncircumcision" Noun-DSF

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

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.

Study Notes — Romans 4:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 4:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 4:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 4:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 4:10
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 4:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 4:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 4:10
Cambridge Bible on Romans 4:10
Barnes' Notes on Romans 4:10
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 4:10
Sermons on Romans 4:10

Context — Abraham Justified by Faith

8Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” 9Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.

10In what context was it credited? Was it after his circumcision, or before? It was not after, but before.

11And 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. 12And 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Galatians 6:15	For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.
2	Galatians 5:6	For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.
3	Genesis 17:10	This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised.
4	Genesis 17:23–27	On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised on the same day. And all the men of Abraham’s household—both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners—were circumcised with him.
5	Genesis 15:5–6	And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
6	1 Corinthians 7:18–19	Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.
7	Genesis 17:1	When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.
8	Genesis 15:16	In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
9	Genesis 16:1–3	Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife.

Romans 4:10 Summary

This verse explains that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before he was circumcised, which means that his faith, not his actions, was what made him right with God. This is an important reminder that our faith, not our good deeds, is what saves us, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9. Just like Abraham, we can trust in God's promise and have our faith credited as righteousness, which is a fundamental concept in the Bible, also mentioned in Romans 3:28. By understanding this, we can prioritize our faith and trust in God's character, as seen in Psalm 103:13-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the timing of Abraham's circumcision in relation to his faith being credited as righteousness?

According to Romans 4:10, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before he was circumcised, which emphasizes that his faith, not his circumcision, was the basis of his righteousness, as seen in Genesis 15:6 and Romans 4:9.

Does this verse imply that circumcision is not important?

While Romans 4:10 highlights that Abraham's faith was credited to him before his circumcision, it does not diminish the significance of circumcision as a sign of God's covenant with Abraham, as mentioned in Genesis 17:10-14.

How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation by faith?

Romans 4:10 supports the idea that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28, emphasizing that Abraham's faith, not his actions, was the basis of his righteousness.

What is the connection between Abraham's faith and the concept of righteousness?

As seen in Romans 4:10, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, demonstrating that true righteousness comes from trusting in God, as also stated in Romans 1:17 and Psalm 119:172.

Reflection Questions

How does the timing of Abraham's circumcision in relation to his faith being credited as righteousness impact my understanding of salvation?
In what ways can I, like Abraham, trust in God's promise and have my faith credited as righteousness?
How does this verse encourage me to prioritize faith over external actions or rituals in my walk with God?
What does this verse reveal about God's character and His desire to credit faith as righteousness, as seen in Psalm 103:13-14?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 4:10

How was it then reckoned?.... The Arabic version adds, "and when"; and the Ethiopic version reads it, "when was Abraham justified?" expressing the sense, not the words of the original text, with

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 4:10

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. How was it then reckoned? ... Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 4:10

And if this be the question, the way to resolve it, is, to consider in what circumstances Abraham was when his faith was thus reckoned to him for righteousness; it was a long time before he was circumcised. The promise to which Abraham’ s faith had respect, was made to him fourteen years, at least, before his circumcision: compare , and ,25: also see . If the blessedness, therefore, of justification was not annexed to circumcision, the Gentiles are no less capable of it than the Jews.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 4:10

10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. Ver. 10. In, circumcision] As the Jew would have it. No such matter.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 4:10

IV.(1-25) The subject of the chapter is an application of the foregoing to the special (and crucial) case of Abraham, with particular reference to two ideas that are continually recurring throughout the last chapter: (1) the supposed superiority of Jew to Gentile (and, à fortiori, of the great progenitor of the Jews); (2) the idea of boasting or glorying based upon this superiority. Following out this the Apostle shows how even Abraham’s case tells, not against, but for the doctrine of justification by faith. Indeed, Abraham himself came under it. And not only so, but those who act upon this doctrine are spiritually descendants of Abraham. It is entirely a mistake to suppose that they of the circumcision only are Abraham’s seed. The true seed of Abraham are those who follow his example of faith. He put faith in the promise, they must put their faith in the fulfilment of the promise.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 4:10

Verse 10. How was it then reckoned?] In what circumstances was Abraham when this blessing was bestowed upon him? When he was circumcised, or before? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.] Faith was reckoned to Abraham for justification, as we read Genesis 15:6, (where see the note;) but circumcision was not instituted till about fourteen or fifteen years after, Genesis 17:1, c. for faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness or justification at least one year before Ishmael was born; compare Gen. 15, and 16. At Ishmael's birth he was eighty-six years of age, Genesis 16:16; and, at the institution of circumcision, Ishmael was thirteen, and Abraham ninety-nine years old. See Genesis 17:24, Genesis 17:25; and see Dr. Taylor.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 4:10

10. Not in circumcision] Genesis 15 precedes Genesis 17 by at least fourteen years.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 4:10

How - In what circumstances, or time. When he was in circumcision ... - Before or after he was circumcised? This was the very point of the inquiry.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 4:10

10. How… reckoned—The apostle puts this point in full dialogue (a dialogue which had, doubtless, often occurred between him and the Jews) in order to give it the emphasis due to its importance.

Sermons on Romans 4:10

	Sermon	Description
	The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 2 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of why Christians often fail to share their faith with others. He suggests that the reason for this is a lack of understanding and
	(Exodus) Exodus 5 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to reveal His power and superiority over the gods of Egypt. The plagues were not random, but were specif
	Canaan on Earth by C.H. Spurgeon	The sermon transcript discusses the journey of a man who was initially an infidel but eventually found Christianity and became a preacher. The man went through a period of self-den
	Maintain the Connection - Part 2 by Hans Peter Royer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of hearing the voice of God and being connected with Christ. He emphasizes the need to renew our thinking patterns and let go o
	Grace for Knowing God by Bob Hoekstra	This sermon focuses on the theme of Grace for Knowing God, emphasizing the importance of developing a deep relationship with God through His grace. It highlights the concept of bei
	The Turtle God's Handiwork by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of instrumentation in our lives, using the example of sea turtles and their ability to navigate the open sea. He emphasizes tha
	Ministry From Acts 10 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Acts chapter 10, verses 9 through 16, which tells the story of Peter and how God prepared him for the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. P