Romans 4:12
New International Version
And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

New Living Translation
And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

English Standard Version
and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Berean Standard Bible
And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Berean Literal Bible
and the father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those walking in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham during uncircumcision.

King James Bible
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

New King James Version
and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

New American Standard Bible
and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

NASB 1995
and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

NASB 1977
and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

Legacy Standard Bible
and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

Amplified Bible
and [that he would be] the [spiritual] father of those circumcised who are not only circumcised, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had before he was circumcised.

Christian Standard Bible
And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised.

American Standard Version
and 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.

Contemporary English Version
This also makes Abraham the father of everyone who is circumcised and has faith in God, as Abraham did before he was circumcised.

English Revised Version
and 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He is also the father of those who not only are circumcised but also are following in the footsteps of his faith. Our father Abraham had that faith before he was circumcised.

Good News Translation
He is also the father of those who are circumcised, that is, of those who, in addition to being circumcised, also live the same life of faith that our father Abraham lived before he was circumcised.

International Standard Version
He is also the ancestor of the circumcised—those who are not only circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Majority Standard Bible
And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

NET Bible
And he is also the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham possessed when he was still uncircumcised.

New Heart English Bible
The father of circumcision to those 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.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Weymouth New Testament
and the forefather of the circumcised, namely of those who not merely are circumcised, but also walk in the steps of the faith which our forefather Abraham had while he was as yet uncircumcised.

World English Bible
He is the father of circumcision to those 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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and father of circumcision to those not of circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of faith, that [is] in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

Berean Literal Bible
and the father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those walking in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham during uncircumcision.

Young's Literal Translation
and father of circumcision to those not of circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of the faith, that is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

Smith's Literal Translation
And father of circumcision to them not of circumcision only, but also to them, walking in order in the tracks of the uncircumcision, of the faith of our father Abraham.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And might be the father of circumcision; not to them only, that are of the circumcision, but to them also that follow the steps of the faithful, that is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and he might be the father of circumcision, not only for those who are of circumcision, but even for those who follow the footsteps of that faith which is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

New American Bible
as well as the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but also follow the path of faith that our father Abraham walked while still uncircumcised.

New Revised Standard Version
and likewise the ancestor of the circumcised who are not only circumcised but who also follow the example of the faith that our ancestor Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that the father of circumcision is not only to those who are of circumcision, but also to those who walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham while he was yet uncircumcised.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he is the father to the circumcision, but not only to those who are from the circumcision, but also to those who follow the steps of faith of the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and the father of circumcision to those who are not only circumcised, but who, also, walk in the steps of that faith which our father Abraham had while he was yet uncircumcised.

Godbey New Testament
and 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.

Haweis New Testament
and the father of circumcision, not to those who are of the circumcision merely, but who also tread in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he exercised while uncircumcised.

Mace New Testament
and the father of the circumcised, that is of those who are not barely circumcised, but who imitate that faith which our father Abraham had, being yet uncircumcised.

Weymouth New Testament
and the forefather of the circumcised, namely of those who not merely are circumcised, but also walk in the steps of the faith which our forefather Abraham had while he was as yet uncircumcised.

Worrell New Testament
and father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

Worsley New Testament
and the father of circumcision to those, who not only are of the circumcision, but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abraham Justified by Faith
11And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. 13For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.…

Cross References
Genesis 17:10-14
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. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ...

Galatians 3:7-9
Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.

James 2:21-23
Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? / You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. / And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

Genesis 17:23-27
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. / So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, / and his son Ishmael was thirteen; ...

Galatians 3:29
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Hebrews 11:8-12
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. / By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. / For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. ...

Genesis 12:1-3
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Ephesians 2:11-13
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.

Genesis 22:15-18
And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, / saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, / I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. ...

Colossians 2:11-13
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. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. / When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,

Genesis 18:18-19
Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed. / For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”

Acts 7:2-8
And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, / and told him, ‘Leave your country and your kindred and go to the land I will show you.’ / So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. ...

Genesis 26:4-5
I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, / because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

to them.

Romans 9:6,7
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: …

Matthew 3:9
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Luke 16:23-31
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom…

in the steps.

Job 33:11
He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.

Proverbs 2:20
That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Song of Solomon 1:8
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

Jump to Previous
Abraham Circumcised Circumcision Example Faith Follow Forefather Likewise Merely Namely Steps Uncircumcised Uncircumcision Underwent Walk Way
Jump to Next
Abraham Circumcised Circumcision Example Faith Follow Forefather Likewise Merely Namely Steps Uncircumcised Uncircumcision Underwent Walk Way
Romans 4
1. Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness;
10. before he was circumcised.
13. By faith only he and his seed received the promise.
16. Abraham is the father of all who believe.
24. Our faith also shall be credited to us as righteousness.














And he is also the father of the circumcised
This phrase refers to Abraham as the patriarch of the Jewish people, who were given the covenant of circumcision as a sign of their unique relationship with God (Genesis 17:10-14). Circumcision was a physical mark of the covenant, distinguishing the Israelites from other nations. Abraham's role as "father" emphasizes his foundational position in the faith and covenantal history of Israel.

who not only are circumcised
This highlights that mere physical circumcision is not sufficient for righteousness. The Jewish people, while marked by this sign, are called to a deeper spiritual reality. The Apostle Paul often argues that true righteousness comes from faith, not just adherence to the law or physical signs (Romans 2:28-29).

but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith
This phrase underscores the importance of living a life of faith, following Abraham's example. Abraham's faith was demonstrated by his actions, such as leaving his homeland and trusting God's promises (Hebrews 11:8-10). Walking in faith implies an active, ongoing trust in God, beyond mere ritual observance.

that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised
Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before he received the sign of circumcision (Genesis 15:6). This order is significant because it shows that faith, not circumcision, is the basis of righteousness. It establishes Abraham as the spiritual father of all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, emphasizing the universality of the gospel message (Galatians 3:7-9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, revered as a model of faith. He is central to this passage as an example of faith preceding the law.

2. The Circumcised
Refers to the Jewish people who have undergone the physical sign of the covenant, circumcision.

3. Faith of Abraham
The trust and belief Abraham had in God, which was credited to him as righteousness before the act of circumcision.
Teaching Points
Faith Precedes Ritual
Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness before he was circumcised, illustrating that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, not rituals or works.

Spiritual Heritage
Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are spiritual descendants of Abraham if they walk in the same faith. This emphasizes the unity of believers through faith.

Walking in Faith
The phrase "walk in the footsteps of the faith" suggests an active, ongoing journey of faith. Believers are called to live out their faith daily, following Abraham's example.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
The passage underscores that the promise of God is not limited to a specific ethnic group but is available to all who have faith like Abraham.

Faith and Obedience
True faith is demonstrated through obedience. Abraham's life shows that genuine faith results in actions that align with God's will.(12) And on the other hand, the mere performance of the rite was no guarantee for justification, unless it was attended with a faith like Abraham's. Of the two things, faith itself, and circumcision the sign of faith, the first only was essential, and the second was useless without it.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[he is also the] father
πατέρα (patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

of the circumcised
περιτομῆς (peritomēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

who
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

only
μόνον (monon)
Adverb
Strong's 3440: Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.

are circumcised,
περιτομῆς (peritomēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

who
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

walk
στοιχοῦσιν (stoichousin)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4748: To walk in, walk by. From a derivative of steicho; to march in rank, i.e. to conform to virtue and piety.

in the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

footsteps
ἴχνεσιν (ichnesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2487: A track, footstep. From ikneomai; a track.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

[that]
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

father
πατρὸς (patros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

Abraham
Ἀβραάμ (Abraam)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 11: Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.

had before he was circumcised.
ἀκροβυστίᾳ (akrobystia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 203: From akron and probably a modified form of posthe; the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised state or person.


Links
Romans 4:12 NIV
Romans 4:12 NLT
Romans 4:12 ESV
Romans 4:12 NASB
Romans 4:12 KJV

Romans 4:12 BibleApps.com
Romans 4:12 Biblia Paralela
Romans 4:12 Chinese Bible
Romans 4:12 French Bible
Romans 4:12 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 4:12 The father of circumcision to those who (Rom. Ro)
Romans 4:11
Top of Page
Top of Page