Romans 4:12

12 and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.

Romans 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 4:12

And the father of circumcision
So the Jews call Abraham (Mylwmynh var) ^F12, "the head of those that are circumcised"; and (Mylwml var) ^F13, "the head to them that are circumcised"; but the apostle here says, he is a father

to them who are not of the circumcision only;
not to the Jews only, in a spiritual sense, and not to all of them, since some were "of Israel", who were not Israel, not Israelites indeed, or true believers;

but [to such] also [who] walk in the steps of that faith of our
father Abraham, which he had, being yet uncircumcised;
that is, who have the same faith he had; imitate and follow him in the exercise of faith; walk by faith, as he did when he was uncircumcised, as they are; and so the Jews say ^F14,

``Abraham is the father of all, (wtnwmab wyrxa Myab) , "that go after him in his faith".''

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 Tzeror Hammor, fol. 18. 3.
F13 Juchasin, fol. 5. 2. Midrash Esther, fol. 85. 3.
F14 R. Sol. Hammelech Michlol. Jophi in Mal. ii. 15.

Romans 4:12 In-Context

10 How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision:

11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;

12 and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.

13 For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.

14 For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect: