Paragraph 4:9–12

4:9a–b

4:9 starts with the Greek conjunction that probably introduces the next topic that Paul wanted to write about. It indicates only a general connection to the previous verses. For example:

Then (New American Standard Bible)

Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised?: This is a rhetorical question. It introduces two possibilities as to whom the blessing is for. Paul wanted his readers to ponder the answer to this question before he answered it in 4:10–12. There are at least three ways to translate this meaning.

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? (New Living Translation (2004))

• With 4:9a as a rhetorical question and 4:9b providing the answer. For example:

Does this happiness that David spoke of belong only to those who are circumcised? No indeed! It belongs also to those who are not circumcised. (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

This blessing is not only for the circumcised, but also for the uncircumcised.

If possible, translate 4:9a–b as a rhetorical question, because Paul answered it in 4:10–12, not here.

4:9a

the circumcised: The word circumcised refers to cutting off the loose skin at the end of a boy’s or man’s penis. See how you translated this word in 2:25 or 3:30.

The word the indicates that this phrase refers to a group of people, including men, women and children, whose men and boys are circumcised. They all participate in the covenant that includes circumcision. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the ⌊people who are⌋ circumcised
-or-
the ⌊people with⌋ their ⌊males’⌋ foreskin removed

In some languages a euphemism is adequate to explain this meaning. For example:

the ⌊people with their⌋ ⌊males’⌋ skin cut

4:9b

the uncircumcised: The word uncircumcised refers to men who have not had someone cut off the loose skin at the end of their penis. See how you translated this word in 2:25 or 3:30.

The word the indicates that this phrase refers to a group of people, including the women and children, whose men are uncircumcised. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the ⌊people who are⌋ not circumcised
-or-
the ⌊people with⌋ their ⌊males’⌋ foreskin not removed

In some languages a euphemism is adequate to explain this meaning. For example:

the ⌊people with their⌋ ⌊males’⌋ skin not cut

4:9c–d

We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness: The Berean Standard Bible adds the word that to indicate indirect speech. The Greek can also be read as direct speech. For example:

We say, “Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness”

But the Greek here differs from the words of Genesis 15:6 and its quote in Romans 4:3. So many English versions add the word that.

4:9c

4:9c begins with the Greek word that is usually translated “for.” It introduces the basis for Paul saying that the blessing is also for the uncircumcised. For example:

For (Good News Translation)
-or-
Well, (New Jerusalem Bible)

In some languages it is more natural to imply the connection and omit this word.

We have been saying that: The verb have been saying here is in the present tense. This probably implies what is usually said. Paul and perhaps his readers often say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness (4:9d). English can use the simple present tense for that meaning, as the English Standard Version does:

We say that (English Standard Version)

4:9d

Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness: This clause is similar to “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (4:3b–c) and “his faith is credited as righteousness” (4:5c). Translate the clause here in a similar way. For example:

Abraham’s faith was counted to him as righteousness

This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ credited Abraham’s faith as righteousness

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