Romans 2:29
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιτομὴ
circumcision
G4061
περιτομὴ
circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
8 of 23
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
καρδίας
is that of the heart
G2588
καρδίας
is that of the heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
9 of 23
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
πνεύματι
the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
οὐκ
and not
G3756
οὐκ
and not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
12 of 23
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γράμματι
in the letter
G1121
γράμματι
in the letter
Strong's:
G1121
Word #:
13 of 23
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐκ
and not
G3756
οὐκ
and not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
17 of 23
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
21 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Deuteronomy 30:6And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.Deuteronomy 10:16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Jeremiah 4:4Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.1 Thessalonians 2:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.1 Peter 3:4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.Romans 7:6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
Historical Context
Prophets consistently called for heart circumcision: Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4, 9:25-26, Ezekiel 44:7, 9. However, most Jews interpreted these as metaphors calling for Torah devotion, not replacing physical circumcision. Paul here radicalizes the prophets: heart circumcision IS true circumcision; physical ritual without it is worthless. This becomes foundation for understanding the church as true Israel (Galatians 6:16, Philippians 3:3) and Gentile inclusion without circumcision (Acts 15, Galatians 2-5).
Questions for Reflection
- Has my heart been circumcised by the Spirit—has God removed my deadness to Him and given me new affections for His glory?
- Do I live for human 'praise'—approval, reputation, status—or for God's commendation, even when it costs me human approval?
- How does understanding true covenant membership as 'inward' and 'of the Spirit' transform my view of salvation, sanctification, and the church?
Analysis & Commentary
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly—ἀλλ᾽ ὁ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος (all' ho en tō kryptō Ioudaios). Κρυπτός (kryptos, "hidden/secret/inward") contrasts verse 28's phaneros (outward). True Jewishness exists in the unseen realm of heart and spirit, visible only to God (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10). This Jew is Ioudaios indeed—one whom God praises (the name's etymology from Judah, "praised").
And circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter—καὶ περιτομὴ καρδίας ἐν πνεύματι οὐ γράμματι (kai peritomē kardias en pneumati ou grammati). Καρδία (kardia, "heart") is the seat of moral will and spiritual affection. Ἐν πνεύματι (en pneumati, "in/by the Spirit") could mean human spirit (regenerated inner person) or Holy Spirit (divine agent of transformation). Most likely both: the Holy Spirit circumcises the human spirit, removing the heart's 'foreskin' (deadness to God) and creating capacity to love and obey Him (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Whose praise is not of men, but of God—οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ (hou ho epainos ouk ex anthrōpōn all' ek tou theou). Ἔπαινος (epainos, "praise/approval") plays on Ioudaios (Judah/praise). True Jews receive God's commendation, not human applause. This recalls John 5:44 (seeking glory from one another rather than God) and 12:43 (loving praise of men more than praise of God). Heart circumcision—regeneration by the Spirit—produces lives that glorify God, not self.