1 Corinthians 7:19 kjv
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
1 Corinthians 7:19 nkjv
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.
1 Corinthians 7:19 niv
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts.
1 Corinthians 7:19 esv
For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.
1 Corinthians 7:19 nlt
For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God's commandments.
1 Corinthians 7 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 7:19 | Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but... | Keeping God's commands matters |
| Gal 5:6 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails | Faith working through love |
| Rom 2:28-29 | For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision | That which is outward in the flesh |
| Deut 7:9 | know that the LORD your God, he is God, the faithful God who keeps | Covenant loyalty |
| Deut 10:13 | him you to keep the commandments and the statutes for your good? | Blessings from obedience |
| Deut 11:18 | "You shall therefore impress on these words of mine on your heart | Internalize and teach God's word |
| Josh 22:5 | but be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that | Moses commanded you |
| 1 Sam 15:22 | Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, | Obedience is better than sacrifice |
| Ps 1:1-2 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked... | Delighting in God's law |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | God's word guides life |
| Isa 29:13 | This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips | Outward worship without inwardness |
| Matt 5:17-20 | "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets | Fulfilling righteousness |
| Matt 7:21 | "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom | Those who do the Father's will |
| Matt 19:17 | And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? | To enter life, keep the commandments |
| John 14:15 | "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. | Love expressed through obedience |
| John 15:10 | If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, | Abiding in Christ's love |
| Acts 15:1,24 | Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, | Debate on circumcision |
| Rom 4:11 | He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness | Sign of righteousness |
| Rom 6:19 | I am speaking in human terms, because of your limitations of flesh | Presenting your bodies as slaves |
| Gal 6:15 | For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a | New creation is what counts |
| Col 2:11 | In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made not | Spiritual circumcision |
| Col 3:11 | Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised... | Christ is all, and in all |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without | Holiness and peace |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 19 Meaning
"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters."
This verse emphasizes that outward religious rituals or states have no intrinsic spiritual value. True spiritual significance lies in obedience to God's commands. It speaks to the inward transformation and practical application of faith rather than external markers.
1 Corinthians 7 19 Context
This verse appears in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth, a diverse community with various backgrounds and beliefs. Chapter 7 specifically addresses issues of marriage, singleness, divorce, and engagement. The context leading up to this verse concerns the relationship between Christian faith and Old Testament ceremonial laws, particularly circumcision, which was a key marker of Jewish identity and covenant. Some Gentile believers may have felt pressure to be circumcised, while Jewish believers already had this practice. Paul's instruction is that neither status, whether circumcised or uncircumcised, holds ultimate importance within the Christian fellowship. What truly matters is one's commitment to obeying God's overarching commands.
1 Corinthians 7 19 Word Analysis
- Circumcision (peritomē): The Greek word for circumcision, referring to the physical rite of removing the foreskin, a sign of the Abrahamic covenant for males. In a broader sense, it represented ethnic and religious identity within Judaism.
- is nothing (oudei epousai / ouden esti): Literally "is not" or "is of no account." This conveys that the external rite has no intrinsic merit in God's sight regarding salvation or spiritual standing.
- and uncircumcision (kai akrobystia): The Greek term for uncircumcision, signifying the absence of the Jewish physical sign.
- is nothing (oudei epousai / ouden esti): Repeats the idea that this contrasting outward state also carries no inherent spiritual value on its own.
- but (alla): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a shift to the true, essential matter.
- keeping (fylassein): To guard, keep, observe, or obey. It implies a consistent and diligent practice.
- the commandments (tas entolas): Refers to God's divine instructions and precepts.
- of God (tou theou): Belongs to God, indicating their divine origin and authority.
- is what matters (ph Tero estin / ta tero): The significant reality; that which is important or makes a difference.
Group Analysis:
- Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing: This phrase directly addresses the potential divisions and debates within the Corinthian church regarding the necessity of the Mosaic Law for Gentiles. Paul dismisses the importance of this outward physical distinction, framing both states as spiritually neutral in themselves.
- but keeping the commandments of God is what matters: This sets up a strong contrast. The true measure of a believer's standing is not their adherence to ritualistic law or their ethnic/religious background, but their active obedience to God's broader moral and spiritual mandates. This points to a transformation of the heart leading to an obedient life.
1 Corinthians 7 19 Bonus Section
The emphasis on "keeping the commandments of God" echoes throughout Scripture, particularly in Deuteronomy, where obedience is frequently linked to God's blessings and covenant faithfulness. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself stated, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Paul's teaching here is consistent with the overall New Testament emphasis that while ceremonial laws like circumcision are superseded in Christ, the underlying principle of obedience to God's ethical and spiritual will remains paramount. This obedience is not legalistic servitude but a joyful response to God's grace and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 7 19 Commentary
Paul argues that external religious markers like circumcision or its absence are irrelevant to one's spiritual condition before God. The ultimate importance lies in obedience to God's laws. This principle extends beyond physical rites to any outward practice that lacks inward spiritual reality. True Christianity is characterized by a heart submitted to God, leading to a life of consistent obedience, which is the genuine expression of faith and love for God. The focus shifts from outward identity to inward conformity to God's will, as revealed through His commands.
Practical Usage:
- Focus on inner life: Do not become overly concerned with outward appearances or strict adherence to rituals if the heart is not right with God.
- Prioritize obedience: Seek to understand and obey God's known commands in all areas of life.
- Unity in Christ: Recognize that shared obedience to God's commandments is a greater unifying factor among believers than any physical or cultural distinction.