Romans 2:28

28 For he is not a Jew, who is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Romans 2:28 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 2:28

For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly
The apostle removes the plea in favour of the Jews, taken from their name and privilege, by distinguishing between a Jew and a Jew, and between circumcision and circumcision: "he is not a Jew which is one outwardly"; by mere name, nature, nation, religion, and profession:

neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;
which takes away the flesh of the foreskin, but not the carnality of the heart; leaves a mark upon the flesh, but no impression on the mind. This is nothing, is not the true, solid, substantial, spiritual circumcision, which only avails in the sight of God.

Romans 2:28 In-Context

26 Therefore, if the uncircumcision keepeth the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfilleth the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

28 For he is not a Jew, who is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he [is] a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not from men, but from God.