Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and OriginCircumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the male genitalia. In the biblical context, it is a significant religious rite that symbolizes the covenant between God and His people. The practice is first introduced in the Bible in
Genesis 17, where God commands Abraham to circumcise himself, his household, and his descendants as a sign of the covenant: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised" (
Genesis 17:10).
Biblical SignificanceCircumcision is a physical sign of the Abrahamic Covenant, marking the Israelites as God's chosen people. It is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, serving as a reminder of the Israelites' unique relationship with God. In
Leviticus 12:3, the law mandates that every male child be circumcised on the eighth day after birth: "And on the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised" .
Spiritual ImplicationsBeyond its physical aspect, circumcision holds spiritual significance. In
Deuteronomy 10:16, God calls for a "circumcision of the heart," urging the Israelites to be spiritually pure and devoted: "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more" . This concept is echoed by the prophets, such as Jeremiah, who emphasizes the importance of inner transformation over mere physical ritual (
Jeremiah 4:4).
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the practice of circumcision becomes a point of contention, particularly in the early Church. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in several of his epistles, arguing that physical circumcision is not necessary for salvation. 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" .
Paul further elaborates in
Galatians 5:6, stating, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love" . This shift emphasizes faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit as the true markers of belonging to God's people.
Cultural and Historical ContextCircumcision was not unique to the Israelites; it was practiced by various ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and some Canaanite tribes. However, for the Israelites, it held a distinct theological significance as a sign of their covenant with God. The practice continued among Jewish communities even after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD and remains a central rite in Judaism today.
Contemporary RelevanceIn modern Christianity, circumcision is generally viewed as a cultural or medical decision rather than a religious obligation. The New Testament teachings, particularly those of Paul, have led to a broader understanding of the covenant as inclusive of all believers, regardless of physical circumcision. The focus is on spiritual transformation and faith in Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the covenant promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Circumcise.
Strong's Hebrew
4135. mul -- to circumcise... root Definition to circumcise NASB Word Usage circumcise (4), circumcised (25),
circumcising (1), cut off (3), shafts (1), surely be circumcised (1).
...Library
Acts XVI
... he sternly refused, and says, "I gave place to them by subjection, no, not for an
hour." [352] Yet we see him in the case before us,circumcising Timothy with...
Even if the Permission had Been Given by St. Paul in the Sense...
... he did) the other (actions) which he did adversely to the (strict) letter of his
own rule, to suit the circumstances of the times:circumcising Timotheus [673...
The Maccabees.
... where so many people joined him, that he had a force sufficient to defend themselves
from their enemies; and he went round Judea,circumcising the children...
The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... 21 And when eight days were fulfilled forcircumcising him, his name was called
JESUS, who was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb....
Topic xii. If any one Says that Christ was Manifested in the World...
... How could one say that Christ was manifested only in semblance in the world, born
as He was in Bethlehem, and made to submit to thecircumcising of the flesh...
A Servant of Men
... he would have fought to the death rather than given countenance to the belief that
circumcision was necessary, he had no scruple aboutcircumcising Timothy; and...
Chrysostom Evades Election to a Bishopric, and Writes his Work on...
... with refractory patients, to several examples of the Old Testament (Abraham, Jacob,
David), and to the conduct of the Apostle Paul incircumcising Timothy for...
The Somatic and the Spiritual Gospel.
... As Paul could not benefit those who were Jews according to the flesh, without, when
reason shows it to be necessary,circumcising Timothy, and when it appears...
Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... C Luke 2:21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Genesis 17:12] were fulfilled for
circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph....
The Circumcision.
... And when eight days were fulfilled forcircumcising him, his name was called JESUS,
which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb....
Thesaurus
Circumcising (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Circumcise. Multi-Version
Concordance
Circumcising (3 Occurrences). Luke 2:21 And
...Passed (329 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:21 When eight days had passed and the time forcircumcising Him had come,
He was called JESUS, the name given Him by the angel before His conception in...
Circumciseth (4 Occurrences)
Accomplished (64 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for thecircumcising of the child,
his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was...
Named (428 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for thecircumcising of the child,
his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was...
Abode (112 Occurrences)
... Joshua 5:8 And it came to pass, when they had donecircumcising all the people,
that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole....
Conception (6 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:21 When eight days had passed and the time forcircumcising Him had come,
He was called JESUS, the name given Him by the angel before His conception in...
Stayed (169 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Joshua 5:8 It happened, when they were donecircumcising all the nation,
that they stayed in their places in the camp until they were healed. (WEB)....
Circumcision (98 Occurrences)
Law (670 Occurrences)
... conflict with another. Moses had enjoined circumcision, and sometimes the time
forcircumcising would fall on the Sabbath day. Yet with...
Resources
Is baptism the New Covenant equivalent of circumcision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Abraham's religion before God called him? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Palestinian Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgCircumcising: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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