1 Corinthians 7:18
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
Original Language Analysis
περιτεμνέσθω
be circumcised
G4059
περιτεμνέσθω
be circumcised
Strong's:
G4059
Word #:
1 of 11
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise
ἐκλήθη
Is
G2564
ἐκλήθη
Is
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
3 of 11
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπισπάσθω·
become uncircumcised
G1986
ἐπισπάσθω·
become uncircumcised
Strong's:
G1986
Word #:
5 of 11
to draw over, i.e., (with g0203 implied) efface the mark of circumcision (by recovering with the foreskin)
ἀκροβυστίᾳ
uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστίᾳ
uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
7 of 11
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
ἐκλήθη
Is
G2564
ἐκλήθη
Is
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
9 of 11
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Cross References
Acts 15:5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.Acts 15:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:Acts 15:19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:Acts 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Historical Context
Hellenistic culture prized the nude male form, making circumcision socially embarrassing for Jews in gymnasia and baths. Some Jewish men underwent epispasm to appear Greek. Conversely, Judaizers insisted Gentile converts be circumcised (Acts 15:1). Paul declares both procedures spiritually irrelevant under the new covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would Jewish Christians seek to reverse circumcision, and why does Paul forbid it?
- How does Paul's teaching that circumcision is irrelevant relate to his broader principle of remaining in one's calling?
- What modern equivalents exist where Christians wrongly think changing cultural identity markers affects spiritual status?
Analysis & Commentary
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised—the procedure epispasthō (ἐπισπάσθω, "draw over the foreskin") refers to a surgical operation some Hellenized Jews underwent to hide circumcision and appear Greek. This was considered apostasy. Paul prohibits this despite earlier arguing circumcision is irrelevant (Galatians 5:6; 6:15).
Conversely, Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Gentile converts should not adopt Jewish identity markers thinking it gains spiritual advantage. This directly addresses Judaizers who insisted Gentile Christians be circumcised for salvation (Acts 15; Galatians 2-3). Paul's point: ethnic and cultural identity don't determine standing before God.
Paul's teaching liberates both Jews and Gentiles: Jews need not abandon Jewish identity, Gentiles need not adopt it. The gospel transcends ethnic markers. This application of "remain as called" (v. 17) prevents converts from thinking spiritual transformation requires cultural transformation. Identity in Christ supersedes ethnic identity without erasing it.