Rom 2:25-29 | RWP | e4.org | If thou be a doer of the law ( εαν νομον πρασσεις ). Condition of third class and the present (continued action) subjunctive of πρασσω , a verb meaning to do as a habit. Is become uncircumcision ( ακροβυστια γεγονεν ). The Jew is then like the Gentile, with no privilege at all. Circumcision was simply the seal of the covenant relation of Israel with God.

‏ Romans 2:25-29

If thou be a doer of the law ( εαν νομον πρασσεις ). Condition of third class and the present (continued action) subjunctive of πρασσω, a verb meaning to do as a habit.

Is become uncircumcision ( ακροβυστια γεγονεν ). The Jew is then like the Gentile, with no privilege at all. Circumcision was simply the seal of the covenant relation of Israel with God.

Keep ( φυλασση ). Present subjunctive with εαν, condition of third class, mere supposition like that in verse 25, "keep on keeping" perfectly, Paul means.

For ( εις ). As often in N.T.

If it fulfill the law ( τον νομον τελουσα ). Present active participle (conditional use of the participle) of τελεω, to finish, continually fulfilling to the end (as would be necessary).

Judge thee ( κρινει--σε ). Unusual position of σε (thee) so far from the verb κρινε.

With the letter and circumcision ( δια γραμματος κα περιτομης ). Δια means here accompanied by, with the advantage of.

Which is one outwardly ( ο εν τω φανερω ). Ιουδαιος (Jew) has to be repeated (ellipse) with the article, "the in the open Jew" (circumcision, phylacteries, tithes, etc.). Likewise repeat περιτομη (circumcision).

Who is one inwardly ( ο εν τω κρυπτω ). Repeat Ιουδαιος (Jew) here also, "the in the inward part Jew" (circumcision of the heart περιτομη καρδιας and not a mere surgical operation as in Col 2:11, in the spirit εν πνευματ, with which compare 2Co 3:3, 6). This inward or inside Jew who lives up to his covenant relation with God is the high standard that Paul puts before the merely professional Jew described above.

Whose praise ( ου ο επαινος ). The antecedent of the relative ου is Ιουδαιος (Jew). Probably (Gifford) a reference to the etymology of Judah (praise) as seen in Ga 49:8.