Ephesians 2:11
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Study Note
Study Note
The Gentiles are urged to remember their former state — 'in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands' — as the basis for profound gratitude. The very names used to designate the Gentiles ('Uncircumcision') reflect their exclusion from covenant identity — they were defined by what they lacked. The 'remember' imperative (2:11-12) catalogues the Gentiles' former deficits: without Christ, alien from the commonwealth, strangers to covenants, without hope, without God. The contrast with 2:13 ('but now in Christ Jesus') makes the theological movement of the passage a model for all Christian gratitude — understanding what one came from shapes appreciation for what one has received.
Other Translations
Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;
Wherefore, remember, that ye <FI>were<Fi> once the nations in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that called Circumcision in the flesh made by hands,
For this reason keep it in mind that in the past you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are looked on as being outside the circumcision by those who have circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;
Cross References
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and …
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are …
Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, …
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the …
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest …
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the …
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,