And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

ROMANS 4:11KJV
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Romans 4:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 4:11 mean?

Romans 4:11 explains that Abraham received circumcision as a sign and seal of the righteousness he already had by faith before he was circumcised, so that he could be the spiritual father of all who believe, whether they are circumcised or not, and that righteousness could be counted to them as well. This verse shows that faith, not outward rituals, is what truly matters for being counted as righteous before God.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, both Jews and non-Jews, and he uses Abraham as an example to show that being right with God is based on faith, not on following religious customs like circumcision. Paul points out that Abraham’s faith was recognized as righteousness before he was ever circumcised, making him a model for all who trust God, regardless of their background.

The Greek behind Romans 4:11

  • "σημεῖον" (sēmeion, "sign"): This word means a visible mark or symbol. Here, it emphasizes that circumcision was meant to point to something deeper, not to be the source of righteousness itself.
  • "σφραγῖς" (sphragis, "seal"): This term refers to a stamp or guarantee. Paul uses it to show that circumcision was a confirmation of the righteousness Abraham already had by faith, not the cause of it.
  • "λογίζομαι" (logizomai, "imputed"): This word means to count or credit something to someone’s account. It highlights that righteousness is considered as belonging to those who believe, not earned by works or rituals.

Why Romans 4:11 matters

  • Romans 4:11 clears up the misunderstanding that outward religious acts, like circumcision, are what make someone right with God; instead, it shows that faith is what truly counts.
  • This verse connects Abraham’s story to all believers, showing that anyone who trusts God can be included in God’s family, regardless of their cultural or religious background.
  • Romans 4:11 sets up Paul’s larger argument in Romans that justification by faith is available to everyone, not just to those who follow the Jewish law.

Where else these words appear

“seal” Greek G4973 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

“uncircumcised” 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.

“imputed” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.