Romans 2 29

Romans 2:29 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.

Romans 2:29 nkjv

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.

Romans 2:29 niv

No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God.

Romans 2:29 esv

But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans 2:29 nlt

No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Romans 2 verses

Romans 2 29 Meaning

Romans 2:29 defines true Jewish identity and genuine circumcision not by outward ritual or ethnic heritage, but as an inner transformation of the heart, actuated by the Holy Spirit. This spiritual circumcision, in contrast to mere adherence to the written law, signifies a deeper obedience and identity rooted in God's will. Consequently, true approval comes not from human acclaim or outward religious observance, but directly from God, who sees the inner reality of the individual.

Romans 2 29 Context

Romans 2 focuses on God's impartial judgment, addressing those who outwardly possess religious advantages (like being a Jew and having the Law) but fail to live by them. Paul confronts the hypocrisy of self-righteous judgment, asserting that all humanity—Jew and Gentile—is accountable to God based on the truth of their actions and heart. The specific verses leading to Romans 2:29 challenge the Jewish assumption that physical circumcision inherently provides spiritual advantage. Paul argues in 2:25-28 that if a circumcised Jew disobeys the Law, his circumcision becomes equivalent to uncircumcision, whereas a genuinely obedient Gentile, though uncircumcised, might be considered as if he were circumcised. Romans 2:29 then delivers the conclusive definition of what truly matters in God's sight: the internal spiritual condition, enabled by the Spirit, validated by God.

Romans 2 29 Word analysis

• But he is a Jew:

  • This phrase marks a sharp contrast (indicated by "but" or "alla" / ἀλλὰ) with the preceding verses (Rom 2:28), which describe the outward, visible Jew. Paul shifts the focus from ethnic or physical identity to a spiritual one. He redefines what it means to truly belong to God's chosen people, extending it beyond mere lineage.

• who is one inwardly:

  • "Inwardly" (Greek: en kryptō / ἐν κρυπτῷ - "in secret," "hidden," "unseen") directly contrasts with "outwardly" (en phanerō / ἐν φανερῷ - "openly," "visibly") from Romans 2:28. This highlights the hidden, spiritual dimension of true identity. It points to a profound internal state or condition of the soul and spirit that only God can fully discern, in contrast to public display or ceremonial acts. This emphasizes that God's valuation of a person is based on their unseen character and genuine disposition, not external performance or appearance.

• and circumcision is that of the heart,

  • "Circumcision" (Greek: peritomē / περιτομή) refers to the physical cutting away of the foreskin, a covenant sign for Israel from Abraham (Gen 17:10-14). Here, Paul transforms the meaning from a physical act to a spiritual one.
  • "Heart" (Greek: kardias / καρδίας) in biblical terms represents the inner person—the center of thought, emotion, will, and conscience; the seat of moral and spiritual life. Circumcision "of the heart" signifies a purification and removal of spiritual hardness or rebellion, an internal turning toward God. This concept echoes Old Testament calls for inner transformation, moving beyond mere ritual obedience to true devotion and alignment with God's will.

• by the Spirit,

  • "By the Spirit" (Greek: pneumati / πνεύματι - dative, indicating agency or means) identifies the Holy Spirit as the active agent enabling this internal transformation. This is a foundational aspect of New Covenant theology. True spiritual change is not accomplished by human will, effort, or legalistic observance, but by divine intervention and enablement of God's Holy Spirit. It underscores that spiritual transformation is a sovereign work of God, making this inner "circumcision" possible and real. This emphasis signifies a shift from the old covenant's focus on human obligation to the new covenant's emphasis on God's divine empowerment.

• not by the letter;

  • "Not by the letter" (Greek: ou grammatos / οὐ γράμματος - "not of the written code") stands in direct contrast to "by the Spirit." "Letter" refers to the written Mosaic Law in its outward, codified form. Paul here isn't denying the validity or goodness of the Law itself but highlighting its inability to produce inward change or salvation when merely applied externally or understood superficially. The "letter" without the Spirit leads to external conformity rather than internal regeneration, and it cannot give life, as further elaborated in 2 Cor 3:6. This also counters any notion that obedience to the mere written code of rituals or laws can save or justify a person before God.

• whose praise is not from people but from God.

  • "Praise" (Greek: epainos / ἔπαινος - "commendation," "approval," "honor") signifies the ultimate validation or recognition of a person's life or religious practice.
  • "Not from people but from God" explicitly contrasts human applause, acceptance, or recognition with divine approval. This phrase underscores that for those truly circumcised in heart by the Spirit, the ultimate goal and source of honor are God Himself. It discourages seeking validation through human systems, religious traditions, or societal recognition, redirecting the believer's focus solely to God's eternal perspective and righteous judgment. This concludes Paul's argument that outward status, performance, or reputation among men are ultimately meaningless before the true judge, who alone grants genuine commendation.

Romans 2 29 Bonus section

The concept of "circumcision of the heart" found in Romans 2:29 is not a New Testament innovation but a theme deeply rooted in the Old Testament, though fulfilled and fully realized through the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant. Prophets like Moses (Deut 10:16; 30:6) and Jeremiah (Jer 4:4; 9:25-26) explicitly called for a spiritual "circumcision of the heart," indicating that God desired a deeper commitment than just the physical ritual from the beginning. Ezekiel (Ezek 36:26-27) even promised that God Himself would one day give His people a new heart and put His Spirit within them, aligning perfectly with Paul's explanation here. This demonstrates a consistent divine expectation throughout biblical history: true worship and obedience stem from an internal, radical change, a condition that only God's Spirit can truly bring about, especially through Christ's work in the New Covenant era. This progressive revelation highlights God's continuous emphasis on inward sincerity over outward conformity, underscoring that a renewed heart, sensitive to God's will and guided by His Spirit, is the true mark of His people.

Romans 2 29 Commentary

Romans 2:29 acts as a profound theological climax to Paul's argument in chapters 1 and 2, shattering common human assumptions about religious privilege and identity. It redefines what it means to be truly "God's own" person, moving beyond the external marks of Judaism, particularly physical circumcision and adherence to the written law, to the internal reality of a transformed heart. This internal change, driven by the Holy Spirit, signifies genuine spiritual commitment and obedience, making one truly a "Jew" in God's eyes regardless of ethnic heritage. The verse decisively states that such authenticity earns divine commendation, contrasting sharply with human praise. This core truth anticipates the Gospel message of justification by faith in Christ, which is made effective through the inner work of the Spirit and stands independent of the law or external observances. The "circumcision of the heart" is thus foundational to the New Covenant, establishing an internal, relational walk with God rather than a transactional adherence to rules.

For practical usage, this verse calls believers to examine their motives for service and devotion, asking whether they seek human approval or God's honor. It reminds us that God values internal integrity over outward show, spiritual transformation over mere religious rituals, and a heart sensitive to the Spirit over a mind strictly focused on the letter of the law.