Romans 4:9-12 Translation and Comments

Romans 4:9-12

⁹ Therefore is this blessing for the circumcision or also for the uncircumcision? For we say, “Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). ¹⁰ How, then, was it reckoned? Was he in a state of circumcision or uncircumcision? He was not in a state of circumcision but uncircumcision! ¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision, a signet of the righteousness of faithfulness, which was his while he was in uncircumcision, so that he might be the father of all who believe in the state of uncircumcision, so that righteousness might be reckoned to them ¹² and the father of the circumcision, to those not of the circumcision alone but are also ones who walk in the steps of faith of our father Abraham while in uncircumcision.

After mentioning that one is blessed when the Lord forgives his sinful deeds, Paul asks the question, ‘Is this blessing for the circumcision or also for the uncircumcision’ (v. 9)? To answer the question, Paul looks again at Abraham’s life. It is important to note that Paul is specifically dealing with the chronology of Abraham’s life, thus history matters. Paul sees that the statement ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness’ occurred prior to Abraham’s circumcision. Thus, Paul states, ‘He [Abraham] was not in a state of circumcision but uncircumcision’ (v. 10). Circumcision came after the statement was made regarding God’s reckoning of Abraham, and the circumcision was a seal or signet of the righteousness of faithfulness.

The divine purpose for this (Talk about the purpose driven life, eh!?) was so that Abraham would be the father of the uncircumcision, who believe just as he did when we was uncircumcised, and thus have righteousness be reckoned to them. Abraham was also designed to be the father of those who are circumcised. Now, what is important in verse 12 is that the ‘circumcision’ is specifically spelled out, so that circumcision is not preeminent in this verse, but following in the steps of the faith of Abraham. Thus, Paul is again making a distinction here between those who are circumcised and those who are circumcised and walk by faith. Circumcision is not what would define someone as belonging to Abraham. What defines a son of Abraham is walking as he walked, that is walking by faith, whether circumcised or not. This is a distinction which Paul will draw out even more in Romans 9, when he discusses those who are of the promise.

One other thought in this passage concerns the phrase ‘righteousness of faithfulness’. Paulos, in your last note, you mentioned something regarding how Abraham not only typified (in a typological sense) the believer, whose faith is reckoned for righteousness, but also how Abraham typified Christ, the righteous one. Would this phrase be an indication of that?

Sorry for the delay, and thank you for your patience. Things should be a bit more normal this week. So I will endeavor to post again by the end of the week. I anticipate your thoughts!

Timotheos