Romans 4 12

Romans 4:12 kjv

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Romans 4:12 nkjv

and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

Romans 4:12 niv

And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Romans 4:12 esv

and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Romans 4:12 nlt

And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Romans 4 verses

Romans 4 12 Meaning

Romans 4:12 describes Abraham's dual role as a spiritual father: first, to those who are physically circumcised and secondly, more profoundly, to all who emulate his genuine faith, a faith that was credited to him as righteousness before his circumcision. This verse underlines Paul's central argument that true lineage to Abraham, and thus to God's covenant, is not defined by external rituals or ethnic origin, but by a trusting faith in God. It bridges the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers, asserting that faith is the singular pathway to righteousness for all, making Abraham the progenitor of all who believe.

Romans 4 12 Context

Romans chapter 4 is pivotal in Paul's systematic explanation of justification by faith alone. Having established that all, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin (Rom 1:18-3:20) and that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-31), Paul then uses Abraham as the ultimate scriptural proof in Romans 4. The historical context is crucial: many Jews believed that their Abrahamic lineage, observance of the Law, and especially circumcision, granted them a privileged status and ensured righteousness before God. Paul directly refutes this, demonstrating from their own sacred texts that Abraham himself was declared righteous by faith (Gen 15:6) years before he received the covenant sign of circumcision (Gen 17). Romans 4:12 specifically defines who truly belongs to Abraham's spiritual family – not just those physically circumcised, but those who mirror Abraham's pre-circumcision faith. This challenges the prevalent belief in Jewish ethnocentricity and works-based righteousness, opening the way for the inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles into God's family through shared faith.

Romans 4 12 Word analysis

• and the father of circumcision (πατὴρ περιτομῆς - patēr peritomēs): This phrase describes Abraham's fatherhood over those who are circumcised. Here, "circumcision" is used as a metonymy, representing those of Jewish ethnic identity and religious practice. Abraham is not just a biological ancestor but also a covenantal archetype for this group.

• to those who not only are of the circumcision (τοῖς οὐκ ἐκ περιτομῆς μόνον - tois ouk ek peritomēs monon): This highlights a specific subset within the circumcised—those who go beyond mere physical rite. "Of the circumcision" refers to Jewish people. The phrase "not only" indicates that the physical act alone is insufficient; an additional, more vital component is required for true spiritual kinship with Abraham.

• but who also follow in the footsteps (ἀλλὰ καὶ στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν - alla kai stoichousin tois ichnesin): The Greek "στοιχοῦσιν" (stoichousin) implies "to walk in line with," "to be in harmony with," or "to conform to." "ἴχνεσιν" (ichnesin) means "footprints" or "tracks." This powerful idiom signifies actively living out and replicating the pattern or example of someone's walk. It implies more than mere intellectual agreement; it denotes a consistent, obedient imitation of Abraham's lifestyle of faith.

• of the faith of our father Abraham (τῆς πίστεως τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ - tēs pisteōs tou patros hēmōn Abraam): This specifies what they follow—not Abraham's works, ethnicity, or rituals, but his "faith" (πίστις - pistis), meaning his profound trust and belief in God's promises. Abraham is "our" father, establishing him as a universal progenitor for both Jewish and Gentile believers.

• which he had (ἣν ἔσχεν - hēn eschen): Refers directly to Abraham's faith.

• before he was circumcised (ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ - en tē akrobystia): Literally "in uncircumcision" or "in his state of foreskin." This chronological point is the lynchpin of Paul's argument. Genesis 15:6 records Abraham's faith being credited as righteousness, while Genesis 17, over a decade later, records the institution of circumcision. Paul emphasizes that Abraham's justification preceded the ritual, proving faith's priority and independence from any ceremonial act.

• "and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham": This word-group defines Abraham's true spiritual offspring. It delineates two groups, initially seeming to separate Jews from Gentiles, but ultimately unifying them. The crucial distinction is between those who merely possess the external mark of circumcision (Jews) and those who possess, additionally and primarily, Abraham's faith. The conjunction "but who also" strongly emphasizes that external identity is insufficient; genuine faith is the critical element.

• "which he had before he was circumcised": This phrase directly addresses and counters the Jewish emphasis on circumcision as foundational for righteousness and identity. By highlighting that Abraham's faith preceded circumcision, Paul undermines the belief that physical descent or ritual adherence is the basis for righteousness, redirecting the focus entirely to faith. This point becomes the theological bridge for including Gentiles in God's covenant family.

Romans 4 12 Bonus section

• Abraham as a pattern: Abraham is presented here not just as an individual who received grace, but as a universal pattern or blueprint for how all humanity—Jews and Gentiles alike—can be reconciled to God. His life serves as a living illustration of justification by faith alone.
• Bridging the gap: This verse masterfully bridges the theological chasm between Jew and Gentile, providing a common ground in Abraham's faith rather than in the Mosaic Law or ethnic privilege. It underscores the gospel's inherent inclusiveness.
• Focus on 'counted': The underlying theme of "faith credited as righteousness" (Rom 4:3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11) culminates here. Abraham's spiritual fatherhood is for those who partake in this divine counting through their faith.
• Polemics against "works of law": This verse, like much of Romans 4, acts as a direct theological polemic against any notion that righteousness could be earned or maintained by human effort, particularly adherence to external commandments or rituals like circumcision. It establishes an unequivocal theological foundation against legalism.

Romans 4 12 Commentary

Romans 4:12 provides a crucial summary of Abraham's paradigmatic role. Paul establishes Abraham not merely as the patriarch of a physical lineage but as the spiritual father of two distinct, yet potentially overlapping, groups. Firstly, he is the father of those physically circumcised, the Jews. However, Paul immediately qualifies this, stating that their mere outward circumcision is insufficient. True kinship with Abraham extends to those who also follow in the footsteps of his faith. This highlights that mere ethnic identity or ritual observance holds no redemptive power. The emphasis is on "following the footsteps"—a walk of active, demonstrable faith that mirrors Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promise. Crucially, Paul points out that Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness before he was circumcised, proving that justification is independent of this, or any, physical ritual. This argument allows Paul to affirm that all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are united in a common spiritual lineage to Abraham through faith, making God's plan of salvation inclusive and universally accessible.