Romans 2:25

23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

26 If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

27 The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
KJV
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
WEB
For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
ASV
For 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.
DARBY
For circumcision indeed profits if thou keep [the] law; but if thou be a law-transgressor, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.
BLB
For circumcision indeed profits if you practice the law; but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
ÅB
For omskjærelsen har sin nytte om du holder loven. Men er du en lovbryter så har omskjærelsen din blitt til forhud.
OTB
Omskjærelse har verdi hvis du holder Loven, men hvis du bryter Loven, er det som om du ikke har blitt omskåret.
B1930
For omskjærelsen har vel sin nytte om du holder loven; men er du en lov-bryter, da er din omskjærelse blitt til forhud.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Galatians 5:3–6

    Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

    Read in context
  • Jeremiah 4:4

    Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

    Read in context
  • Galatians 6:15

    For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

    Read in context
  • Acts 7:51

    You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 30:6

    The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

    Read in context
  • Jeremiah 9:25–26

    “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised yet uncircumcised:

    Read in context
  • Romans 2:23

    You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

    Read in context
  • Romans 2:28–3:2

    A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.

    Read in context