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Such a person&#8217s praise is not from other people, but from God. <a href="/nlt/romans/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. <a href="/esv/romans/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. <a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/blb/romans/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But he who is a Jew is one on the inside; and circumcision is of heart, in spirit, not in letter, of whom the praise is not of men, but of God. <a href="/kjv/romans/2.htm">King James Bible</a> But 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. <a href="/nkjv/romans/2.htm">New King James Version</a> but 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 from men but from God. <a href="/nasb_/romans/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God. <a href="/nasb/romans/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. <a href="/nasb77/romans/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. <a href="/lsb/romans/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. <a href="/amp/romans/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and [true] circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by [the fulfillment of] the letter [of the Law]. His praise is not from men, but from God. <a href="/csb/romans/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God. <a href="/hcsb/romans/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That man&#8217s praise is not from men but from God. <a href="/asv/romans/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> but 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. <a href="/cev/romans/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> To be a real Jew you must obey the Law. True circumcision is something that happens deep in your heart, not something done to your body. And besides, you should want praise from God and not from humans. <a href="/erv/romans/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> but he is a Jew, which 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. <a href="/gwt/romans/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Rather, a person is a Jew inwardly, and circumcision is something that happens in a person's heart. Circumcision is spiritual, not just a written rule. That person's praise will come from God, not from people. <a href="/gnt/romans/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Rather, the real Jew is the person who is a Jew on the inside, that is, whose heart has been circumcised, and this is the work of God's Spirit, not of the written Law. Such a person receives praise from God, not from human beings. <a href="/isv/romans/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> No, a person is a Jew inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, brought about by the Spirit, not by a written law. That person's praise will come from God, not from people. <a href="/msb/romans/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man?s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/net/romans/2.htm">NET Bible</a> but someone is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit and not by the written code. This person's praise is not from people but from God. <a href="/nheb/romans/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, by the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from people, but from God. <a href="/wbt/romans/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God. <a href="/wey/romans/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But the true Jew is one inwardly, and true circumcision is heart-circumcision--not literal, but spiritual; and such people receive praise not from men, but from God. <a href="/web/romans/2.htm">World English Bible</a> but 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 from men, but from God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but a Jew [is] he who is [so] inwardly, and circumcision [is] of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, of which the praise is not of men, but of God. <a href="/blb/romans/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But he who is a Jew is one on the inside; and circumcision is of heart, in spirit, not in letter, of whom the praise is not of men, but of God. <a href="/ylt/romans/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but a Jew is he who is so inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, of which the praise is not of men, but of God. <a href="/slt/romans/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But he in concealment, a Jew; and circumcision of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose approbation not of man, but of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But 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. <a href="/cpdv/romans/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But a Jew is he who is so inwardly. And circumcision of the heart is in the spirit, not in the letter. For its praise is not of men, but of God. <a href="/nabre/romans/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Rather, one is a Jew inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, not the letter; his praise is not from human beings but from God. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But a real Jew is one who is inwardly so, and circumcision is of the heart, spiritually and not literally; whose praise is not from men but from God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he is a Jew who is in secret, and circumcision is that which is of the heart, in The Spirit and not by the Scriptures, whose glory is not from the children of men, but from God. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but 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. <a href="/godbey/romans/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But 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. <a href="/haweis/romans/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But he is a Jew who is such inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.<CM> <a href="/mace/romans/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but it is the Jew, who is so inwardly, and it is the circumcision of the heart, according to the spiritual, not the literal sense, which have the approbation, I do not say of men, but of God. <a href="/wey/romans/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But the true Jew is one inwardly, and true circumcision is heart-circumcision--not literal, but spiritual; and such people receive praise not from men, but from God. <a href="/worrell/romans/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but he is a Jew, who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. <a href="/worsley/romans/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but 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 from men, but from God. <a href="/parallel/romans/2-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=561" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm">The Jews and the Law</a> …28A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. 29<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">No,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a man is</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaios (Adj-NMS) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">a Jew</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">because he is one</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2927.htm" title="2927: kryptō (Adj-DNS) -- From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.">inwardly,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4061.htm" title="4061: peritomē (N-NFS) -- Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.">circumcision is a matter</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">of the heart,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">by</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">the Spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1121.htm" title="1121: grammati (N-DNS) -- From grapho; a writing, i.e. A letter, note, epistle, book, etc. plural learning.">by the written code.</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hou (RelPro-GMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">Such a man’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1868.htm" title="1868: epainos (N-NMS) -- Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing.">praise</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">does not come</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a> Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” <a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a> Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a> For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11</a> In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Galatians 6:15</a> For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">1 Corinthians 7:19</a> Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">2 Corinthians 3:3</a> It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. <a href="/john/4-23.htm">John 4:23-24</a> But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. / God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a> ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” <a href="/ezekiel/11-19.htm">Ezekiel 11:19-20</a> And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-6.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6</a> The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. <a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10</a> Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But 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.which.<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm">1 Chronicles 29:17</a> I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.<a href="/psalms/45-13.htm">Psalm 45:13</a> The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.circumcision.<a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a> Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.<a href="/deuteronomy/30-6.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6</a> And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.<a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a> Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.spirit.<a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Romans 2:27</a> And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?<a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Romans 7:6</a> But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.<a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Romans 14:17</a> For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.whose.<a href="/john/5-44.htm">John 5:44</a> How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?<a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a> For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Code</a> <a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Inwardly</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/acts/23-34.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/acts/25-16.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/romans/1-8.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Real</a> <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/john/12-15.htm">sion</a> <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">True.</a> <a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/3-1.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Code</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Inwardly</a> <a href="/romans/3-1.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/romans/16-22.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">Real</a> <a href="/romans/5-11.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">sion</a> <a href="/romans/5-5.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">True.</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 2</div>1. <a href="/romans/2-1.htm">No excuse for sin.</a> 6. <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">No escape from judgment.</a> 14. <a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Gentiles cannot;</a> 17. <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">nor Jews.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly This phrase emphasizes the internal, spiritual identity over external, ethnic or ritualistic identity. In the context of Romans, Paul addresses the Jewish audience who prided themselves on their heritage and adherence to the Law. The concept of being a Jew inwardly aligns with Old Testament teachings, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a>, where God calls for a circumcision of the heart. This inward transformation is a theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of a genuine relationship with God rather than mere outward compliance.and circumcision is a matter of the heart Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>). However, Paul redefines true circumcision as a spiritual act, an inward change of heart. This reflects the prophetic call in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-6.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6</a>, where God promises to circumcise the hearts of His people so they may love Him fully. The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions, indicating a comprehensive transformation.by the Spirit The Holy Spirit is the agent of this inward transformation. In the New Testament, the Spirit is often associated with regeneration and renewal (<a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a>). This aligns with <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a>, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit to His people. The Spirit's work contrasts with human efforts to achieve righteousness through the Law, emphasizing divine grace and empowerment.not by the written code The "written code" refers to the Mosaic Law, which was inscribed on tablets of stone. Paul contrasts the external adherence to the Law with the internal work of the Spirit. This distinction is crucial in understanding the new covenant, as prophesied in <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>, where God's law is written on the hearts of His people. The inadequacy of the Law to bring about true righteousness is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, underscoring the need for a heart transformation through the Spirit.Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God This statement highlights the difference between human and divine approval. In the cultural context, Jewish leaders often sought the praise of others through public displays of piety (<a href="/matthew/6.htm">Matthew 6:1-6</a>). However, true righteousness is recognized and rewarded by God, not by human accolades. This echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Matthew 6:4</a>, where He emphasizes that the Father sees what is done in secret and rewards accordingly. The ultimate validation comes from God, who knows the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jews.htm">Jews</a> The ethnic and religious group to whom Paul often addressed his letters, particularly concerning the law and its fulfillment in Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/r/romans.htm">Romans</a> The recipients of this epistle, a diverse group of believers in Rome, including both Jews and Gentiles. 4. <a href="/topical/h/holy_spirit.htm">Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the transformation of the believer's heart. 5. <a href="/topical/c/circumcision.htm">Circumcision</a> A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, which Paul reinterprets as a spiritual condition of the heart.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/inward_transformation_over_outward_rituals.htm">Inward Transformation Over Outward Rituals</a> True faith is marked by an inward change, not merely external compliance with religious rituals. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit is essential in transforming our hearts, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_approval.htm">Seeking God's Approval</a> Our focus should be on receiving praise from God rather than seeking approval from people. <a href="/topical/h/heart_condition_matters.htm">Heart Condition Matters</a> God desires a heart that is devoted to Him, which is reflected in our actions and attitudes. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Our identity as God's people is defined by our relationship with Him through the Spirit, not by ethnic or cultural markers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'circumcision_of_the_heart'.htm">What does "circumcision of the heart" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'spiritual_israel'_mean.htm">What does 'spiritual Israel' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_heart_'circumcision'_literal.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6 mentions “circumcising” the heart—how is this concept to be understood without invoking metaphorical or non-literal interpretations? </a> <a href="/q/does_idolatry_undermine_ezekiel_11_19.htm">Ezekiel 11:19 promises a new heart and spirit, yet biblical and historical records show repeated relapses into idolatry—does this undermine the authenticity of that divine promise?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/romans/2-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>No, ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. a man [is] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. a Jew Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. [ because he is one ] ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. inwardly, κρυπτῷ (kryptō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2927.htm">Strong's 2927: </a> From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. circumcision [is a matter] περιτομὴ (peritomē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4061.htm">Strong's 4061: </a> Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision. of the heart, καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Spirit, πνεύματι (pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. by the written code. γράμματι (grammati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> From grapho; a writing, i.e. A letter, note, epistle, book, etc. plural learning. [Such a man’s] οὗ (hou) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. praise ἔπαινος (epainos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1868.htm">Strong's 1868: </a> Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing. [does] not [come] οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. men, ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/2-29.htm">NT Letters: Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew who (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/2-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 2:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 2:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/3-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 3:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 3:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>