Romans 4:11
What does Romans 4:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 4:11 means
Abraham received circumcision as a sign and a seal of the righteousness he already had by faith while uncircumcised. The sign points to, and the seal confirms, a reality granted earlier. This arrangement has a purpose: that Abraham might be the father of all who believe even while uncircumcised, so that righteousness would be credited to them as well. God ordered history so that Gentile believers could claim Abraham as their spiritual ancestor without adopting Jewish rites. The verse safeguards both the dignity of the sign and the primacy of faith—circumcision witnesses to righteousness but does not produce it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he was given the sign of circumcision as a witness of the faith which he had before he underwent circumcision: so that he might be the father of all those who have faith, though they have not circumcision, and so that righteousness might be put to their account;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and a sign he did receive of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith in the uncircumcision, for his being father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness also being reckoned to them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the justice of the faith which he had, being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, being uncircumcised: that unto them also it may be reputed to justice:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he received [the] sign of circumcision [as] seal of the righteousness of faith which [he had] being in uncircumcision, that he might be [the] father of all them that believe being in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned to them also;
Context
Expanding the point from verse 10, Paul assigns circumcision its proper role—as sign and seal—and announces its missionary purpose: to make Abraham the father of believing Gentiles. Verse 12 will complete the balance by speaking to Jews, showing that Abraham is also father of the circumcised who walk in his faith. Together, these verses define Abraham’s true family as those who share his faith, not merely his flesh.
v.10How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision:
v.11This passage
v.12and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:9
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith:
- John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;
- Galatians 3:7
Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
- Romans 3:26
for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.
- Romans 4:16
For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
- Ezekiel 20:12
Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am Jehovah that sanctifieth them.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Happiness
The Bible offers a multifaceted perspective on happiness, revealing its roots in God, wisdom, and righteous living.
Topic
Bible Verses About Imputed Righteousness
Imputed righteousness is a core biblical doctrine where God credits the righteousness of Christ to believers.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
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.