Romans 4:9

Abraham Justified before Circumcision

9 Is this blessing only for the circumcised, then? Or is it also for the uncircumcised? For we say, Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness. ^[a]

Romans 4:9 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 4:9

[Cometh] this blessedness then upon the circumcision [only]?
&c.] That is, upon the circumcised Jews; are they the only persons that partake of this happiness? the word "only" is rightly supplied, and is in the Claromontane exemplar used by Beza, and in the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions:

or upon the uncircumcision also?
upon the uncircumcised Gentiles; do not they likewise share in this blessedness?

for we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
The design of these words with the following, is to prove that the blessing of justification belongs to Gentiles as well as Jews, and that it is by faith, and not by circumcision; which is done by observing the state and condition Abraham was in when justified.

Romans 4:9 In-Context

7 How happy those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered!

8 How happy the man whom the Lord will never charge with sin!

9 Is this blessing only for the circumcised, then? Or is it also for the uncircumcised? For we say, Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness.

10 How then was it credited-while he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while he was circumcised, but uncircumcised.

11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gn 15:6