Romans 4:9 – “Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is asking an important question: Who can receive the blessing of righteousness? Is it only for the circumcised (Jews) or also for the uncircumcised (Gentiles)?

This verse builds on the previous passage where Paul quoted Psalm 32, where David spoke about the blessing of forgiveness—how God does not count sin against those who trust Him. Now, Paul shifts the discussion to Abraham. He reminds his readers that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.

The key idea here is that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. This means that righteousness is not tied to religious rituals or works—it is received by faith alone.

Paul’s point is clear: The blessing of being right with God is not just for Jews but for everyone who believes, whether circumcised or not.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, many Jewish believers thought that circumcision was necessary for righteousness. Circumcision was the physical sign of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11). Jews saw it as proof that they were God’s chosen people.

Some Jewish Christians in the early church even taught that Gentiles (non-Jews) had to be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1). Paul strongly opposed this idea, arguing that Abraham was declared righteous long before he was circumcised (Genesis 15:6).

This was a radical message. It meant that salvation was not limited to the Jewish people—it was open to everyone. This was good news for the Gentiles, who had been seen as “outsiders” to God’s covenant.

Paul is showing that Abraham is the father of faith, not just for Jews but for all who believe—circumcised or uncircumcised.

Theological Implications

This verse reinforces the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

• Righteousness is not based on religious rituals. Many people think they must perform certain religious acts to be right with God, but Paul shows that Abraham was justified before he did anything religious.
• Salvation is for all people. God’s promise was never meant to be exclusive to one group—it was always meant for the whole world.
• Faith comes before works. Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision, just as Christians today are justified before they do any good works. Works are a result of faith, not the cause of it.

This truth removes all pride and boasting. If salvation were based on religious acts like circumcision, then people could say, “Look at what I did to earn God’s favor!” But because salvation comes by faith, all the glory belongs to God.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a rhetorical question to engage his audience:

• “Is this blessedness only for the circumcised?” – He is challenging the Jewish belief that righteousness was only for those who followed Jewish customs.
• “We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.” – Paul is repeating Genesis 15:6, the foundation of his argument that righteousness is by faith, not works.

By framing his argument this way, Paul makes his audience think critically about who really belongs to God’s people—not those with a physical mark (circumcision), but those who trust in God’s promise.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
• Genesis 17:10-11 – The institution of circumcision as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham.
• Romans 3:28-30 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law… since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”
• Galatians 3:7-9 – “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham… So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that salvation is not about religious rituals, traditions, or cultural background—it is about faith in God.

Many people today believe they must perform certain religious acts (like baptism, church attendance, or good works) to earn God’s favor. While these things are important, they do not make a person right with God—only faith in Jesus does.

For today’s believer, this means:

• You don’t have to earn God’s love. It’s a gift received through faith.
• Salvation is for everyone, not just a specific group. No one is excluded from God’s grace.
• Faith is what matters most. Good works and religious acts follow as a result of salvation, not as a way to earn it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God’s love is for all people, not just for a select group.

God could have made salvation available only to those who followed Jewish customs, but instead, He opened the door for everyone through faith. This shows His generosity, kindness, and desire for all people to know Him.

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• Romans 10:12-13 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.

• Abraham trusted in God’s promise (Genesis 15:6), and that promise ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
• Galatians 3:16 – “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ.”
• Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Colossians 2:11-12 – “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ.”

Just as Abraham was justified by faith in God’s promise, we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of that promise.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Abraham was justified before he was circumcised?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that religious rituals are necessary for salvation?
3. What does it mean for you personally that salvation is available to all who believe, not just a specific group?
4. How does this verse shape the way we view people from different backgrounds and cultures?
5. What are some ways people today try to earn righteousness instead of receiving it by faith?

Romans 4:9 is a powerful reminder that salvation is not about religious rituals or human effort—it is about faith in God’s promises. Just as Abraham was justified by faith, so are we. And this blessing of forgiveness and righteousness is for everyone who believes, no matter who they are.