Verse 1

What advantage is there, then, in being a Jew? Or what benefit is there in circumcision?

Other Translations

Referenced Verses

  • Gen 25:32 : 32 Esau said, 'Look, I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?'
  • Eccl 6:8 : 8 What advantage has the wise person over the fool? What does the poor person gain by knowing how to conduct themselves before the living?
  • Eccl 6:11 : 11 The more words, the more meaningless—and what advantage does that bring to anyone?
  • Isa 1:11-15 : 11 "What is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?" says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed animals; I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats. 12 When you come to appear before Me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of My courts? 13 Do not bring any more meaningless offerings; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity combined with solemn assembly. 14 Your New Moons and appointed festivals My soul hates. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you. Even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.
  • Mal 3:14 : 14 You have said, 'Serving God is futile. What profit is there in keeping his requirements or walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?
  • Rom 2:25-29 : 25 Circumcision indeed has value if you obey the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the righteous requirements of the law, will their uncircumcision not be regarded as circumcision? 27 The one who is not physically circumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. 28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 But a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. Such a person’s praise is not from people, but from God.
  • 1 Cor 15:32 : 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus merely from a human point of view, what benefit is that to me? If the dead are not raised, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.'
  • Heb 13:9 : 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by God’s grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which have not benefited those who have followed them.