Topical Bible: Circumcised

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Definition and Origin:
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the male genitalia. In the biblical context, it is a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as instituted in Genesis. This practice was commanded by God as a perpetual sign of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

Biblical Foundation:
The command for circumcision is first found in Genesis 17:10-11 : "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you." This act was to be performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, as further detailed in Leviticus 12:3.

Theological Significance:
Circumcision in the Old Testament was not merely a physical act but held deep spiritual significance. It symbolized the Jewish people's dedication to God and their separation from the surrounding pagan nations. It was a mark of identity and obedience, signifying inclusion in the community of God's chosen people.

New Testament Perspective:
In the New Testament, the practice of circumcision becomes a point of theological discussion, particularly in the context of Gentile converts to Christianity. The early church grappled with whether Gentile believers needed to be circumcised to be part of the Christian community. This issue is addressed in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council, where it was determined that circumcision was not required for salvation.

The Apostle Paul speaks extensively on this topic, emphasizing that physical circumcision is not what justifies a person before God. In Romans 2:28-29 , Paul writes, "A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code."

Spiritual Application:
Paul's teachings highlight the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where the focus shifts from physical rituals to spiritual transformation. In Galatians 5:6 , he states, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love."

Cultural and Historical Context:
Circumcision was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but its religious significance was unique to the Israelites. It served as a boundary marker distinguishing them from other nations. Over time, it became a central aspect of Jewish identity and religious practice.

Contemporary Relevance:
Today, circumcision remains a significant rite in Judaism and is practiced by some Christian denominations as a cultural or religious tradition. However, within Christianity, the emphasis is placed on the circumcision of the heart, as described by Paul, which signifies a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Biblical References:
· Genesis 17:10-14
· Leviticus 12:3
· Acts 15:1-29
· Romans 2:28-29
· Galatians 5:6
· Philippians 3:3

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(imp. & p. p.) of Circumcise.

Greek

203. akrobustia -- the prepuce, foreskin, hence uncircumcision
... the prepuce, foreskin, hence uncircumcision NASB Word Usage uncircumcised (10),
uncircumcised man (1), uncircumcision (8), without being circumcised (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/203.htm - 7k

4061. peritome -- circumcision
... tribe).]. Word Origin from peritemno Definition circumcision NASB Word Usage
circumcised (11), circumcision (25). circumcision. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4061.htm - 7k

4059. peritemno -- to cut around, circumcise
... Word Origin from peri and the same as tomos Definition to cut around, circumcise
NASB Word Usage circumcise (4), circumcised (10), circumcision (1), receive ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4059.htm - 8k

4339. proselutos -- one who has arrived (at Judaism), a proselyte
... pros-ay'-loo-tos) Short Definition: a proselyte Definition: (lit: that has come
to), a proselyte, that is a non-Jew, who has been circumcised and has adopted ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4339.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

4135. mul -- to circumcise
... 4134, 4135. mul. 4136 . to circumcise. Transliteration: mul Phonetic Spelling:
(mool) Short Definition: circumcised. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/4135.htm - 6k

5243. namal -- branch to be cut down off, circumcise
... branch to be cut down off, circumcise A primitive root; to become clipped or
(specifically) circumcised -- (branch to) be cut down (off), circumcise. ...
/hebrew/5243.htm - 5k

2860. chathan -- daughter's husband, bridegroom
... From chathan; a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively,
a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal) -- bridegroom ...
/hebrew/2860.htm - 5k

Library

Whether Christ Should have Been Circumcised?
... CHRIST'S CIRCUMCISION, AND OF THE OTHER LEGAL OBSERVANCES ACCOMPLISHED IN REGARD
TO THE CHILD CHRIST (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether Christ should have been circumcised ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have been 3.htm

Of the Male, who was to Lose his Soul if He was not Circumcised on ...
... Book XVI. Chapter 27."Of the Male, Who Was to Lose His Soul If He Was Not Circumcised
on the Eighth Day, Because He Had Broken God's Covenant. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 27 of the male who.htm

Origin of Errors; a Simile Sought from the Foreskin of the ...
... Book III. Chapter 16."Origin of Errors; A Simile Sought from the Foreskin
of the Circumcised, and from the Chaff of Wheat. "But ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 16 origin of errors a.htm

But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This...
... [2506] For he did this in accordance with his free and openly declared sentence,
in which he says, "Is any called being circumcised? ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 12 but now that.htm

Concerning the Circumcision.
... with any other race, all that were born in the desert were uncircumcised: but when
Joshua [2697] led them across Jordan, they were circumcised, and a second ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xxv concerning the circumcision.htm

Although the Jews, Then, Pride Themselves on Circumcision, they ...
... it was performed on account of the hostility of some angel towards the Jewish nation,
who had the power to injure such of them as were not circumcised, but was ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlviii although the jews.htm

Neither do they Confess that they are Awed by those Citations from ...
... [2311] For it was not, as some suppose, [2312] out of the same simulation that even
Paul the Apostle either circumcised Timothy, or ... let him not be circumcised. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 7 neither do they.htm

The Spiritual Meaning of Circumcision.
... Chapter IX."The spiritual meaning of circumcision. He speaks moreover concerning
our ears, how He hath circumcised both them and our heart. ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter ix the spiritual meaning of.htm

Joshua was a Figure of Christ.
... The former is said to have circumcised the people a second time with knives of stone
(which was a sign of this circumcision with which Jesus Christ Himself has ...
/.../chapter cxiii joshua was a figure.htm

The Council of Jerusalem.
... "And certain men, which came down from Judea, taught the brethren, and said, Except
ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." It ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.htm

Thesaurus

Circumcised (58 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Circumcise. Multi-Version Concordance Circumcised (58 Occurrences). ...
So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. ...
/c/circumcised.htm - 24k

Circumcise (13 Occurrences)
... So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. ... Genesis
17:11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin. ...
/c/circumcise.htm - 10k

Foreskin (12 Occurrences)
... Foreskin (12 Occurrences). Genesis 17:11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of
your foreskin. It will be a token of the covenant between me and you. ...
/f/foreskin.htm - 14k

Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences)
... (n.) Not circumcised; hence, not of the Israelites. Int. ... Romans 4:9 Is this blessing
then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? ...
/u/uncircumcised.htm - 25k

Males (51 Occurrences)
... Genesis 34:15 Only on this condition will we consent unto you: if ye will be
as we are, that every male of you be circumcised; (See NIV). ...
/m/males.htm - 22k

Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The absence or want of circumcision. 2. (n.) People not circumcised; the
Gentiles. Int. ... 1 Corinthians 7:18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? ...
/u/uncircumcision.htm - 14k

Proselyte (2 Occurrences)
... According to them, the "proselytes of the gate" (half proselytes) were not required
to be circumcised nor to comply with the Mosaic ceremonial law. ...
/p/proselyte.htm - 26k

Male (303 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS NIV). Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between
me and you and your seed after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised. ...
/m/male.htm - 43k

Ish'mael (40 Occurrences)
... his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his
money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh ...
/i/ish'mael.htm - 18k

Foreskins (7 Occurrences)
... Foreskins (7 Occurrences). Genesis 17:11 And ye shall be circumcised in the flesh
of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt Me and you. ...
/f/foreskins.htm - 8k

Resources

Was Jesus circumcised? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the Christian view of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org

Circumcised: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Circumcised (58 Occurrences)

Luke 2:21
And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, then was his name called Jesus, having been so called by the messenger before his being conceived in the womb.
(See RSV)

John 7:23
If a child is circumcised even on a Sabbath day, are you bitter against me because I have restored a man to perfect health on a Sabbath day?
(WEY NIV)

Acts 7:8
He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 10:45
and those of the circumcision believing were astonished -- as many as came with Peter -- because also upon the nations the gift of the Holy Spirit hath been poured out,
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 11:2
and when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision were contending with him,
(See NAS NIV)

Acts 15:1
Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 15:5
But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees but were now believers, stood up in the assembly, and said, "Yes, Gentile believers ought to be circumcised and be ordered to keep the Law of Moses."
(WEY NIV)

Acts 15:24
Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying,'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' to whom we gave no commandment;
(WEB KJV DBY WBS YLT)

Acts 16:3
Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 2:25
Circumcision does indeed profit, if you obey the Law; but if you are a Law-breaker, the fact that you have been circumcised counts for nothing.
(WEY NIV)

Romans 2:26
If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?
(Root in WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 3:30
since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 4:9
Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 4:10
What then were the circumstances under which this took place? Was it after he had been circumcised, or before?
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
(Root in KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 4:12
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
(Root in KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 15:8
And I say Jesus Christ to have become a ministrant of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers,
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 7:18
Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Galatians 2:3
But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Galatians 2:7
but, on the contrary, having seen that I have been entrusted with the good news of the uncircumcision, as Peter with 'that' of the circumcision,
(See NAS RSV)

Galatians 2:8
for He who did work with Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, did work also in me in regard to the nations,
(See NAS RSV)

Galatians 2:9
and having known the grace that was given to me, James, and Cephas, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, a right hand of fellowship they did give to me, and to Barnabas, that we to the nations, and they to the circumcision 'may go',
(See NAS RSV)

Galatians 5:2
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV)

Galatians 5:3
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV)

Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to look good in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Galatians 6:13
For even they who receive circumcision don't keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ephesians 2:11
Therefore, do not forget that formerly you were Gentiles as to your bodily condition. You were called the Uncircumcision by those who style themselves the Circumcised--their circumcision being one which the knife has effected.
(WEY NIV)

Philippians 3:5
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 2:11
in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 3:11
where there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, servant, freeman -- but the all and in all -- Christ.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:10
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:11
You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin. It will be a token of the covenant between me and you.
(WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS RSV)

Genesis 17:12
He who is eight days old will be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he who is born in the house, or bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your seed.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:13
He who is born in your house, and he who is bought with your money, must be circumcised. My covenant will be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:14
The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant."
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:23
Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money; every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:24
Abraham was ninety-nine years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:25
Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Genesis 17:26
In the same day both Abraham and Ishmael, his son, were circumcised.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 17:27
All the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 21:4
Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 34:14
and said to them, "We can't do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 34:15
Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Genesis 34:17
But if you will not listen to us, to be circumcised, then we will take our sister, and we will be gone."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 34:22
Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 34:24
All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor, and to Shechem his son; and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 12:44
but every man's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 12:48
When a stranger shall live as a foreigner with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Leviticus 12:3
In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 10:16
and ye have circumcised the foreskin of your heart, and your neck ye do not harden any more;
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 30:6
And Jehovah thy God hath circumcised thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, for the sake of thy life;
(YLT)

Joshua 5:3
Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Joshua 5:4
This is the reason Joshua circumcised: all the people who came out of Egypt, who were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.
(WEB DBY NAS RSV)

Joshua 5:5
For all the people who came out were circumcised; but all the people who were born in the wilderness by the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Joshua 5:7
Their children, whom he raised up in their place, were circumcised by Joshua; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Joshua 5:8
And it came to pass when the whole nation had finished being circumcised, that they abode in their place in the camp, till they were whole.
(DBY JPS YLT NIV)

Jeremiah 4:4
Be circumcised to Jehovah, And turn aside the foreskins of your heart, O man of Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury go out as fire, and hath burned, And there is none quenching, Because of the evil of your doings.
(YLT)

Jeremiah 9:25
Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will punish all those who are circumcised in their uncircumcision:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Circumcised

Related Terms

Circumcising (3 Occurrences)

Self-same (17 Occurrences)

Circumcised (58 Occurrences)

Taketh (398 Occurrences)

Height (109 Occurrences)