CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 7:18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/46_1Co_07_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 7:18 - Live Your Calling" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/7-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/7-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:17">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 7:18 <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not be uncircumcised. Was anyone called in uncircumcision? Let Him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Was any man called <i>when he was already</i> circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Was any man called <i>already</i> circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Was any man called <i>when he was already</i> circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone at the time of his calling [from God already] circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called while uncircumcised? He is not to be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you are already circumcised, don't try to change it. If you are not circumcised, don't get circumcised. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Any man who was already circumcised when he was called to be a Christian shouldn't undo his circumcision. Any man who was uncircumcised when he was called to be a Christian shouldn't get circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If a circumcised man has accepted God's call, he should not try to remove the marks of circumcision; if an uncircumcised man has accepted God's call, he should not get circumcised. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Was anyone circumcised when he was called? He should not try to change that. Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called? He should not get circumcised. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was anyone called who is uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not become circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />This is what I command in all the Churches. Was any one already circumcised when called? Let him not have recourse to the surgeons. Was any one uncircumcised when called? Let him remain uncircumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />being circumcised—was anyone called? Do not let him become uncircumcised; in uncircumcision was anyone called? Do not let him be circumcised;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not be uncircumcised. Was anyone called in uncircumcision? Let Him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> being circumcised -- was any one called? let him not become uncircumcised; in uncircumcision was any one called? let him not be circumcised;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Whoever was called circumcised? let him not be drawn to himself. Whoever was called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Is any man called, being circumcised ? let him not procure uncircumcision. Is any man called in uncircumcision ? let him not be circumcised. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Has any circumcised man been called? Let him not cover his circumcision. Has any uncircumcised man been called? Let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Was someone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was an uncircumcised person called? He should not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If a man was circumcised when he was called, let him not adhere to the party of uncircumcision. And if he was uncircumcised, when he was called, let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And if a man was called when circumcised, let him not return to uncircumcision. And if he was called in uncircumcision, let him not be circumcised.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Has any one been called that had been circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the mark of circumcision. Has any one been called that had not been circumcised? Let him not be circumcised,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Is one called having been circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised: has one been called in uncircumcision? let him not get circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Is any man called being circumcised? let him not affect uncircumcision. Is any man called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />does a Jew turn Christian? let him not pretend to be uncircumcised: does a Gentile turn Christian? let him not become circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />This is what I command in all the Churches. Was any one already circumcised when called? Let him not have recourse to the surgeons. Was any one uncircumcised when called? Let him remain uncircumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Was any one called, having been circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Has any one been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Is any <i>one</i> called <i>that is</i> circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised: is any <i>one</i> called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised: <i>for</i> circumcision is nothing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1323" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Live Your Calling</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17</span>Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">Was a man</a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: peritetmēmenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">already circumcised</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: eklēthē (V-AIP-3S) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">when he was called?</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1986.htm" title="1986: epispasthō (V-PMM/P-3S) -- (lit: I draw over), mid: I become as uncircumcised. From epi and spao; to draw over, i.e. efface the mark of circumcision.">He should not become uncircumcised.</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">Was a man</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."></a> <a href="/greek/203.htm" title="203: akrobystia (N-DFS) -- From akron and probably a modified form of posthe; the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised state or person.">still uncircumcised</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: keklētai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">when called?</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: peritemnesthō (V-PMM/P-3S) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">He should not be circumcised.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-6</a></span><br />Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. / You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Galatians 6:15</a></span><br />For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1-11</a></span><br />Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. / Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-25.htm">Romans 2:25-29</a></span><br />Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. / If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? / The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2-3</a></span><br />Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh! / 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—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-13</a></span><br />Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-29.htm">Romans 3:29-30</a></span><br />Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, / since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21</a></span><br />But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Genesis 17:9-14</a></span><br />God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—you and your descendants in the generations after you. / This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a></span><br />Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Ezekiel 44:9</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Leviticus 12:3</a></span><br />And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.</p><p class="hdg">being.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1,5,19,24,28</a></b></br> And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, <i>and said</i>, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1-3</a></b></br> Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a></b></br> Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond <i>nor</i> free: but Christ <i>is</i> all, and in all.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-11.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">Churches</a> <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">Command</a> <a href="/acts/28-10.htm">Marks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-13.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Uncircumcised</a> <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Uncircumcision</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Already</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">Churches</a> <a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">Marks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-27.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-29.htm">Time</a> <a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Uncircumcised</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">Uncircumcision</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">He discusses marriage;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-20.htm">Every man must be content with his vocation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Virginity wherefore to be embraced;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Was a man already circumcised</b><br />The phrase refers to Jewish men who had undergone the physical rite of circumcision, a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>). In the early church, there was significant debate about whether Gentile converts needed to adopt Jewish customs, including circumcision. The Greek word for "circumcised" is "περιτετμημένος" (peritetmēnos), indicating a completed action. This highlights the permanence of the physical act and the cultural identity it represented. Paul addresses the concern that one's physical state at the time of their calling to faith should not be a source of anxiety or division within the Christian community.<p><b>when he was called?</b><br />The term "called" (Greek: "κληθείς," klētheis) refers to the divine calling to faith in Christ. This calling is a transformative invitation from God, transcending cultural and religious backgrounds. It emphasizes that the call to follow Christ is based on faith and grace, not on adherence to the law or physical rituals. The focus is on spiritual transformation rather than external conformity.<p><b>He should not become uncircumcised</b><br />This phrase addresses the impossibility and absurdity of reversing circumcision, a practice that some Jews attempted in the Hellenistic period to assimilate into Greek culture. Theologically, it underscores the futility of trying to change one's past or cultural identity to fit into a new religious framework. Paul is advocating for acceptance of one's background as part of God's sovereign plan, emphasizing that faith in Christ transcends cultural and ritualistic boundaries.<p><b>Was a man uncircumcised</b><br />Here, Paul speaks to Gentile believers who had not undergone circumcision. The Greek term "ἀκροβυστία" (akrobystia) refers to the state of being uncircumcised, often used pejoratively by Jews to describe Gentiles. In the context of the early church, this distinction was a significant source of tension. Paul is addressing the concern that Gentile converts might feel pressured to adopt Jewish customs to be fully accepted in the Christian community.<p><b>when he was called?</b><br />Reiterating the divine calling, Paul emphasizes that God's call to salvation is not contingent upon one's adherence to Jewish law or customs. The calling is a personal and spiritual encounter with Christ, independent of cultural or religious background. This reinforces the message that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or rituals.<p><b>He should not be circumcised</b><br />Paul's instruction here is clear: Gentile believers should not feel compelled to undergo circumcision to gain acceptance or favor within the Christian community. This directive aligns with the decision of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), which determined that Gentile converts were not required to follow Jewish ceremonial laws. Theologically, this affirms the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant, which is based on faith and not on the law. It highlights the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Is any man called being circumcised?</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Was any one called having been circumcised?</span> The previous general rule is now illustrated by, and applied to, two conditions of life--CIRCUMCISION (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/7-18.htm" title="Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.">1Corinthians 7:18-20</a>) and SLAVERY (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/7-20.htm" title="Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.">1Corinthians 7:20-24</a>). If any man was converted after having been circumcised, he was not, as some over-zealous Christians might have been anxious to do, to remove every trace of his external connection with Judaism (<a href="/galatians/5-2.htm" title="Behold, I Paul say to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.">Galatians 5:2</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Being circumcised.</span> The first instance he gives is that of Judaism and paganism. The circumcised Jew is to remain circumcised; the uncircumcised Gentile is not to undergo circumcision. <span class="cmt_word">Become uncircumcised.</span> The Hellenising Jews in the days of the priest Menelaus (1 Macc. 1:15; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 12:05, 1) had discovered a process for obliterating the appearance of circumcision; such persons were known as <span class="accented">masochim.</span> St. Paul does not permit the adoption of this course. In the rebellion of Barcocheba many obliterated the sign of circumcision, and were afterwards, at great danger to themselves, recircumcised. ('Yevamoth,' tel. 72, 1). <span class="cmt_word">Let him not be circumcised.</span> This rule was of much more practical significance than the other. The early fortunes of Christianity had been almost shipwrecked by the attempt of Jewish rigorists to enforce this odious bondage on the Gentiles, and their deliverance flora it had been due almost solely to St. Paul. It was his inspired insight which had swayed the decision of the synod at Jerusalem (<a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15</a>.); and at a later period his Epistle to the Galatians was the manifesto of Gentile emancipation. He proved that after Christ's death "circumcision" (<span class="accented">peritome</span>) became to Gentiles a mere physical mutilation (<span class="accented">katatome</span>) (<a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">{Was} a man</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">already circumcised</span><br /><span class="grk">περιτετμημένος</span> <span class="translit">(peritetmēmenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4059.htm">Strong's 4059: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when he was called?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκλήθη</span> <span class="translit">(eklēthē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He should not become uncircumcised.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπισπάσθω</span> <span class="translit">(epispasthō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1986.htm">Strong's 1986: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: I draw over), mid: I become as uncircumcised. From epi and spao; to draw over, i.e. efface the mark of circumcision.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{Was} a man</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">still uncircumcised</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκροβυστίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(akrobystia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_203.htm">Strong's 203: </a> </span><span class="str2">From akron and probably a modified form of posthe; the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised state or person.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when called?</span><br /><span class="grk">κέκληταί</span> <span class="translit">(keklētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He should not be circumcised.</span><br /><span class="grk">περιτεμνέσθω</span> <span class="translit">(peritemnesthō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4059.htm">Strong's 4059: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:19" /></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>