King James Version

What Does Romans 2:29 Mean?

Romans 2:29 in the King James Version says “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly ; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; wh... — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 2:29 · KJV


Context

27

And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

28

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardlyἀλλ᾽ ὁ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος (all' ho en tō kryptō Ioudaios). Κρυπτός (kryptos, "hidden/secret/inward") contrasts verse 28's phaneros (outward). True Jewishness exists in the unseen realm of heart and spirit, visible only to God (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10). This Jew is Ioudaios indeed—one whom God praises (the name's etymology from Judah, "praised").

And circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letterκαὶ περιτομὴ καρδίας ἐν πνεύματι οὐ γράμματι (kai peritomē kardias en pneumati ou grammati). Καρδία (kardia, "heart") is the seat of moral will and spiritual affection. Ἐν πνεύματι (en pneumati, "in/by the Spirit") could mean human spirit (regenerated inner person) or Holy Spirit (divine agent of transformation). Most likely both: the Holy Spirit circumcises the human spirit, removing the heart's 'foreskin' (deadness to God) and creating capacity to love and obey Him (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Whose praise is not of men, but of Godοὗ ὁ ἔπαινος οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ (hou ho epainos ouk ex anthrōpōn all' ek tou theou). Ἔπαινος (epainos, "praise/approval") plays on Ioudaios (Judah/praise). True Jews receive God's commendation, not human applause. This recalls John 5:44 (seeking glory from one another rather than God) and 12:43 (loving praise of men more than praise of God). Heart circumcision—regeneration by the Spirit—produces lives that glorify God, not self.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets consistently called for heart circumcision: Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4, 9:25-26, Ezekiel 44:7, 9. However, most Jews interpreted these as metaphors calling for Torah devotion, not replacing physical circumcision. Paul here radicalizes the prophets: heart circumcision IS true circumcision; physical ritual without it is worthless. This becomes foundation for understanding the church as true Israel (Galatians 6:16, Philippians 3:3) and Gentile inclusion without circumcision (Acts 15, Galatians 2-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. Has my heart been circumcised by the Spirit—has God removed my deadness to Him and given me new affections for His glory?
  2. Do I live for human 'praise'—approval, reputation, status—or for God's commendation, even when it costs me human approval?
  3. How does understanding true covenant membership as 'inward' and 'of the Spirit' transform my view of salvation, sanctification, and the church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀλλ'1 of 23

But

G235

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

2 of 23
G3588

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

ἐν3 of 23

in

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 23
G3588

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

κρυπτῷ5 of 23
G2927

concealed, i.e., private

Ἰουδαῖος6 of 23

he is a Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ7 of 23

and

G2532

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

περιτομὴ8 of 23

circumcision

G4061

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

καρδίας9 of 23

is that of the heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ἐν10 of 23

in

G1722

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

πνεύματι11 of 23

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

οὐκ12 of 23

and not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γράμματι13 of 23

in the letter

G1121

a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning

οὗ14 of 23

whose

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

15 of 23
G3588

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

ἔπαινος16 of 23

praise

G1868

laudation; concretely, a commendable thing

οὐκ17 of 23

and not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκ18 of 23

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀνθρώπων19 of 23

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀλλ'20 of 23

But

G235

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

ἐκ21 of 23

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ22 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ23 of 23

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 Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 2:29 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 Romans 2:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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