Q: My question is from Romans 4:10-12. If Abraham’s righteousness was based on faith and not circumcision, how might women in Abraham’s time have expressed their covenant relationship with God, given they did not receive circumcision?

Summary:

In this episode Dr. E and Hanna respond to a listener’s insightful question from Romans 4:10–12: If Abraham was credited as righteous by faith before he was circumcised, how did women—who were never circumcised—participate in the Abrahamic covenant? Dr. E explains that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith in Genesis 15:6, and circumcision came later as a sign and seal of that faith.

Though only males received the physical mark of circumcision, Dr. E emphasizes that women absolutely participated in the covenant. Like uncircumcised Gentiles who believed, women were counted righteous by faith in Yahweh. The sign of circumcision was given to men as a symbol of being set apart and because the covenant seed passed through the male line. But the covenant itself—and its blessings—extended to all who believed, regardless of gender.

Women participated fully in the Abrahamic covenant by their belief in the promises of God. Their faith, not ritual, was what God honored. This reinforces a key biblical truth: righteousness and covenant inclusion have always been by faith. Abraham’s story serves as a timeless reminder that it is belief in God—not outward signs—that defines belonging in His family.

Takeaways:

Abraham was declared righteous by faith before he was ever circumcised.

Circumcision was a sign of the covenant, not the source of righteousness.

Women participated in the covenant by faith, just like uncircumcised Gentiles.

The physical sign was given to men because the seed of the covenant passed through them.

Inclusion in God's promises has always been by belief, not by physical rituals.

Romans 4 affirms that faith is the defining mark of God’s people—then and now.

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