Romans 2:29 Meaning and Explanation
“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The true member of God's people is one inwardly, marked by a circumcision of the heart, whose praise comes from God rather than from people.
What Does Romans 2:29 Mean?
Paul brings the chapter to its summit. The true member of God's people is one inwardly, and real circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not merely the letter. Such a person seeks praise not from men but from God.
This is the inward reality the outward sign always pointed toward, the heart turned wholly to God. The Scriptures had long called for this very circumcision of the heart, and here it stands revealed as what God has always sought. The life that pleases Him is not staged for human approval but lived before His eyes, where the hidden self is laid open and where His praise alone is the reward worth having.
Romans 2:29 in the Original Language
kardia (καρδία), 'heart' -- the inner center of will, thought, and devotion, the true seat of one's relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 2:29
What does Romans 2:29 mean?
The true member of God's people is one inwardly, marked by a circumcision of the heart, whose praise comes from God rather than from people.