King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:18 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:18 in the King James Version says “Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be c...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.”

1 Corinthians 7:18 · KJV

Context

16

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? how: Gr. what

17

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

18

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

19

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

20

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Read 1 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised—the procedure epispasthō (ἐπισπάσθω, "draw over the foreskin") refers to a surgical operation some Hellenized Jews underwent to hide circumcision and appear Greek. This was considered apostasy. Paul prohibits this despite earlier arguing circumcision is irrelevant (Galatians 5:6; 6:15).

Conversely, Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Gentile converts should not adopt Jewish identity markers thinking it gains spiritual advantage. This directly addresses Judaizers who insisted Gentile Christians be circumcised for salvation (Acts 15; Galatians 2-3). Paul's point: ethnic and cultural identity don't determine standing before God.

Paul's teaching liberates both Jews and Gentiles: Jews need not abandon Jewish identity, Gentiles need not adopt it. The gospel transcends ethnic markers. This application of "remain as called" (v. 17) prevents converts from thinking spiritual transformation requires cultural transformation. Identity in Christ supersedes ethnic identity without erasing it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hellenistic culture prized the nude male form, making circumcision socially embarrassing for Jews in gymnasia and baths. Some Jewish men underwent epispasm to appear Greek. Conversely, Judaizers insisted Gentile converts be circumcised (Acts 15:1). Paul declares both procedures spiritually irrelevant under the new covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why would Jewish Christians seek to reverse circumcision, and why does Paul forbid it?
  2. How does Paul's teaching that circumcision is irrelevant relate to his broader principle of remaining in one's calling?
  3. What modern equivalents exist where Christians wrongly think changing cultural identity markers affects spiritual status?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
περιτεμνέσθω1 of 11

“be circumcised”

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

τις2 of 11

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐκλήθη3 of 11

“Is”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

μὴ4 of 11

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπισπάσθω·5 of 11

“become uncircumcised”

G1986

to draw over, i.e., (with g0203 implied) efface the mark of circumcision (by recovering with the foreskin)

ἐν6 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀκροβυστίᾳ7 of 11

“uncircumcision”

G203

the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person

τις8 of 11

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐκλήθη9 of 11

“Is”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

μὴ10 of 11

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

περιτεμνέσθω11 of 11

“be circumcised”

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:5Acts 15:28Acts 15:19Acts 15:24Galatians 5:1-3Colossians 3:11

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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