Romans 3:1

Romans 3:1

What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?

a. NLT: Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision?

b. NIV: What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?

c. Amplified Bible: Then what advantage remains to the Jew? [How is he favored?] Or what is the value or benefit of circumcision?

d. Worrell Translation: What, then,is the advantage of the Jew? Or what is the profit of circumcision?

1. “What advantage then hath the Jew?...”

a. what [5101 * tis] [Strong: probably emphatic of 5100; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.]

b. advantage [4053 * perissos] [Strong: from 4012 (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with 1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence:--exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly).]

c. then [3767 * oun] [Strong: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.]

d. Jew [2453 * loudaios] [Strong: from 2448 (in the sense of 2455 as a country); Judaean, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew(-ess), of Judaea.

1). Paul is asking a very interesting question and his answer has I think profound implications for the future of the nation of Israel.

2. “…what profit is there of circumcision?

a. profit [5622 * opheleia] [Strong: from a derivative of the base of 5624; usefulness, i.e. benefit:--advantage, profit.] [ Zodhiates: Increase, profit, advantage.]

b. circumcision [4061 * ] [Strong: from 4059; circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively):--X circumcised, circumcision.

1). Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

a). If we trust in circumcision or keeping the law, Christ will profit us nothing.

b). Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.