King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:19 Mean?
“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(19) **Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing.**—Often those who regard some ceremony as unimportant magnify the very disregard of it into a necessary virtue. The Apostle carefully guards against that by expressing the nothingness of both circumcision and uncircumcision (Romans 2:25; Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15). The circumcision of Timothy, and the refusal to circumcise Titus by St. Paul himself, are illustrations at once of the application of the truth here enforced, and of the Apostle’s scrupulous adherence to the principles of his own teaching. To have refused to circumcise Timothy would have attached some value to non-circumcision. To have circumcised Titus would have attached some value to circumcision. (See Acts 16:3; Galatians 2:3.)
**But the keeping of the commandments of God** *is everything,* understood. The teaching here is, practically, “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge