Romans 4:9
Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μακαρισμὸς
blessedness
G3108
μακαρισμὸς
blessedness
Strong's:
G3108
Word #:
2 of 22
beatification, i.e., attribution of good fortune
οὗτος
Cometh this
G3778
οὗτος
Cometh this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
4 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιτομὴν
the circumcision
G4061
περιτομὴν
the circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
7 of 22
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκροβυστίαν
the uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστίαν
the uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
12 of 22
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
λέγομεν
we say
G3004
λέγομεν
we say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἐλογίσθη
was reckoned
G3049
Ἐλογίσθη
was reckoned
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
16 of 22
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
20 of 22
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Cross References
Galatians 3:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;Romans 4:3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Historical Context
Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham in Genesis 17, marking Jewish identity and separating Israel from the nations. The Judaizing controversy that plagued Paul's ministry centered on whether Gentile converts must be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15). By demonstrating that Abraham was justified before circumcision, Paul undermines the Judaizers' entire position and establishes the church as a community of faith transcending ethnic boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul frame this as a question about 'blessedness' rather than simply asking about justification?
- How does the inclusion of Gentiles without circumcision affect Jewish identity and covenant promises?
- In what ways do modern Christians create similar 'circumcision' requirements—external markers that supposedly validate one's standing with God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. Paul now pivots to his most explosive question: Is this blessedness exclusive to the circumcised (epi tēn peritomēn, ἐπὶ τὴν περιτομήν) or does it extend to the uncircumcised (epi tēn akrobystian, ἐπὶ τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν)? The metonymy is clear: circumcision = Jews, uncircumcision = Gentiles. The entire structure of ethnic privilege is at stake in this question.
Paul returns to his touchstone text: "faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness" (Gen 15:6). But now the chronological question becomes urgent: when was it reckoned? The answer will demolish any claim that circumcision is necessary for justification. This is not academic theology but pastoral urgency—the church at Rome was experiencing tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul must establish that both stand on identical ground before God: faith alone, not circumcision plus faith.