Romans 4:9

9 Therefore, [is] this blessing for {those who are circumcised}, or also for {those who are uncircumcised}? For we say, "Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness."

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 "Blessed [are they] whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins are covered over.

8 Blessed [is] the person against whom the Lord will never count sin."

9 Therefore, [is] this blessing for {those who are circumcised}, or also for {those who are 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 circumcised} but {while uncircumcised}!

11 And he received the sign of circumcision [as] a seal of the righteousness by faith which [he had] {while uncircumcised}, so that he could be the father of all who believe {although they are uncircumcised}, so that righteousness could be credited to them,

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "the circumcision"
• [b]. Literally "the uncircumcision"
• [c]. A quotation from Gen 15:6