Romans 2:26
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 16
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκροβυστία
the uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστία
the uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
4 of 16
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιώματα
the righteousness
G1345
δικαιώματα
the righteousness
Strong's:
G1345
Word #:
6 of 16
an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
8 of 16
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
φυλάσσῃ
keep
G5442
φυλάσσῃ
keep
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
9 of 16
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκροβυστία
the uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστία
the uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
12 of 16
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Historical Context
This argument would scandalize Jewish listeners. Circumcision was THE covenant sign—indelible, irreplaceable. Gentiles could become proselytes through circumcision, Torah observance, and ritual immersion, but 'counting uncircumcision as circumcision' reversed the categories. Paul essentially argues that God-fearing Gentiles who lack the ritual sign but possess heart righteousness stand accepted, while circumcised Jews who violate Torah stand condemned. This foreshadows Acts 15's Jerusalem Council decision that Gentile believers need not be circumcised.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge ethnic, denominational, or cultural boundaries I've erected around who belongs to God's people?
- If God 'counts' heart obedience as covenant membership, what does this teach about the nature of true Christianity?
- In what ways might I exclude or look down on believers who lack my 'circumcision'—my theological tradition, worship style, or cultural expressions?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?—ἐὰν οὖν ἡ ἀκροβυστία τὰ δικαιώματα τοῦ νόμου φυλάσσῃ, οὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται (ean oun hē akrobystia ta dikaiōmata tou nomou phylassē, ouch hē akrobystia autou eis peritomēn logisthēsetai). Τὰ δικαιώματα (ta dikaiōmata, "righteous requirements") are law's moral imperatives. Φυλάσσω (phylassō, "guard/observe/keep") means careful obedience.
Λογίζομαι (logizomai, "reckon/count/credit") is Paul's justification term (used 19 times in Romans 4), meaning God credits righteousness to one's account. The rhetorical question expects "yes": if an uncircumcised Gentile obeys God's law, won't God count him as circumcised—covenant member? This inverts Jewish categories: covenant status depends on heart righteousness, not ethnic identity or ritual. Obedient Gentiles are 'in'; disobedient Jews are 'out.'
Paul here articulates radical inclusion of Gentile believers. This anticipates chapters 9-11's explanation of Gentile grafting into Israel's olive tree. The principle: God judges hearts, not foreskins; reality, not ritual. This demolishes ethnic exclusivism while maintaining moral standards. It's not that obedience earns salvation (Paul will show none perfectly obey, 3:9-20), but that faith-produced obedience—not ethnic identity—determines covenant standing.