1 Corinthians 7:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:18 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:18 means that if someone became a follower of Jesus while already circumcised, they should not try to hide or undo that; if someone was not circumcised when they were called, they should not seek circumcision. The verse teaches that a person's physical state regarding circumcision does not need to change when they become a Christian.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing believers from both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. In this verse, Paul is making it clear that outward rituals or marks, like circumcision, are not what matters most in following Jesus. He is encouraging the Corinthians to stay as they were when God called them, rather than feeling pressured to change their cultural or physical identity.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:18

• "περιτετμημένος" (peritetmēmenos, translated "circumcised") refers to someone who has undergone the Jewish ritual of circumcision. Paul uses this word to address Jewish-background believers.
• "ἀκροβυστία" (akrobystia, translated "uncircumcision") means being uncircumcised, which was the state of most non-Jews. Paul uses this to speak to Gentile-background believers.
• "μη" (mē, translated "not") is a strong negative in Greek, emphasizing that believers should not seek to change their status regarding circumcision.
• "ἐκκληθή" (eklēthē, translated "called") refers to the moment someone is called to faith in Jesus. Paul is highlighting that this calling is what matters, not their physical condition.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:18 matters

• This verse clears up the misunderstanding that someone must adopt Jewish customs, like circumcision, to be a true Christian.
• Paul’s statement emphasizes that faith in Jesus is not about outward rituals but about a person’s relationship with God.
• The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul encourages believers to remain in the life situation they were in when God called them, showing that God values people from every background.