Romans 2:27

Authorized King James Version

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And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρινεῖ judge G2919
κρινεῖ judge
Strong's: G2919
Word #: 2 of 17
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ which is by G1537
ἐκ which is by
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 4 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
φύσεως nature G5449
φύσεως nature
Strong's: G5449
Word #: 5 of 17
growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
ἀκροβυστία uncircumcision G203
ἀκροβυστία uncircumcision
Strong's: G203
Word #: 6 of 17
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου the law G3551
νόμου the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 8 of 17
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τελοῦσα if it fulfil G5055
τελοῦσα if it fulfil
Strong's: G5055
Word #: 9 of 17
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
σὲ thee G4571
σὲ thee
Strong's: G4571
Word #: 10 of 17
thee
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ who by G1223
διὰ who by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 12 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
γράμματος the letter G1121
γράμματος the letter
Strong's: G1121
Word #: 13 of 17
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιτομῆς circumcision G4061
περιτομῆς circumcision
Strong's: G4061
Word #: 15 of 17
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
παραβάτην dost transgress G3848
παραβάτην dost transgress
Strong's: G3848
Word #: 16 of 17
a violator
νόμου the law G3551
νόμου the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 17 of 17
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

Analysis & Commentary

And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee—καὶ κρινεῖ ἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία τὸν νόμον τελοῦσα σέ (kai krinei hē ek physeōs akrobystia ton nomon telousa se). Ἐκ φύσεως (ek physeōs, "by nature") describes Gentiles naturally born uncircumcised, contrasting with Jews circumcised on eighth day. Τελέω (teleō, "fulfill/complete/accomplish") means bringing law to its intended goal. Κρίνω (krinō, "judge/condemn") here means the obedient Gentile's life condemns the disobedient Jew by comparison.

Who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?—τὸν διὰ γράμματος καὶ περιτομῆς παραβάτην νόμου (ton dia grammatos kai peritomēs parabatēn nomou). Γράμμα (gramma, "letter") refers to written Torah (2 Corinthians 3:6 contrasts letter that kills with Spirit that gives life). The Jew possesses both letter (Scripture) and circumcision (covenant sign) yet remains parabatēs (transgressor). The Gentile with neither fulfills law's intent; the Jew with both violates it.

This reversal is stunning: the judge becomes judged, the insider becomes outsider, the privileged becomes condemned. Jesus made identical argument in Matthew 12:41-42—Ninevites and Queen of Sheba will condemn Jesus's generation because they repented/sought wisdom while Israel rejected greater revelation. Obedient response matters more than privileged position. This anticipates 9:30-33: Gentiles attained righteousness by faith while Israel pursuing law-righteousness failed.

Historical Context

Jewish confidence rested on possessing 'the letter' (Torah scrolls, systematic teaching) and circumcision. These were irrevocable advantages distinguishing them from Gentiles. Paul here argues these advantages become liabilities when violated—worse to possess truth and disobey than lack revelation. This echoes prophetic tradition: Amos 3:2 ("You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities"), Jeremiah 7:4-11 (temple presence doesn't protect), Malachi 2:1-9 (priests who dishonor God).

Questions for Reflection