Romans 2:29

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.

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

No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.
KJV
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.
WEB
but 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 from men, but from God.
ASV
but 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.
DARBY
but he [is] a Jew [who is so] inwardly; and circumcision, of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
BLB
But a Jew [is one] on the inside, and circumcision [is] of heart, in spirit, not in letter, of whom the praise [is] not of men, but of God.
ÅB
men den som er jøde i det skjulte, han er sann jøde, og sann omskjærelse er hjertets omskjærelse i Ånden, ikke i bokstaven. En slik har sin ros fra Gud, ikke fra mennesker.
OTB
Nei, en person er en jøde som er det innvendig; og omskjærelse er omskjærelse av hjertet, ved Ånden, ikke ved bokstaven. En slik persons ros er ikke fra andre, men fra Gud.
B1930
men den som er jøde i det skjulte, han er jøde, og omskjærelsen er hjertets omskjærelse i Ånden, ikke i bokstaven; en sådan har sin ros, ikke av mennesker, men av Gud.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 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
  • Philippians 3:3

    For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 10:16

    Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

    Read in context
  • Colossians 2:11–12

    In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

    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
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4

    Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 4:5

    Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

    Read in context
  • 1 Peter 3:4

    but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

    Read in context