Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:19KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:19 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:19 says that whether a person is circumcised or not does not matter; what truly matters is obeying God's commandments. The outward sign of circumcision or uncircumcision is not important compared to living in a way that honors God’s instructions.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish believers, to address questions about identity and religious practices. In this verse, Paul is making it clear that external rituals like circumcision (a Jewish custom) are not what define a person's relationship with God. Instead, what counts is actually following what God commands, regardless of cultural background.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:19

  • περιτομή (peritomē, G4061) — "circumcision": This word refers specifically to the Jewish practice of circumcision, which was a major sign of belonging to God's people in the Old Testament. Paul’s use of this word highlights how he is addressing a real tension between Jewish and non-Jewish believers.
  • ἀκροβυστία (akrobystia, G203) — "uncircumcision": This word points to those who have not undergone the Jewish ritual, often Gentiles. Paul places both circumcision and uncircumcision on the same level, showing that neither gives someone special status before God.
  • τηρήσις (tērēsis, G5084) — "keeping": This word means to guard, observe, or keep. Paul uses it to stress that what matters is actively guarding or observing God’s commandments, not just knowing them.
  • ἐντολῶν (entolōn, G1785) — "commandments": This refers to God’s instructions or orders. Paul shifts the focus from outward identity markers to the actual content of a faithful life.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:19 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 7:19 helps clear up confusion about whether outward religious rituals or cultural backgrounds make someone more acceptable to God, especially in a mixed community of Jews and Gentiles.
  • The verse emphasizes that God cares most about obedience and faithfulness, not about external signs or traditions.
  • This teaching connects to the wider message of 1 Corinthians 7, where Paul encourages believers to remain in the life situation they were in when they came to faith, focusing on living for God wherever they are.

Where else these words appear

“keeping” Greek G5084 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 4:3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
  • Acts 5:18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

“uncircumcision” Greek G203 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
  • Romans 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
  • Galatians 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

“Circumcision” Greek G4061 · used in 32 verses

  • John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision;(not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
  • Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
  • Galatians 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: