BibleWord.ai› Bible› Romans› Chapter 2› Verse 28

Romans 2:28

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 2:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.
26If therefore the uncircumcision keep the ordinances of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision?
27and shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who with the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law?
28For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:
29but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
← Romans 2:27Romans 2:29 →
← Full Chapter 2 Romans Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, etc..] The apostle removes the plea in favour of the Jews, taken from their name and privilege, by distinguishing between a Jew and a Jew, and between circumcision and circumcision: “he is not a Jew which is one outwardly”; by mere name, nature, nation, religion, and profession: neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; which takes away the flesh of the foreskin, but not the carnality of the heart; leaves a mark upon the flesh, but no impression on the mind. This is nothing, is not the true, solid, substantial, spiritual circumcision, which only avails in the sight of God.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, &c.--In other words, the name of "Jew" and the rite of "circumcision" were designed but as outward symbols of a separation from the irreligious and ungodly world unto holy devotedness in heart and life to the God of salvation. Where this is realized, the signs are full of significance; but where it is not, they are worse than useless. Note, (1) It is a sad mark of depravity when all that is designed and fitted to melt only hardens the heart (Rom 2:4, and compare Pe2 3:9; Ecc 8:11). (2) Amidst all the inequalities of religious opportunity measured out to men, and the mysterious bearing of this upon their character and destiny for eternity, the same…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For he is not a Jew ... - He who is merely descended from Abraham, and is circumcised, and externally conforms to the Law only, does not possess the true character, and manifest the true spirit, contemplated by the separation of the Jewish people. Their separation required much more. Neither is that circumcision ... - Neither does it meet the full design of the rite of circumcision, that it is externally performed. It contemplated much more; see Romans 2:29. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he is not a Jew - In the most important sense, that is, one of God's beloved people. Who is one in outward show only; neither is that the true, acceptable circumcision, which is apparent in the flesh. Romans 2:29”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“For he: Rom 9:6-8; Psa 73:1; Isa 1:9-15, Isa 48:1, Isa 48:2; Hos 1:6-9; Mat 3:9; Joh 1:47; Joh 8:37-39; Gal 6:15; Rev 2:9 neither: Jer 9:26; Rom 4:10-12; Pe1 3:21 Romans 2:29”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Romans 2 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification