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◄ Genesis 21:4►

New International Version
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.

New Living Translation
Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.

English Standard Version
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Berean Standard Bible
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

King James Bible
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

New King James Version
Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

New American Standard Bible
Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

NASB 1995
Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

NASB 1977
Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Amplified Bible
So Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, just as God had commanded him.

Christian Standard Bible
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

American Standard Version
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Contemporary English Version
and when the boy was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, just as God had commanded.

English Revised Version
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.

Good News Translation
and when Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded.

International Standard Version
On the eighth day after his son Isaac had been born, Abraham circumcised him, just as God had commanded him.

NET Bible
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him just as God had commanded him to do.

New Heart English Bible
Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

World English Bible
Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Abraham circumcises his son Isaac, [being] a son of eight days, as God has commanded him.

Young's Literal Translation
and Abraham circumciseth Isaac his son, being a son of eight days, as God hath commanded him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abraham shall circumcise Isaak his son, the son of eight days, as God commanded him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he circumcised him the eighth day, as God had commanded him,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he circumcised him on the eighth day, just as God had instructed him,

New American Bible
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded.

New Revised Standard Version
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abraham circumcised Isaaq his son, a son of eight days, as God commanded him.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abraam circumcised Isaac on the eighth day, as God commanded him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Birth of Isaac
…3And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.4When his son Isaac was eight days old,Abraham circumcised him,as God had commanded him.5Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 17:10-12
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 circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring.

Genesis 17:23-27
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. / So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, / and his son Ishmael was thirteen; ...

Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.

Acts 7:8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

Romans 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.

Galatians 5:3
Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

Philippians 3:5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Luke 1:59
On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.

Luke 2:21
When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.

John 7:22-23
But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) / If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?

Joshua 5:2-9
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. / Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. ...

Exodus 4:25-26
But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. / So the LORD let him alone. (When she said, “bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.)

Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

Colossians 2:11-12
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Treasury of Scripture

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Genesis 17:10-12
Thisis my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised…

Exodus 12:48
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Leviticus 12:3
And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

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Genesis 21

1.Isaac is born, and circumcised.
6.Sarah's joy.
8.Isaac is weaned.
9.Hagar and Ishmael sent away.
15.Hagar in distress.
17.The angel relieves and comforts her.
23.Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

When his son Isaac was eight days old
The practice of circumcision on the eighth day is significant in Jewish tradition, as it aligns with God's covenant with Abraham. The number eight often symbolizes new beginnings in the Bible. Scientifically, it is noted that the eighth day is optimal for circumcision due to the natural peak in vitamin K levels, which aids in blood clotting. This timing underscores the divine wisdom in God's command.

Abraham circumcised him
Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, marking them as God's chosen people. Abraham's obedience in circumcising Isaac demonstrates his faithfulness to God's commands. This act is a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on the circumcision of the heart, symbolizing spiritual purity and dedication to God (Romans 2:29).

as God had commanded him
This phrase highlights Abraham's obedience to God's specific instructions, which were first given inGenesis 17:10-14. It reflects the importance of following divine commands precisely, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture. Abraham's compliance is a model of faith and obedience, which is later echoed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's will (John 6:38).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. He is a model of faith and obedience, as seen in his adherence to God's command to circumcise his son.

2.Isaac
The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth was a fulfillment of God's promise. His circumcision signifies his inclusion in the covenant between God and Abraham.

3.Circumcision
A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, instituted inGenesis 17. It represents obedience and dedication to God.

4.God's Command
The directive given by God to Abraham inGenesis 17:10-12, establishing circumcision as a sign of the covenant.

5.Eight Days Old
The specific age at which circumcision was to be performed, as commanded by God, signifying the importance of early dedication to God's covenant.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Abraham's immediate obedience to God's command to circumcise Isaac demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions without delay. Believers are called to trust and obey God's Word, even when the reasons are not fully understood.

Significance of Covenants
Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Today, believers are part of the New Covenant through faith in Christ, which calls for a heart transformation rather than a physical sign.

Early Dedication to God
The circumcision of Isaac at eight days old highlights the importance of dedicating children to God from an early age. Christian parents are encouraged to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.

Faith and Righteousness
Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before the act of circumcision. This teaches that righteousness comes through faith, not merely through external rituals or works.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 21:4?

2.Why did Abraham circumcise Isaac on the eighth day, as God commanded?

3.How does Genesis 21:4 demonstrate Abraham's obedience to God's covenant?

4.What significance does circumcision hold in the Abrahamic covenant and New Testament teachings?

5.How can we apply Abraham's obedience in Genesis 21:4 to our daily lives?

6.In what ways does Genesis 21:4 foreshadow New Testament themes of faith and obedience?

7.Why did Abraham circumcise Isaac at eight days old according to Genesis 21:4?

8.How does Genesis 21:4 reflect the importance of covenant in biblical theology?

9.What is the significance of circumcision in Genesis 21:4 for Abraham's descendants?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21?

11.What is the Abrahamic Family House?

12.Who were the Ishmaelites?

13.In Romans 4:3, how can Abraham's faith be considered 'righteousness' when James 2:21-24 suggests a different view of his justification?

14.Why did Abraham prepare to sacrifice his son Isaac?

What Does Genesis 21:4 Mean

Isaac, the Promised Son

- “When his son Isaac…” The sentence opens by naming Isaac, the long-awaited child promised inGenesis 17:19.

- Isaac’s birth is the fulfillment of God’s explicit word to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:10,14).

- His very name, meaning “he laughs,” reminds us of God turning disbelief into joy (Genesis 21:6).

- Cross references highlight the divine pattern of miracle births tied to covenant purposes—think of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20) or John the Baptist (Luke 1:13–14).

- Isaac is not only Abraham’s biological heir; he embodies God’s redemptive plan that will ultimately bless “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3).

Eight Days Old

- “was eight days old…” The timing is precise, underscoring obedience down to the day.

-Genesis 17:12 set the command: “He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised.”

-Leviticus 12:3 later codifies the same timing in the Law.

-Luke 2:21 shows Mary and Joseph following this practice with Jesus, reinforcing the continuity of God’s design.

- The eighth day also carries themes of new beginnings—after a full cycle of seven, God starts something fresh in the covenant child.

Abraham Circumcised Him

- “Abraham circumcised him…” The patriarch personally performs the rite.

- This hands-on obedience reflects a faith that acts (James 2:21–23) rather than delegates.

- By circumcising Isaac, Abraham publically marks his son as belonging to God’s covenant community (Romans 4:11).

- Isaac’s first experience of life outside the womb is to be set apart for the Lord—an outward sign of an inward reality God would later call Israel to live out in the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16).

As God Had Commanded

- “…as God had commanded him.” The verse ends by emphasizing the source of the instruction.

- Obedience is measured by alignment with God’s Word, not convenience or custom (Genesis 26:5).

- The covenant sign wasn’t optional; ignoring it carried serious consequences (Genesis 17:14).

- Abraham’s exact compliance models the trust that “believes the LORD” and is counted as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

- The pattern remains: salvation is by grace, but covenant life is marked by responsive obedience (John 14:15;Ephesians 2:8–10).

summary

Genesis 21:4 spotlights a faithful father acting on a specific, God-given command for his miracle son. Isaac’s circumcision on the eighth day confirms the reliability of God’s promises, the importance of precise obedience, and the continuity of His covenant plan that ultimately reaches its fulfillment in Christ.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. -And Abraham circumcised (vide on Genesis 17:11, and note at the end of that chapter)his son Isaac being eight days old (literally,a son of eight days),as (not only because, but in the manner in which)God had commanded him.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When his son
בְּנ֔וֹ(bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son

Isaac
יִצְחָ֣ק(yiṣ·ḥāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327:Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

was eight
שְׁמֹנַ֖ת(šə·mō·naṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8083:A cardinal number, eight, eighth

days old,
יָמִ֑ים(yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day

Abraham
אַבְרָהָם֙(’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

circumcised him,
וַיָּ֤מָל(way·yā·māl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4135:To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy

as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר(ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

God
אֱלֹהִֽים׃(’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

had commanded him.
צִוָּ֥ה(ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

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OT Law: Genesis 21:4 Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he (Gen. Ge Gn)