King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:19 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:19 in the King James Version says “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing—Paul states radically that Jewish covenant markers are spiritually neutral under the New Covenant. The repetition of ouden (οὐδέν, "nothing") emphasizes total irrelevance. This echoes Galatians 5:6, "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."

Instead, but the keeping of the commandments of God (tērēsis entolōn theou, τήρησις ἐντολῶν θεοῦ) is what matters. Paul is not advocating Old Testament legal observance but obedience to Christ's commands, summarized in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10). True covenant membership is marked by heart transformation and obedience, not physical markers.

This verse relativizes all external religious markers—Jewish ritual, Gentile freedom, circumcision, uncircumcision. What God desires is tērēsis entolōn, faithful obedience flowing from regenerate hearts. This prepares for Paul's later teaching that love fulfills the law (Romans 13:8-10) and that circumcision is a matter of the heart (Romans 2:28-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's statement that circumcision is "nothing" was scandalous to Jewish ears, as circumcision marked Abraham's covenant (Genesis 17) and Jewish identity. However, the New Covenant's internal transformation (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27) surpasses external rituals. Paul declares the Abrahamic promise fulfilled in Christ, transcending ethnic markers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's declaration that circumcision is "nothing" challenge cultural and religious identity markers?
  2. What does "keeping the commandments of God" mean in the context of the New Covenant through Christ?
  3. What external religious markers might Christians today wrongly elevate as essential for spiritual status?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἡ1 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιτομὴ2 of 13

“Circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

οὐδέν3 of 13

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐστιν4 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ5 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκροβυστία7 of 13

“uncircumcision”

G203

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

οὐδέν8 of 13

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐστιν9 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀλλὰ10 of 13

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τήρησις11 of 13

“the keeping”

G5084

a watching, i.e., (figuratively) observance, or (concretely) a prison

ἐντολῶν12 of 13

“of the commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

θεοῦ13 of 13

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 5:6Galatians 6:151 John 2:3-4Romans 2:25-291 John 3:22-24Colossians 3:11

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