Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

ROMANS 4:9KJV
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Romans 4:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 4:9 mean?

Romans 4:9 asks whether the blessing of being counted righteous by faith is only for those who are circumcised (Jewish people) or also for those who are uncircumcised (non-Jewish people). The verse points out that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, not his circumcision.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, many of whom were debating the importance of Jewish customs like circumcision. In this verse, Paul highlights that Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith, not because of any ritual or law. This sets up the idea that God’s acceptance is based on faith and not on following specific cultural or religious practices.

The Greek behind Romans 4:9

  • "Blessedness" (μακαρισμὸς, makarismos): This word refers to the state of being blessed or fortunate. Here, it means the happiness or favor that comes from being declared righteous by God.
  • "Circumcision" (περιτομή, peritomē) and "uncircumcision" (ἀκροβυστία, akrobystia): These terms refer to Jews and non-Jews, respectively. Paul uses them to ask if God’s blessing is limited to one group or available to all.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): This word means trust or belief. Paul emphasizes that it was Abraham’s trust in God, not his actions, that made him righteous.
  • "Reckoned" (λογίζομαι, logizomai): This word means to count or credit something to someone’s account. Paul uses it to explain that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, highlighting the idea of a gift rather than something earned.

Why Romans 4:9 matters

  • Romans 4:9 challenges the idea that religious rituals or heritage are necessary for being accepted by God, stressing instead the importance of faith.
  • The verse connects Abraham’s experience to both Jews and Gentiles, showing that the way to righteousness is open to everyone, not just one group.
  • This verse prepares the reader for Paul’s argument in the following verses, where he explains the timing of Abraham’s faith and circumcision to further prove his point.

Where else these words appear

“blessedness” Greek G3108 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

“uncircumcision” Greek G203 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 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.

“reckoned” 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 4:11 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:
  • 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.