New International VersionCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
New Living TranslationFor it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.
English Standard VersionFor neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.
Berean Standard BibleCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.
Berean Literal BibleCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God.
King James BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
New King James VersionCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.
New American Standard BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
NASB 1995Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
NASB 1977Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
Legacy Standard BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
Amplified BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is keeping the commandments of God.
Christian Standard BibleCircumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter. Keeping God’s commands is what matters.
Holman Christian Standard BibleCircumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter, but keeping God’s commands does.
American Standard VersionCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Contemporary English VersionBeing circumcised or uncircumcised isn't really what matters. The important thing is to obey God's commands.
English Revised VersionCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationCircumcision is nothing, and the lack of it is nothing. But keeping what God commands is everything.
Good News TranslationFor whether or not a man is circumcised means nothing; what matters is to obey God's commandments.
International Standard VersionCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but obeying God's commandments is everything.
NET BibleCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Instead, keeping God's commandments is what counts.
New Heart English BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Webster's Bible TranslationCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Weymouth New TestamentCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing: obedience to God's commandments is everything. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.
World English BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is keeping God’s commandments. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe circumcision is nothing, and the uncircumcision is nothing—but a keeping of the commands of God.
Berean Literal BibleCircumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God.
Young's Literal Translation the circumcision is nothing, and the uncircumcision is nothing -- but a keeping of the commands of God.
Smith's Literal TranslationCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commands of God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing: but the observance of the commandments of God.
Catholic Public Domain VersionCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; there is only the observance of the commandments of God.
New American BibleCircumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing; what matters is keeping God’s commandments.
New Revised Standard VersionCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying the commandments of God is everything. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the LORD’s commandments is everything.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor circumcision is not anything, neither uncircumcision, but the keeping of the commandments of God. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God is our aim.
Godbey New TestamentCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Haweis New TestamentCircumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the observance of the commandments of God.
Mace New Testament
circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, in comparison of obeying the divine commands.
Weymouth New Testament
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing: obedience to God's commandments is everything.
Worrell New Testament
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Worsley New Testament
and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Live Your Calling… 18Was 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. 19Circumcisionisnothinganduncircumcisionisnothing.KeepingGod’scommandments is what counts.20Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called.…
Cross References Galatians 5:6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 6:15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.
Romans 2:25-29Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. / If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? / The 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. ...
James 2:10-12Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. / For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. / Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
Matthew 5:17-19Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 3:30-31since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. / Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.
Acts 15:1-11Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. / Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. ...
Colossians 3:11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Ephesians 2:11-16Therefore 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. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. ...
Philippians 3:3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
John 14:15If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
1 John 2:3-4By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, / and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?
Deuteronomy 30:6The 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.
Jeremiah 4:4Circumcise 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.”
Treasury of Scripture Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Circumcision. 1 Corinthians 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. Romans 2:25-29 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision… Romans 3:30 Seeingit is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. but. 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORDas great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obeyis better than sacrifice,and to hearken than the fat of rams. Jeremiah 7:22,23 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: … Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teachthem, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Jump to Previous CircumcisionCommandmentsCommandsCountsGod'sKeepingMattersObedienceOppositeOrdersUncircumcisionValueJump to Next CircumcisionCommandmentsCommandsCountsGod'sKeepingMattersObedienceOppositeOrdersUncircumcisionValue1 Corinthians 7 1.He discusses marriage;4.showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,10.and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.20.Every man must be content with his vocation.25.Virginity wherefore to be embraced;35.and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.Circumcision is nothingIn the context of 1 Corinthians 7:19, Paul addresses the issue of circumcision, a significant religious practice for Jews, as a symbol of the covenant between God and Abraham ( Genesis 17:10-14). However, in the New Testament, the physical act of circumcision is no longer seen as necessary for salvation or a relationship with God. This reflects the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where faith in Christ supersedes the law ( Galatians 5:6). Paul emphasizes that external rituals do not determine one's standing with God, aligning with his teachings in Romans 2:28-29, where he speaks of a "circumcision of the heart." and uncircumcision is nothing.
Paul's statement that uncircumcision is nothing further underscores the irrelevance of physical rituals in the new Christian faith. In the early church, there was tension between Jewish and Gentile believers regarding adherence to Jewish customs. By stating that uncircumcision is nothing, Paul affirms that Gentile believers are not required to adopt Jewish customs to be part of God's people. This is consistent with the decision made at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where it was determined that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised to be saved. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.
Paul shifts the focus from external rituals to the importance of obedience to God's commandments. This echoes Jesus' teaching inJohn 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The emphasis is on a transformed life that reflects God's will, rather than adherence to ceremonial laws. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that true faith is demonstrated through actions (James 2:17). The commandments here are understood as the moral and ethical teachings of Christ, which fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17-20). This perspective highlights the essence of Christian living as a heart-oriented obedience to God, rather than mere external compliance. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a diverse and cosmopolitan city known for its moral and spiritual challenges. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church during his missionary journeys. 3. Jewish and Gentile BelieversThe early church was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, leading to debates over the necessity of following Jewish customs like circumcision. Teaching Points The Priority of ObedienceThe focus of the Christian life should be on obeying God's commandments rather than adhering to external rituals or cultural practices. Unity in ChristIn Christ, cultural and religious distinctions such as circumcision are secondary to our shared faith and obedience to God. Heart TransformationTrue transformation is internal, a change of heart and spirit, rather than external conformity to religious rites. Faith and WorksOur faith is demonstrated through our actions, particularly in our commitment to living according to God's commandments. Cultural SensitivityWhile cultural practices may vary, they should not become barriers to unity in the body of Christ or to the expression of genuine faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:19?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 7:19 prioritize "keeping God's commandments" over circumcision?
3.What does "keeping God's commandments" mean in today's Christian life?
4.How can we apply the principle of 1 Corinthians 7:19 in daily decisions?
5.How does 1 Corinthians 7:19 connect with Jesus' teachings on the law?
6.Why is obedience to God emphasized over cultural or religious rituals in this verse?
7.How does 1 Corinthians 7:19 relate to the importance of following God's commandments today?
8.Why does Paul emphasize keeping God's commandments over circumcision in 1 Corinthians 7:19?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 7:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 7?
11.What does the Bible say about diversity and inclusion?
12.Does 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 contradict Jesus' teaching on divorce in Matthew 19:9?
13.Why does Jesus say divorce is only allowed for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9), while Paul later allows for abandonment (1 Corinthians 7:15)?
14.Matthew 10:5-6 - Why did Jesus limit the disciples' preaching to Israel first, seemingly contradicting the later worldwide mission in Matthew 28:19?What Does 1 Corinthians 7:19 Mean Circumcision is nothingPaul begins by disarming a centuries-old badge of religious identity. Physical circumcision once marked Israel’s covenant loyalty (Genesis 17:10-11), yet after Christ’s atoning work that ritual no longer determines anyone’s spiritual standing. As he tells the Galatians, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What matters is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6). By saying “nothing,” Paul is not belittling God’s earlier command; he is affirming that its purpose has been fulfilled in Jesus (Colossians 2:11-14). Key takeaways: • Our acceptance before God rests on Christ’s finished work, not on any external rite (Romans 3:28). • Symbols have value only when they point to inward reality; without a surrendered heart they are empty (Romans 2:28-29). • Freedom from ritualistic pressure encourages believers to focus on what truly matters—relationship with the Lord.
uncircumcision is nothingIf circumcision no longer grants spiritual advantage, neither does lack of it create a deficit. Gentile believers worried about being “outsiders” hear reassuring echoes: Peter saw the Holy Spirit fall on uncircumcised Cornelius just as on Jewish believers (Acts 10:44-48), and the Jerusalem council concluded that God “made no distinction between us and them” (Acts 15:9). Paul reminds former pagans in Ephesus that although they were “once separate from Christ…now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13). Practical implications: • No cultural background, ethnicity, or prior lifestyle bars anyone from full participation in the family of God (Revelation 5:9). • Spiritual pride and spiritual insecurity are both ruled out; every believer stands on equal ground at the foot of the cross (Romans 10:12-13).
Keeping God’s commandments is what countsWith externals set aside, Paul shifts to what truly matters: obedient love empowered by grace. Jesus framed discipleship this way: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). John later echoes, “This is the love of God: to keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). How obedience “counts”: • It evidences genuine faith (James 2:17;1 John 2:3-4). • It reflects our love for God and neighbor—summarizing the entire law (Matthew 22:37-40). • It brings practical holiness into every life situation, which is Paul’s broader theme in1 Corinthians 7 (vv. 17-24). Obedience is never a self-help project. God supplies both the desire and the power through His Spirit (Philippians 2:13). The commandments become pathways for grateful children, not hurdles for anxious slaves.
summary1 Corinthians 7:19 sweeps away any trust in outward rituals and dismantles any anxiety over cultural background. The only thing that carries eternal weight is a life that lovingly obeys God, a life made possible by Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s enabling presence. (19) Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing.--Often those who regard some ceremony as unimportant magnify the very disregard of it into a necessary virtue. The Apostle carefully guards against that by expressing the nothingness of both circumcision and uncircumcision ( Romans 2:25; Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15). The circumcision of Timothy, and the refusal to circumcise Titus by St. Paul himself, are illustrations at once of the application of the truth here enforced, and of the Apostle's scrupulous adherence to the principles of his own teaching. To have refused to circumcise Timothy would have attached some value to non-circumcision. To have circumcised Titus would have attached some value to circumcision. (See Acts 16:3; Galatians 2:3.) But the keeping of the commandments of Godis everything, understood. The teaching here is, practically, "To obey is better than sacrifice." . . . Verse 19. - Circumcision is nothing. The Jews regarded it as everything; and to make this assertion at so early an epoch of Christian history, required all the courage of St. Paul, and proved his grand originality. He was the first to prove to the Jews that circumcision had become a thing intrinsically indifferent, which might, under some circumstances, be desirable (as in the case of Timothy), but could never be reckoned among essentials. And uncircumcision is nothing. The same sentence occurs three times in St. Paul, summing up, as it were, the liberty which it had cost him endless peril and anguish to achieve. Each time he concludes it with a weighty clause to show what is everything: "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God" (ver. 19); "... but faith which worketh by love" ( Galatians 5:6); "... but a new creation" ( Galatians 6:15). But the keeping of the commandments. So St. John says, "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Circumcisionπεριτομὴ(peritomē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061:Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.nothingοὐδέν(ouden)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.uncircumcisionἀκροβυστία(akrobystia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 203:From akron and probably a modified form of posthe; the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised state or person.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.nothing.οὐδέν(ouden)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.Keepingτήρησις(tērēsis)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5084:A prison; observance (as of precepts). From tereo; a watching, i.e. observance, or a prison.God’sΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.commandments [is what matters].ἐντολῶν(entolōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785:An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.
Links 1 Corinthians 7:19 NIV1 Corinthians 7:19 NLT1 Corinthians 7:19 ESV1 Corinthians 7:19 NASB1 Corinthians 7:19 KJV
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
