Romans 2:28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φανερῷ
G5318
φανερῷ
Strong's:
G5318
Word #:
6 of 16
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φανερῷ
G5318
φανερῷ
Strong's:
G5318
Word #:
13 of 16
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
Cross References
Galatians 6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.Matthew 3:9And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.Revelation 2:9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.Psalms 73:1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.Jeremiah 9:26Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.Romans 2:17Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,John 1:47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even 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:
Historical Context
Jewish identity was fundamentally ethnic throughout Old Testament and Second Temple periods. Descent from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, marked by circumcision, defined covenant membership. Converts (proselytes) could join through circumcision and Torah observance, but natural-born Jews held privileged status. Paul here revolutionizes this: true Jewishness transcends ethnicity, depending on spiritual reality (faith, heart circumcision). This created massive controversy in early church—Judaizers insisted Gentile Christians be circumcised (Acts 15, Galatians 2-3).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'outward' religious markers do I trust in—baptism, church attendance, Christian family—while lacking inward transformation?
- How does redefining covenant membership from external ritual to heart reality challenge my understanding of who belongs to God's people?
- In what areas might I be maintaining 'outward' Christian appearance while my heart remains uncircumcised—hard, rebellious, unrepentant?
Analysis & Commentary
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly—οὐ γὰρ ὁ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ Ἰουδαῖός ἐστιν (ou gar ho en tō phanerō Ioudaios estin). Φανερός (phaneros, "visible/manifest/outward") refers to external appearance—ethnic descent, physical circumcision, ritual observance. Paul here redefines Jewishness itself, stripping it from mere ethnicity to spiritual reality. True Ioudaios (Judean/Jew, "praised one") is defined by God's approval, not human pedigree.
Neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh—οὐδὲ ἡ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ ἐν σαρκὶ περιτομή (oude hē en tō phanerō en sarki peritomē). Σάρξ (sarx, "flesh") emphasizes physical, external aspect. Mere bodily ritual without heart transformation is not true peritomē (circumcision) in God's eyes. This echoes Deuteronomy 10:16 and 30:6 (circumcise your hearts), Jeremiah 4:4 (circumcise hearts to the LORD), Jeremiah 9:25-26 (Egypt, Judah, all uncircumcised in heart).
This verse devastates Jewish presumption more thoroughly than any previous argument. Paul doesn't merely say circumcision is insufficient; he declares outward circumcision isn't true circumcision at all! God redefines His covenant people from ethnic category to spiritual reality. This anticipates Galatians 3:7, 29 ("they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham") and Philippians 3:3 ("we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit").