Genesis 17:12 kjv

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

Genesis 17:12 nkjv

He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.

Genesis 17:12 niv

For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner?those who are not your offspring.

Genesis 17:12 esv

He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring,

Genesis 17:12 nlt

From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased.

Genesis 17 verses

Genesis 17 12 Meaning

Genesis 17:12 establishes a crucial command for the perpetual sign of the Abrahamic covenant: the circumcision of every male member of Abraham's household and his descendants on the eighth day of life. This command explicitly includes those born into the household (native servants) and those bought with money from outside their direct lineage, thereby defining the scope of covenant membership not solely by birth but also by association and submission to the divine ordinance within Abraham's sphere of authority.

Genesis 17 12 Context

Genesis chapter 17 details God's solemn establishment of the everlasting covenant with Abram, now renamed Abraham (father of a multitude) and Sarai renamed Sarah (princess). This covenant, promising countless descendants, kings, and a special land, is marked by the unique sign of circumcision. Verse 12 is a precise instruction regarding the practical implementation of this sign, ensuring its perpetuity and inclusivity within the designated community. It appears immediately after God's general command for circumcision (Gen 17:9-11) and precedes the severe warning for non-compliance (Gen 17:14), emphasizing the covenant's binding nature and the necessity of obedience.

Historically, circumcision was practiced in various ancient Near Eastern cultures (e.g., Egyptians) for reasons such as hygiene, social identity, or even puberty rites. However, for the Israelites, the timing on the eighth day was distinct, setting them apart, and crucially, its purpose was tied solely to a covenant with their one true God. This rite visually identified them as God's chosen people, distinguishing them from other nations and signifying their unique relationship and spiritual commitment.

Genesis 17 12 Word analysis

• And every male (וְכָל-זָכָר, ve-chol zakar): The Hebrew emphasizes "and all male." This indicates universal application within the specified group. It signifies that covenant participation is not limited by age beyond infancy or social status, but applies to all biological males within the household's sphere.
• among you (בָּכֶם, ba-chem): "In you" or "among you." This phrase specifies the scope of the command: the covenant community originating from Abraham's household. It underscores that this is a family and tribal covenant, not a universal command for all humanity outside of this specific divine relationship.
• who is eight days old (בֶּן-שְׁמֹנַת יָמִים, ben shmonat yamim): Literally "son of eight days." This precise timing is crucial.
  • Significance: Biologically, the eighth day is optimal for clotting factor (Vitamin K) and prothrombin levels, minimizing bleeding risk. Theologically, "eight" often symbolizes a new beginning or resurrection (e.g., Jesus rose on the first day of the new week, making it the eighth day of the previous week). It distinguished Israel from other nations who might practice circumcision later in life. This immediate incorporation of an infant demonstrates faith and obedience before personal choice, linking the individual to the covenant from the very outset of their life within the community.
• shall be circumcised (יִמּוֹל, yimmol): This verb is in the Hophal imperfect, conveying a divine passive-causative sense: "he must be caused to be circumcised." It signifies a non-negotiable command from God, a permanent ordinance that must be enacted. The responsibility falls upon the head of the household to ensure this command is carried out.
• throughout your generations (לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם, l'doroteichem): This phrase highlights the covenant's enduring, trans-generational nature. The sign is not for Abraham alone, but for his countless descendants and all incorporated into his family, spanning future ages, emphasizing a perpetual obligation.
• he who is born in the house (יְלִיד בַּיִת, yelid bayit): Refers to a male servant born within the household, even if not a direct descendant by blood. This extends the covenant's physical sign beyond immediate family to include all native dependents living under Abraham's authority and provision.
• or bought with money (מִקְנַת כֶּסֶף, miknat kesef): "Acquisition of silver." This explicitly includes slaves acquired through purchase from outside. It means that foreign-born individuals who become part of the household through purchase are brought into the covenant community through the required physical sign.
• from any foreigner who is not of your descendants (מִכֹּל זָרַע אֲשֶׁר לֹא מִזַּרְעֲךָ הוּא, mi-kol zara asher lo mi-zaraakha hu): Lit. "from any seed that is not from your seed is he." This clarifies that even slaves from non-Abrahamic lineage must be circumcised once integrated into the covenant household. This demonstrates an expansive, inclusive nature of the covenant, which allows for the assimilation of non-Israelites into the community, provided they observe the covenant sign. It also served to underscore that, in God's covenant, spiritual identity and belonging could transcend mere bloodlines, given the necessary obedience to His commands.

Genesis 17 12 Bonus section

• Polemics against Polytheism and Idolatry: While not explicitly stated, establishing circumcision as a unique, commanded sign tied to the one true God indirectly stood in contrast to common pagan rites or marks associated with specific deities in other cultures. It firmly placed the Abrahamic lineage under the exclusive authority of Yahweh.
• Anticipation of "Heart Circumcision": While Gen 17:12 deals with the physical act, later prophetic books and New Testament teachings clarify that this physical sign was always meant to point to a deeper spiritual reality: a "circumcision of the heart" (Deut 30:6, Rom 2:29). This physical obedience prepared Israel for the greater spiritual transformation needed for true covenant faithfulness.
• Symbolic of Covenant Entrance: This specific detail underscores that entry into the covenant, for males, was non-negotiable and divinely mandated, setting the stage for future commands and blessings that flowed from being part of God's chosen people. It became an essential aspect of Jewish identity and belonging.

Genesis 17 12 Commentary

Genesis 17:12 moves beyond the mere injunction of circumcision to define the specific requirements and scope of its application. It solidifies the sign as a comprehensive mark for all males within the Abrahamic sphere of influence. The instruction for circumcision on the eighth day carries both pragmatic wisdom and deep symbolic weight, marking the child as consecrated to God early in life, under a distinct covenant. The inclusion of "born in the house" and "bought with money" personnel highlights that belonging to God's covenant community extended beyond biological lineage to encompass all under the authority of the covenant head. This demonstrated that while the covenant began with Abraham's lineage, it embraced those who aligned with its principles, laying groundwork for broader inclusion later in biblical history. The physical act of circumcision was a constant, visible reminder of their covenant relationship with God, distinguishing them as His chosen people, tasked with carrying His divine promises forward.