ἀκροβυστία (akrobustia)
akrobustia
uncircumcision
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun akrobustia literally denotes the foreskin, but in Scripture it functions as a shorthand for "uncircumcision." It refers to the physical state of being uncircumcised, which served as the defining marker separating Gentiles from the covenant people of Israel. The word appears frequently in Paul’s letters, particularly in Romans and Galatians, where it carries significant theological weight beyond mere anatomy.
Paul uses this term to describe a spiritual condition rather than just a bodily one. In Romans 3:30, he argues that God justifies both the circumcised and the uncircumcised through faith, effectively dismantling the barrier between Jew and Gentile. Similarly, in Galatians 6:15, he contrasts physical circumcision with being a "new creation," suggesting that the external sign is secondary to internal transformation. The word often stands metonymically for the people themselves, as seen when Paul speaks of the gospel entrusted to him for the uncircumcised (Galatians 2:7).
Etymologically, the word likely derives from a root meaning "foreskin," though its usage in the New Testament is almost entirely abstract. It represents a state of being outside the covenant community, yet Paul redefines this status through Christ. The term highlights that salvation is not contingent on ethnic identity or ritual observance but on faith, uniting all believers regardless of their physical background.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akrobustia literally means uncircumcision, marking those outside Israel’s covenant sign. In Scripture it shifts from a physical label to a spiritual reality: God justifies both the circumcised and the uncircumcised through faith (Romans 3:30). Paul teaches that external markers matter less than the heart’s alignment with God’s commands (1 Corinthians 7:19). This reminds us that our standing before God rests on grace, not ancestry or ritual.
Christians across traditions see this as a call to unity. Whether you come from a Jewish or Gentile background, your identity in Christ transcends old divisions. Paul writes that in Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcision nor uncircumcision (Colossians 3:11). This truth invites us to look past social and religious boundaries, focusing instead on the new creation found in Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- uncircumcision12×
- uncircumcision?2×
- uncircumcision;2×
- uncircumcision,2×
- [the] uncircumcision2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκροβυστία8×
- ἀκροβυστίᾳ3×
- ἀκροβυστίᾳ·2×
- ἀκροβυστίαν2×
- ἀκροβυστίᾳ;1×
- ἀκροβυστίας,1×
- ἀκροβυστίας1×
- ἀκροβυστίαν;1×
- ἀκροβυστία,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:30
since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
This verse establishes that God justifies both groups through faith alone, removing ethnic barriers to salvation.
-
Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Paul contrasts physical status with being a new creation, showing that internal transformation is what truly counts.
-
Colossians 3:11
where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.
The term illustrates how Christ dissolves all human divisions, making Him the sole identity for believers.
-
Ephesians 2:11
Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands),
Paul reminds Gentile readers of their past exclusion to highlight the peace now achieved through Christ’s work.