Rom 4:11-12 | RWP | e4.org | The sign of circumcision ( σημειον περιτομης ). It is the genitive of apposition, circumcision being the sign. A seal of the righteousness of the faith ( σφραγιδα της δικαιοσυνης της πιστεως ). Σφραγις is old word for the seal placed on books ( ), for a signet-ring ( ), the stamp made by the seal ( ), that by which anything is confirmed ( ) as here. The circumcision did not convey the righteousness, but only gave outward confirmation. It came by faith and "the faith which he had while in uncircumcision" ( της εν τη ακροβυστια ), "the in the state of uncircumcision faith." Whatever parallel exists between baptism and circumcision as here stated by Paul argues for faith before baptism and for baptism as the sign and seal of the faith already had before baptism. That he might be ( εις το εινα αυτον ). This idiom may be God's purpose (contemplated result) as in εις το λογισθηνα below, or even actual result (so that he was) as in . Though they be in uncircumcision ( δι' ακροβυστιας ). Simply, "of those who believe while in the condition of uncircumcision."

‏ Romans 4:11-12

The sign of circumcision ( σημειον περιτομης ). It is the genitive of apposition, circumcision being the sign.

A seal of the righteousness of the faith ( σφραγιδα της δικαιοσυνης της πιστεως ). Σφραγις is old word for the seal placed on books (Re 5:1), for a signet-ring (Re 7:2), the stamp made by the seal (2Ti 2:19), that by which anything is confirmed (1Co 9:2) as here. The circumcision did not convey the righteousness, but only gave outward confirmation. It came by faith and "the faith which he had while in uncircumcision" ( της εν τη ακροβυστια ), "the in the state of uncircumcision faith." Whatever parallel exists between baptism and circumcision as here stated by Paul argues for faith before baptism and for baptism as the sign and seal of the faith already had before baptism.

That he might be ( εις το εινα αυτον ). This idiom may be God's purpose (contemplated result) as in εις το λογισθηνα below, or even actual result (so that he was) as in 1:20.

Though they be in uncircumcision ( δι' ακροβυστιας ). Simply, "of those who believe while in the condition of uncircumcision."

The father of circumcision ( πατερα περιτομης ). The accusative with εις το εινα to be repeated from verse 11. Lightfoot takes it to mean, not "a father of a circumcised progeny," but "a father belonging to circumcision," a less natural interpretation.

But who also walk ( αλλα κα τοις στοιχουσιν ). The use of τοις here is hard to explain, for ου μονον and αλλα κα both come after the preceding τοις. All the MSS. have it thus. A primitive error in a copyist is suggested by Hort who would omit the second τοις. Lightfoot regards it less seriously and would repeat the second τοις in the English: "To those who are, I do not say of circumcision only, but also to those who walk."

In the steps ( τοις ιχνεσιν ). Locative case. See on 2Co 12:18. Στοιχεω is military term, to walk in file as in Ga 5:25; Php 3:16.