Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:19

What does 1 Corinthians 7:19 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:19 means

Paul sharpens the point: circumcision and uncircumcision are nothing; what counts is keeping God’s commandments. The essence of Christian life is obedience flowing from faith, not external badges. This reframes identity, ethics, and community: we measure growth not by cultural markers but by reverent submission to God’s will. In a church tempted by boasting and division, this returns focus to what God values. Obedience does not save, but the saved are called to obey. Paul’s perspective levels the ground—ritual advantage and cultural pride fall away. The new creation formed in Christ seeks holiness that shows itself in love, integrity, and faithfulness to God’s revealed ways.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Circumcision is nothing, and its opposite is nothing, but only doing the orders of God is of value.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

the circumcision is nothing, and the uncircumcision is nothing--but a keeping of the commands of God.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing: but the observance of the commandments of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but keepingGod's commandments.

Context

Verse 19 is the theological center of Paul’s example about circumcision from verse 18. It transitions from the external sign to the internal substance—commandment-keeping. Verse 20 will restate the practical takeaway: remain in your calling. This prepares for Paul’s parallel case dealing with bondservants and the free in verses 21–24, where the same principle will be applied to social conditions. By placing obedience at the center, Paul keeps the Corinthians from being distracted by status battles and points them to a deeper, unifying standard.

v.18Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

v.19This passage

v.20Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Galatians 3:28

    There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:8

    But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.

  • Romans 3:30

    if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

  • 1 John 3:22

    and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

  • 1 John 2:3

    And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.

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