Romans 2:29
What does Romans 2:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 2:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 2:29 means
A true Jew is one inwardly, and true circumcision is a matter of the heart, wrought by the Spirit, not merely by the letter. God’s approval, not human praise, is what counts. This points to the inner transformation God promises and provides, an obedience springing from a renewed heart rather than external compulsion. The Spirit produces what the Law demanded but could not empower. Thus the essence of covenant identity is spiritual and moral, not merely ceremonial. This verse reaches a climax: the people God counts as His are those changed within—an anticipation of the gospel’s work through Jesus Christ to give the Spirit and renew hearts.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he is a Jew who is a secret one, whose circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but a Jew <FI>is<Fi> he who is <FI>so<Fi> inwardly, and circumcision <FI>is<Fi> of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, of which the praise is not of men, but of God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he is a Jew that is one inwardly and the circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter: whose praise is not of men, but of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but he [is] a Jew [who is so] inwardly; and circumcision, of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but ofGod.
Context
Concluding the chapter’s argument about hypocrisy, Law, and circumcision, verse 29 defines true covenant identity as inward and Spirit-wrought, seeking God’s praise rather than human approval. It answers the failures detailed in verses 17–27 by pointing to the only sufficient remedy: heart transformation. This sets the stage for Romans 3, where Paul will show that all—Jew and Gentile—are under sin and that righteousness comes apart from the Law, through faith, consistent with the inward change described here.
v.28For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:
v.29This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:3
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
- 1 Corinthians 4:5
Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4
but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.
- Romans 2:27
and shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who with the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law?
- Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
- Luke 11:39
And the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Judge
God’s role as judge is a foundational truth, revealing His justice, righteousness, and ultimate authority over all creation.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Wrath of God
God's wrath is a profound aspect of His holiness and justice, revealed against sin and rebellion throughout scripture.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.