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◄ Romans 2:28►

New International Version
A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.

New Living Translation
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.

English Standard Version
For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.

Berean Standard Bible
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.

Berean Literal Bible
For theone on the outside a Jew is not, neitherthat on the outside in fleshis circumcision.

King James Bible
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neitheris that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

New King James Version
For he is not a Jew whois one outwardly, noris circumcision that whichis outward in the flesh;

New American Standard Bible
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.

NASB 1995
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.

NASB 1977
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.

Legacy Standard Bible
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.

Amplified Bible
For he is not a [real] Jew who is only one outwardly, nor is [true] circumcision something external and physical.

Christian Standard Bible
For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.

American Standard Version
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:

Contemporary English Version
Just because you live like a Jew and are circumcised doesn't make you a real Jew.

English Revised Version
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A person is not a Jew because of his appearance, nor is circumcision a matter of how the body looks.

Good News Translation
After all, who is a real Jew, truly circumcised? It is not the man who is a Jew on the outside, whose circumcision is a physical thing.

International Standard Version
For a person is not a Jew because of his appearance, nor is circumcision something just external and physical.

NET Bible
For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something that is outward in the flesh,

New Heart English Bible
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;

Webster's Bible Translation
For he is not a Jew, who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Weymouth New Testament
For the true Jew is not the man who is simply a Jew outwardly, and true circumcision is not that which is outward and bodily.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.

World English Bible
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For he is not a Jew who is [so] outwardly, neither [is] circumcision that which is outward in flesh;

Berean Literal Bible
For theone on the outside a Jew is not, neitherthat on the outside in fleshis circumcision.

Young's Literal Translation
For he is not a Jew who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in flesh;

Smith's Literal Translation
For he in appearance, is not a Jew; neither circumcision, in appearance in the flesh:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For it is not he is a Jew, who is so outwardly; nor is that circumcision which is outwardly in the flesh:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For a Jew is not he who seems so outwardly. Neither is circumcision that which seems so outwardly, in the flesh.

New American Bible
One is not a Jew outwardly. True circumcision is not outward, in the flesh.

New Revised Standard Version
For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For it is not the one who is outwardly a Jew, who is the real Jew; neither is circumcision that which is seen in the flesh.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that which is seen in the flesh circumcision.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:

Godbey New Testament
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outwardly in the flesh.

Haweis New Testament
For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision.

Mace New Testament
for it is not the Jew in outward appearance, neither is it the external mark of circumcision:

Weymouth New Testament
For the true Jew is not the man who is simply a Jew outwardly, and true circumcision is not that which is outward and bodily.

Worrell New Testament
For he is not a Jew,who is one outwardly; nor is that circumcision, which is outward in flesh;

Worsley New Testament
nor isthat circumcision, which isonly in appearance, in the flesh;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Jews and the Law
…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.28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly,nor is circumcision only outward and physical.29No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Galatians 6:15
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

Philippians 3:3
For 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—

Colossians 2:11
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.

John 1:47
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”

1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Ephesians 2:11-13
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. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Galatians 3:28-29
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. / And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

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.”

Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

Jeremiah 9:25-26
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— / 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.”

Ezekiel 44:9
This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.

Genesis 17:10-14
This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ...

Leviticus 26:41
and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity,

Treasury of Scripture

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

For he.

Romans 9:6-8
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For theyare not all Israel, which are of Israel: …

Psalm 73:1
A Psalm of Asaph. Truly Godis good to Israel,even to such as are of a clean heart.

Isaiah 1:9-15
Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom,and we should have been like unto Gomorrah…

neither.

Jeremiah 9:26
Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and allthat are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for allthese nationsare uncircumcised, and all the house of Israelare uncircumcised in the heart.

Romans 4:10-12
How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision…

1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereuntoeven baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

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Romans 2

1.No excuse for sin.
6.No escape from judgment.
14.Gentiles cannot;
17.nor Jews.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly
This phrase challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of identity based on external markers. In the first century, Jewish identity was heavily tied to physical lineage and adherence to the Law of Moses. However, Paul emphasizes that true Jewish identity is not merely about external observance or ethnic heritage. This echoes the prophetic tradition found in the Old Testament, such as inJeremiah 4:4, where God calls for a circumcision of the heart. The focus is on internal transformation rather than external conformity, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

nor is circumcision only outward and physical
Circumcision was a critical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14), serving as a physical mark of belonging to God's chosen people. However, Paul argues that true circumcision is not just a physical act but a spiritual one. This idea is rooted in the Old Testament, where Moses speaks of the need for a circumcised heart (Deuteronomy 10:16). The New Testament further develops this concept, with Paul later explaining inRomans 2:29 that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit. This internal transformation is a type of the work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets by bringing about a new covenant that emphasizes inward renewal over outward ritual.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2.The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were navigating the complexities of faith and cultural identity.

3.Jews
The ethnic and religious group central to the discussion inRomans 2, representing those who traditionally followed the Law of Moses.

4.Circumcision
A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, significant in Jewish identity and religious practice.

5.The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and religious observance, and a point of contention in understanding salvation and righteousness.

Teaching Points

True Identity in Christ
Our identity as believers is not based on external rituals or ethnic heritage but on our relationship with Christ.

Heart Transformation Over Rituals
God desires a transformation of the heart, which is reflected in our actions and attitudes, rather than mere adherence to religious rituals.

Spiritual Circumcision
The true mark of belonging to God is a heart that is set apart for Him, characterized by obedience and love.

Unity in the Body of Christ
Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are united in Christ, and our focus should be on spiritual unity rather than cultural or ritualistic differences.

Living Out Our Faith
Our faith should be evident in our daily lives, demonstrating the inward change that has taken place through the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Romans 2:28?

2.How does Romans 2:28 redefine true identity beyond physical circumcision?

3.What does Romans 2:28 teach about inward versus outward religious practices?

4.How can Romans 2:28 guide us in evaluating our spiritual authenticity?

5.Connect Romans 2:28 with Jesus' teachings on inner purity in Matthew 23:25-28.

6.How can we apply Romans 2:28 to ensure our faith is genuine and heartfelt?

7.What does Romans 2:28 mean by "a Jew is one inwardly"?

8.How does Romans 2:28 challenge the concept of outward religious identity?

9.Why does Romans 2:28 emphasize the heart over physical circumcision?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 2?

11.Who is considered the first Jew?

12.What does the Bible say about female genital mutilation?

13.Why do the Gospels present different accounts of how Jesus treated Gentiles?

14.What does "spiritual Israel" mean?

What Does Romans 2:28 Mean

A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly

Paul addresses people who trusted their family tree and religious culture to make them right with God.

• Earlier he had said, “If you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and boast in God” (Romans 2:17), exposing a confidence rooted in labels rather than obedience.

• Jesus made the same point when some claimed Abraham as their father: “If you were children of Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham” (John 8:39).

• True membership in God’s covenant community has always been defined by faith and obedience, not by ancestry alone; “Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel” (Romans 9:6).

• InGalatians 3:7 Paul sums it up: “Those who have faith are sons of Abraham.”

In short, outward markers can never substitute for an inward relationship with the Lord.

nor is circumcision only outward and physical

Circumcision was given to Abraham as a sign (Genesis 17:10-11), yet even the Law pointed beyond the knife to the heart.

• Moses pleaded, “Circumcise your hearts” (Deuteronomy 10:16), and promised that “the LORD your God will circumcise your hearts” (Deuteronomy 30:6).

• Jeremiah echoed the call: “Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts” (Jeremiah 4:4).

• Paul explains the fulfillment in Christ: “In Him you were also circumcised… by the circumcision of Christ” (Colossians 2:11).

•Philippians 3:3 draws the conclusion: “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God… and put no confidence in the flesh.”

Physical surgery never rescued a soul; only the Spirit’s inner work marks someone as God’s covenant partner.

summary

Romans 2:28 redirects our attention from external badges—ethnic heritage, rituals, religious culture—to the inner reality God has always sought: a heart transformed by His Spirit and a life that reflects genuine faith. Outward signs have value only when they express that inward reality; without it, they are empty.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

A [man]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is
ἐστιν(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.

not
Οὐ(Ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

a Jew
Ἰουδαῖός(Ioudaios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

[ because he is one ]
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

outwardly,
φανερῷ(phanerō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5318:Apparent, clear, visible, manifest; adv: clearly. From phaino; shining, i.e. Apparent; neuter publicly, externally.

nor
οὐδὲ(oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761:Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

[is] circumcision
περιτομή(peritomē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061:Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

[ only ] outward
φανερῷ(phanerō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5318:Apparent, clear, visible, manifest; adv: clearly. From phaino; shining, i.e. Apparent; neuter publicly, externally.

[and]
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

physical.
σαρκὶ(sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561:Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

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NT Letters: Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew who (Rom. Ro)