Rom 4:9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. (NLT)
What an interesting translation found in the NLT. All others have what has been translated below, seen in the Literal Version:
(LITV) Is this blessedness then on the circumcision, or also on the uncircumcision? For we say the faith “was counted to Abraham for righteousness.” Gen. 15:6
What is meant in this verse? Is it Jew and Gentile or is circumcised and uncircumcised?
Literally it is τὴν περιτομὴν // τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν where the meaning is:
Περιτομή [peritomē] circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively): – circumcised, circumcision.
ἀκροβυστία [akrobustia] probably a modified form of the foreskin; by implication an uncircumcised state or person: – not circumcised, uncircumcised, uncircumcision. (that is, gentile, figuratively unregenerate)
Remember Bible Gem 147 – Indeed what is the advantage in being a Jew?
Physical badge of circumcision. By birth they had the badge of circumcision. But was that an advantage or not? If reality is not there the symbol is of no use! Like wearing a Christian cross, if the life does not match the symbol best not to wear it. Knowledge of the Bible counts for nothing if it is not put into practice.
The only outward sign of being a Jew was circumcision. This was a hot topic of debate for them. It was the focus of debate in Acts 15 and in the time building toward it. Really after Peter’s experience with Cornelius when his cultural core values were being challenged. Then Paul’s letter to the Galatians is again focused on circumcision – the outward sign of faith . . . or is it?
- Paul often plays with words when it comes to discussing circumcision:
- Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters. What matters is faith that is active through love.
- Gal 5:12 I wish that those who are unsettling you would castrate themselves!
- ἀποκόπτω apokoptō to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts): – cut off.
- Gal 6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters. Rather, what matters is being a new creation.
- Gal 6:17 From now on let no one make trouble for me, for I carry the scars of Jesus on my own body. One scar being referred to was circumcision but there were others.
Paul has repeated the notion of Jew and Greek a number of times as we have noted before. Rom 1:16, 2:9, 2:10, 3:9. Now curiously he changes the imagery to circumcision and uncircumcision. Deliberately! Circumcision // uncircumcision stands for Jew and Gentile and also refers to the outward mark of Judaism. He is saying much with this switch of words. Not the least of which is also to introduce the next proof he wants to discuss with the readers. The symbolism and the reality of circumcision as well as the issue of the timing of circumcision in Abe’s case.
When we are unwilling to hear God in one area of our life, it may render us unable to hear in other areas.
Joyce Meyer