King James Version

What Does Romans 4:10 Mean?

Romans 4:10 in the King James Version says “How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.”

Romans 4:10 · KJV

Context

8

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

9

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

10

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

11

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

12

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Read Romans 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. Paul answers his own rhetorical question with devastating simplicity: Abraham was justified while still en akrobystia (ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ, "in uncircumcision"), not en peritomē (ἐν περιτομῇ, "in circumcision"). The chronology of Genesis is irrefutable: Chapter 15 (justification by faith) precedes Chapter 17 (institution of circumcision) by at least 14 years. Abraham believed and was credited with righteousness while he was, in Jewish reckoning, a Gentile!

This temporal sequence has profound theological implications. Circumcision cannot be the means of justification since Abraham was already justified before receiving it. At most, circumcision could be a sign or seal of a righteousness already possessed, which is exactly what Paul will argue in verse 11. For fourteen years, Abraham stood before God as righteous while uncircumcised—proving that the covenant sign is not the ground of acceptance. This demolishes any notion that ritual observance contributes to justification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's chronological argument would have been familiar to his Jewish readers who knew the Abraham narrative well. However, his interpretation challenged the prevailing view that circumcision was essential for covenant membership. By showing Abraham was justified as 'uncircumcised,' Paul establishes that Gentile believers need not become Jewish to be saved—they stand in the same relationship to God as Abraham did before Genesis 17.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is the timing of Abraham's justification so crucial to Paul's argument, and what collapses if circumcision preceded faith?
  2. How does Abraham's fourteen years of justified-but-uncircumcised status provide a pattern for Gentile inclusion?
  3. What modern 'circumcisions'—sacraments, rituals, practices—do Christians mistakenly treat as grounds rather than signs of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
πῶς1 of 15

“How”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

οὖν2 of 15

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐλογίσθη3 of 15

“reckoned”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ἐν4 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

περιτομῇ5 of 15

“circumcision”

G4061

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

ὄντι6 of 15

“when he was”

G5607

being

ἢ7 of 15

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐν8 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

ἀκροβυστίᾳ·9 of 15

“uncircumcision”

G203

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

οὐκ10 of 15

“Not”

G3756

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

ἐν11 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

περιτομῇ12 of 15

“circumcision”

G4061

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

ἀλλ'13 of 15

“but”

G235

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

ἐν14 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

ἀκροβυστίᾳ·15 of 15

“uncircumcision”

G203

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

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 4:10 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 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:15Galatians 5:6Genesis 17:1Genesis 17:101 Corinthians 7:18-19Genesis 17:23-27

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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