44 Circumcision refers to male circumcision as prescribed in the OT, which was given as a covenant to Abraham in Gen 17:10–14. Its importance for Judaism can hardly be overstated: According to J. D. G. Dunn (Romans [], 1:) it was the “single clearest distinguishing feature of the covenant people.” J. Marcus has suggested that the terms used for circumcision (περιτομή, peritomē) and uncircumcision (ἀκροβυστία, akrobustia) were probably derogatory slogans used by Jews and Gentiles to describe their opponents (“The Circumcision and the Uncircumcision in Rome,” 35 [1989]: 77–80).
45 This contrast is clearer and stronger in Greek than can be easily expressed in English.
46 Grk “if you should be a transgressor of the law.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

NLTNew Living Translation

The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

For circumcision is of value if you do the law, but if you should be a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

KJV 1900King James Version

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

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