2:25 circumcision verily profiteth. Circumcision was the original sign of God’s covenant as given to Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14) and confirmed again through Moses specifically to the children of Israel (Leviticus 12:1-3). As a seal and symbol of the covenant, circumcision was profitable, reminding all Israelite men that they and their sons were supposed to be separated unto God, keeping and obeying His law, as given to them through Moses on Mount Sinai. But if they broke the law (and thus the covenant—note Exodus 19:3-8), then the mere fact that they had been circumcised would count for nothing. They would be the same as though they were uncircumcised Gentiles. In fact, it is “circumcision…of the heart” (Romans 2:29) that really counts with God, indicating the separation of the whole person to God.