Romans 2:26

26 So, if ¹a man who is uncircumcised keeps ²the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded^[a] as circumcision?

Romans 2:26 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 2:26

Therefore if the uncircumcision keep
These words are spoken hypothetically; if any such persons could be found among the Gentiles who keep the whole law of God; and can only be absolutely understood of such, who from a principle of grace act in obedience to the law; as in the hands of Christ, and who look to Christ as the fulfilling end of it, for righteousness; in whom they keep

the righteousness of the law
perfectly:

shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
by this question it is suggested, that an uncircumcised Gentile, who keeps the law as in the hands of Christ, and under the influences of his Spirit and grace, and keeps it in Christ, is reckoned a circumcised person in a spiritual sense, and must be preferable to a circumcised Jew that breaks it.

Romans 2:26 In-Context

24 For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.

28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.

Cross References

• 1. Ephesians 2:11; [Romans 3:30]
• 2. Romans 1:32; Romans 8:4

Footnotes

• [a]. Or counted