Reference: Circumcision
American
A cutting around, because in this rite the foreskin was cut away. God commanded Abraham to use circumcision, as a sign of his covenant; and in obedience to this order, the patriarch, at ninety-nine years of age, was circumcised, as also his son Ishmael, and all the male of his household, Ge 17:10-12. God repeated the precept to Moses, and ordered that all who intended to partake of the paschal sacrifice should receive circumcision; and that this rite should be performed on children on the eighth day after their birth, Ex 12:44; Le 12:3; Joh 7:22. The Jews have always been very exact in observing this ceremony, and it appears that they did not neglect it when in Egypt, Jos 5:1-9.
All the other nations sprung from Abraham besides the Hebrews, as the Ishmaelites, the Arabians, etc., also retained the practice of circumcision. At the present day it is an essential rite of the Mohammedan religion, and though not enjoined in the Koran, prevails wherever this religion is found. It is also practiced in some form among the Abyssinians, and various tribes of South Africa, as it was by the ancient Egyptians. But there is no proof that it was practiced upon infants, or became a general, national, or religious custom, before God enjoined it upon Abraham.
The Jews esteemed uncircumcision as a very great impurity; and the greatest offence they could receive was to be called "uncircumcised." Paul frequently mentions the Gentiles under this term, not opprobriously, Ro 2.26, in opposition to the Jews, whom he names "the circumcision," etc.
Disputes as to the observances of this rite by the converts from heathenism to Christianity occasioned much trouble in the early church, Ac 15; and it was long before it was well understood that "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature," Ga 5:2-3; 6:15.
The true circumcision is that of the heart; and those are "uncircumcised in heart and ears," who will not obey the law of God nor embrace the gospel of Christ.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male: So shall ye be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, - So shall it become a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and you. read more. And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed,
but, every man's servant bought with silver, - when thou hast circumcised him, then, shall he eat thereof:
And, on the eighth day, shall the flesh of his foreskin be circumcised.
And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites who were over the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how that Yahweh had dried up the waters of the Jordan, from before the sons of Israel, until they had passed over, that their heart melted, and there was no spirit in them any more, because of the sons of Israel. At that time, said Yahweh unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, - and again circumcise the sons of Israel, a second time. read more. So Joshua made him knives of flint, - and circumcised the sons of Israel, at the Hill of Foreskins. Now, this, is the cause why Joshua did circumcise, - all the people who came forth out of Egypt, who were males, all the men of war, died in the desert, by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt. For, though all the people who came forth had been circumcised, yet, all the people who were born in the desert by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt, had they not circumcised. Because, for forty years, did the sons of Israel journey in the desert, until all the nation who were men of war, who came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Yahweh, - unto whom Yahweh sware that he would not let them see the land, which Yahweh sware unto their fathers, that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Their sons, therefore, whom he had raised up in their stead, them, did Joshua circumcise, - for, uncircumcised, they were, in that they had not circumcised them by the way. And so it came to pass, when they had made an end of circumcising all the nation, they remained in their place, in the camp, until they were healed. Then said Yahweh unto Joshua, To-day, have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of that place is called Gilgal unto this day.
For this cause, Moses, hath given you, circumcision, - not that, of Moses, it is, but of the fathers; - and, on Sabbath, ye circumcise a man.
See! I, Paul, say unto you - if ye be getting circumcised, Christ will profit you, nothing. Yea, I bear solemn witness again, unto every man getting circumcised, - that he is, a debtor, to do, the whole law.
For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation; -
Easton
cutting around. This rite, practised before, as some think, by divers races, was appointed by God to be the special badge of his chosen people, an abiding sign of their consecration to him. It was established as a national ordinance (Ge 17:10-11). In compliance with the divine command, Abraham, though ninety-nine years of age, was circumcised on the same day with Ishmael, who was thirteen years old (Ge 17:24-27). Slaves, whether home-born or purchased, were circumcised (Ge 17:12-13); and all foreigners must have their males circumcised before they could enjoy the privileges of Jewish citizenship (Ex 12:48). During the journey through the wilderness, the practice of circumcision fell into disuse, but was resumed by the command of Joshua before they entered the Promised Land (Jos 5:2-9). It was observed always afterwards among the tribes of israel, although it is not expressly mentioned from the time of the settlement in Canaan till the time of Christ, about 1,450 years. The Jews prided themselves in the possession of this covenant distinction (Jg 14:3; 15:18; 1Sa 14:6; 17:26; 2Sa 1:20; Eze 31:18).
As a rite of the church it ceased when the New Testament times began (Ga 6:15; Col 3:11). Some Jewish Christians sought to impose it, however, on the Gentile converts; but this the apostles resolutely resisted (Ac 15:1; Ga 6:12). Our Lord was circumcised, for it "became him to fulfil all righteousness," as of the seed of Abraham, according to the flesh; and Paul "took and circumcised" Timothy (Ac 16:3), to avoid giving offence to the Jews. It would render Timothy's labours more acceptable to the Jews. But Paul would by no means consent to the demand that Titus should be circumcised (Ga 2:3-5). The great point for which he contended was the free admission of uncircumcised Gentiles into the church. He contended successfully in behalf of Titus, even in Jerusalem.
In the Old Testament a spiritual idea is attached to circumcision. It was the symbol of purity (Isa 52:1). We read of uncircumcised lips (Ex 6:12,30), ears (Jer 6:10), hearts (Le 26:41). The fruit of a tree that is unclean is spoken of as uncircumcised (Le 19:23).
It was a sign and seal of the covenant of grace as well as of the national covenant between God and the Hebrews. (1.) It sealed the promises made to Abraham, which related to the commonwealth of Israel, national promises. (2.) But the promises made to Abraham included the promise of redemption (Ga 3:14), a promise which has come upon us. The covenant with Abraham was a dispensation or a specific form of the covenant of grace, and circumcision was a sign and seal of that covenant. It had a spiritual meaning. It signified purification of the heart, inward circumcision effected by the Spirit (De 10:16; 30:6; Eze 44:7; Ac 7:51; Ro 2:28; Col 2:11). Circumcision as a symbol shadowing forth sanctification by the Holy Spirit has now given way to the symbol of baptism (q.v.). But the truth embodied in both ordinances is ever the same, the removal of sin, the sanctifying effects of grace in the heart.
Under the Jewish dispensation, church and state were identical. No one could be a member of the one without also being a member of the other. Circumcision was a sign and seal of membership in both. Every circumcised person bore thereby evidence that he was one of the chosen people, a member of the church of God as it then existed, and consequently also a member of the Jewish commonwealth.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male: So shall ye be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, - So shall it become a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and you. read more. And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed, He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant.
Now Abraham, was ninety-nine years old, - when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. read more. On this selfsame day, was Abraham circumcised, - and Ishmael his son; and, all the men of his house, born of his house, and bought with silver from the son of a stranger, were circumcised with him.
And Moses spake before Yahweh, saying, - Lo! the sons of Israel have not hearkened unto me, how then shall Pharaoh, hear, I, also being of uncircumcised lips.
And Moses said before Yahweh, - Lo! I, am of uncircumcised lips, how then will Pharaoh hearken unto me?
And when there may sojourn with thee a sojourner who may wish to keep a passover to Yahweh, there must be circumcised to him every male and then, may he draw near to keep it, so shall he be as a native of the land, - but no uncircumcised male, shall eat thereof.
And when ye come into the land, and plant any manner of fruit-tree, then shall ye count as uncircumcised the fruit thereof, three years, shall it be to you as if unclean, it shall not be eaten.
I also, must needs go in opposition to them, and bring them into the land of their foes, - Save only that, if, even then, their uncircumcised heart shall be humbled, And, even then, they shall accept as a payment the punishment of their iniquity,
Therefore must ye circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, - and your necks, must ye stiffen no more.
And Yahweh thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, - to love Yahweh thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
At that time, said Yahweh unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, - and again circumcise the sons of Israel, a second time. So Joshua made him knives of flint, - and circumcised the sons of Israel, at the Hill of Foreskins. read more. Now, this, is the cause why Joshua did circumcise, - all the people who came forth out of Egypt, who were males, all the men of war, died in the desert, by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt. For, though all the people who came forth had been circumcised, yet, all the people who were born in the desert by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt, had they not circumcised. Because, for forty years, did the sons of Israel journey in the desert, until all the nation who were men of war, who came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Yahweh, - unto whom Yahweh sware that he would not let them see the land, which Yahweh sware unto their fathers, that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Their sons, therefore, whom he had raised up in their stead, them, did Joshua circumcise, - for, uncircumcised, they were, in that they had not circumcised them by the way. And so it came to pass, when they had made an end of circumcising all the nation, they remained in their place, in the camp, until they were healed. Then said Yahweh unto Joshua, To-day, have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of that place is called Gilgal unto this day.
And his father and his mother said to him - Is there not, among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, a woman, that thou art going away to take a woman from among the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said unto his father - Take, her, for me, for, she, is pleasant in mine eyes.
And he was sore athirst, so he cried unto Yahweh, and said, Thou thyself, hast given, into the hand of thy servant, this great salvation, - and, now, must I die of thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
Awake, awake, Put on thy strength, O Zion, - Fur on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem - thou holy city, For there shah not again come into thee any more the uncircumcised and unclean.
Unto whom, can I speak - and bear witness, that they may hear? Lo! uncircumcised, is their ear, that they cannot attend, - Lo! the word of Yahweh, hath become to them a reproach, they take no delight therein.
Unto whom couldst thou be likened thus, in glory and in greatness, among the trees of Eden? Yet shalt thou be caused to descend with the trees of Eden into the earth below In the midst of the uncircumcised, shalt thou lie down With them who were thrust through by the sword, the same, is Pharaoh and all his multitude, Declareth My Lord Yahweh.
That ye brought in the sons of the foreigner Uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, To be in my sanctuary. So that be profaned my house,- That ye brought near as my food the fat and the blood, And so they brake my covenant - Among all your abominations;
Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and in ears, ye, always, against the Holy Spirit, do strive! As your fathers, ye also:
And, certain persons, coming down from Judea, began to teach the brethren - Except ye be circumcised according to the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
The same, would Paul have go forth with him, and took and circumcised him, on account of the Jews who were in those places; for they one and all knew that, his father, was, a Greek.
For, not he who is one in appearance, is a Jew, nor is, that which is such in appearance in flesh, circumcision;
But, not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; - But, this was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, - who, indeed, came in secretly to spy out our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: - read more. Unto whom, not even for an hour, gave we place by the required submission, - in order that, the truth of the glad-message, might still abide with you.
In order that, unto the nations, the blessing of Abraham, might come about in Jesus Christ, - in order that, the promise of the Spirit, we might receive through means of the faith.
As many as are wishing to make a good show in flesh, the same, are compelling you to get circumcised, - only that, for the cross of Christ Jesus, they may not be suffering persecution!
For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation; -
In whom, ye have also been circumcised with a circumcision not done by hand, in the despoiling of the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ, -
Wherein there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, bond, free, - but, all things and in all, Christ:
Fausets
The cutting off all round of the foreskin (the projecting skin in the male member, the emblem of corruption, De 10:16; Jer 4:4) of males, appointed by God as token of His covenant with Abraham and his seed (Ge 17:10-14). The usage prevailed, according to Herodotus (2:104, section 36-37), among the Egyptians, Ethiopians, and Syrians. But his statement may refer only to the Egyptian priests, and those initiated in the mysteries. The Jews alone of the inhabitants of the Syrian region were circumcised. So, circumcision kept them distinct from uncircumcised Canaanite pagan around. If the rite existed before Abraham it was then first sanctioned as a token of God's covenant with Abraham and his seed, and particular directions given by God as to the time of its being performed, the eighth day, even though it were a sabbath (Joh 7:22-23), and the persons to be circumcised, every male, every slave, and (at the Exodus it was added) every male foreigner before he could partake of the Passover (Ge 17:12-13; Ex 12:48).
So, the rainbow existed before the flood, but in Ge 9:13-17 first was made token of the covenant. The testimony of the Egyptian sculptures, mummies, and hieroglyphics, is very doubtful as to the pre-Abrahamic antiquity of circumcision. (See note Genesis 17, Speaker's Commentary.) The Hamite races of Palestine, akin to the Egyptians, as (Jg 14:3) the Philistines and Canaanites (the Hivites, Genesis 34), were certainly not circumcised. The Egyptian priests probably adopted the rite when Joseph was their governor and married to the daughter of the priest of On. The Israelites by the rite, which was associated with the idea of purity, were marked as a whole "kingdom of priests" (Ex 19:6; De 7:6-7). In Jer 9:25, "I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised: Egypt, and Judah, and Edom," two classes seem distinguished: Israel circumcised in flesh, but uncircumcised in heart; and the Gentile nations uncircumcised both in flesh and heart.
Hyrcanus first compelled the Edomites to be circumcised (Josephus, Ant. 13:9, section 1; compare Eze 31:18). Its significance is, the cutting the outside flesh of the organ of generation denotes corruption as inherent in us from birth, and transmitted by our parents, and symbolizes our severance from nature's defilement to a state of consecrated fellowship with God. Jehovah consecrated the nation to Himself; and whatsoever male was not circumcised on the eighth day was liable to be "cut off." Moses had neglected to circumcise his son, owing to Zipporah's repugnance to it, as a rite not generally adopted in the East, even by the descendants of Abraham and Keturah, the Midianites. Therefore he was attacked by some sudden seizure in the resting place for the night, which he and his wife were divinely admonished arose from the neglect. She took a sharp stone or flint (compare margin Jos 5:2,8), the implement sanctioned by patriarchal usage as more sacred than metal (as was the Egyptian usage also in preparing mummies), and cut off her son's foreskin, and cast it at Moses' feet, saying, "a bloody husband art thou to me," i.e., by this blood of my child I have recovered thee as my husband, and sealed our union again (Ex 4:25).
The name was given at circumcision, as at baptism (Lu 1:59; 2:21). The painfulness of Old Testament initiatory rite, as compared with the New Testament sacrament of baptism, marks strongly the contrast between the stern covenant of the law and the loving gospel. Jesus' submission to it betokened His undertaking to fulfill the law in all its requirements, and to suffer its penalty incurred by us. "Oh wherefore bring ye here this holy Child? Such rite befits the sinful, not the clean; Why should this tender Infant undefiled Be thus espoused in blood, while we have been So gently into covenant beguiled? No keen edged knife our bleeding foreheads scored With the sharp cross of our betrothed Lord: But we belike in quiet wonder smiled. While on our brow the priest, with finger cold, Traced with the hallowed drops the saving sign; While Thou, unsparing of Thy tears, the old And sterner ritual on Thyself didst take: Meet opening for a life like Thine, Changing the blood to water for our sake." - Whytehead.
Uncircumcised is used of the lips (Ex 6:12,20), the ears (Jer 4:4; 6:10), the heart (Le 26:41; De 10:16; Ac 7:51), in the sense closed by the foreskin of inborn fleshliness; impure, rebellious (De 30:6; Isa 52:1). Even the fruit of the Canaanites' trees was called "uncircumcised," i.e. unclean (Le 19:23). Christians "are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body (not merely the foreskins, as in literal circumcision) of the sins of the flesh (i.e. the whole old fleshly nature with its sins) by the circumcision of Christ" (Col 2:11; Ro 2:28-29).
The reason of the omission of circumcision in the wilderness (Jos 5:5-6) was, while suffering the penalty of their unbelief the Israelites were practically discovenanted by God, and so were excluded from the sign of the covenant. "The reproach of Egypt" was the taunt of the Egyptians that God brought them into the wilderness to slay them (Nu 14:13-16; De 9:23-28); which reproach lay on them so long as they were in danger of being "cut off" in the wilderness as uncircumcised, but was rolled off the younger generation by their circumcision at Gilgal. Paul warned Christians who regarded circumcision as still possessing spiritual virtue, that thereby they made themselves "debtors to do the whole law," and "Christ should profit them nothing" (Ga 5:2-3,12). He calls its practisers "the concision," in contrast to the true circumcision (Php 3:2-3), a mere flesh cutting.
So he resisted the demand that Titus should be circumcised; for, being a Greek, Titus did not fall under the rule of expediency that Jewish born Christians should be circumcised, as Timothy was (Acts 15; Ac 16:1,3; Ga 2:3-5). Christianity did not interfere with Jewish usages, as social ordinances (no longer religiously significant) in the case of Jews, while the Jewish polity and temple stood. After their overthrow the Jewish usages necessarily ceased. To insist on them for Gentile converts would have been to make them essential to Christianity. To violate them in the case of Jews would have been inconsistent with the charity which in matters indifferent becomes all things to all men, that by all means it may win some (1Co 9:22; Romans 14). The Arabians circumcised in the 13th year, after Ishmael's example (Ge 17:25). The Muslims and the Abyssinian Christians practice it still.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
My bow, have I set in the cloud, - and it shall be for a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and the earth;
My bow, have I set in the cloud, - and it shall be for a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and the earth; and it shall be when I draw a veil of cloud over the earth, - and the bow in the cloud appeareth,
and it shall be when I draw a veil of cloud over the earth, - and the bow in the cloud appeareth, then will I remember my covenant which is betwixt me and you, and every living soul among all flesh, - that the waters may no more become a flood, to destroy all flesh:
then will I remember my covenant which is betwixt me and you, and every living soul among all flesh, - that the waters may no more become a flood, to destroy all flesh: so the bow shall be in the cloud, - and I will behold it, to remember an age-abiding covenant, between God, and every living soul among all flesh that is on the earth.
so the bow shall be in the cloud, - and I will behold it, to remember an age-abiding covenant, between God, and every living soul among all flesh that is on the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the sign of the covenant which have established, between me and all flesh that is on the earth.
And God said unto Noah, This is the sign of the covenant which have established, between me and all flesh that is on the earth.
This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male:
This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male: So shall ye be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, - So shall it become a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and you.
So shall ye be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, - So shall it become a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed,
And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed,
And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed,
And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed, He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant.
He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant.
He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant.
He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant. But, as for the uncircumcised male who shall not be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, - that person shall be cut off from among his people, - my covenant, hath he made void.
But, as for the uncircumcised male who shall not be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, - that person shall be cut off from among his people, - my covenant, hath he made void.
And Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
And Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
So Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it down at his feet, - and said - Surely, a bridegroom by rites of blood, art thou to me!
So Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it down at his feet, - and said - Surely, a bridegroom by rites of blood, art thou to me!
And Moses spake before Yahweh, saying, - Lo! the sons of Israel have not hearkened unto me, how then shall Pharaoh, hear, I, also being of uncircumcised lips.
And Moses spake before Yahweh, saying, - Lo! the sons of Israel have not hearkened unto me, how then shall Pharaoh, hear, I, also being of uncircumcised lips.
So then, Amram took Jochebed, his father's sister to himself to wife, and she bare to him - Aaron and Moses. And, the years of the life of Amram, were a hundred and thirty-seven.
So then, Amram took Jochebed, his father's sister to himself to wife, and she bare to him - Aaron and Moses. And, the years of the life of Amram, were a hundred and thirty-seven.
And when there may sojourn with thee a sojourner who may wish to keep a passover to Yahweh, there must be circumcised to him every male and then, may he draw near to keep it, so shall he be as a native of the land, - but no uncircumcised male, shall eat thereof.
And when there may sojourn with thee a sojourner who may wish to keep a passover to Yahweh, there must be circumcised to him every male and then, may he draw near to keep it, so shall he be as a native of the land, - but no uncircumcised male, shall eat thereof.
But, ye, shall be mine, As a kingdom of priests, And a holy nation. These, are the words, which thou shalt speak unto the sons of Israel.
But, ye, shall be mine, As a kingdom of priests, And a holy nation. These, are the words, which thou shalt speak unto the sons of Israel.
And when ye come into the land, and plant any manner of fruit-tree, then shall ye count as uncircumcised the fruit thereof, three years, shall it be to you as if unclean, it shall not be eaten.
And when ye come into the land, and plant any manner of fruit-tree, then shall ye count as uncircumcised the fruit thereof, three years, shall it be to you as if unclean, it shall not be eaten.
I also, must needs go in opposition to them, and bring them into the land of their foes, - Save only that, if, even then, their uncircumcised heart shall be humbled, And, even then, they shall accept as a payment the punishment of their iniquity,
I also, must needs go in opposition to them, and bring them into the land of their foes, - Save only that, if, even then, their uncircumcised heart shall be humbled, And, even then, they shall accept as a payment the punishment of their iniquity,
Then said Moses unto Yahweh, - So shall the Egyptians hear, For thou hast brought up. in thy might, this people out of their midst;
Then said Moses unto Yahweh, - So shall the Egyptians hear, For thou hast brought up. in thy might, this people out of their midst; And will tell it unto the inhabitants of this land: They have heard, That, thou, Yahweh, art in the midst of this people, - That eye to eye, is he seen - thou, Yahweh, And thy cloud, is standing over them, And in a pillar of cloud, thou thyself, art going on before them by day, And in a pillar of fire, by night.
And will tell it unto the inhabitants of this land: They have heard, That, thou, Yahweh, art in the midst of this people, - That eye to eye, is he seen - thou, Yahweh, And thy cloud, is standing over them, And in a pillar of cloud, thou thyself, art going on before them by day, And in a pillar of fire, by night. As soon, therefore, as thou hast put to death this people as one man, so soon will the nations who have heard thy fame speak saying:
As soon, therefore, as thou hast put to death this people as one man, so soon will the nations who have heard thy fame speak saying: Because Yahweh, was not able, to bring in this people into the land which he had sworn unto them, therefore did he slay them in the desert.
Because Yahweh, was not able, to bring in this people into the land which he had sworn unto them, therefore did he slay them in the desert.
For a holy people, art thou unto Yahweh thy God: of thee, hath Yahweh thy God, made choice, that thou shouldest become his people as a treasure, above all the peoples that are on the face of the ground:
For a holy people, art thou unto Yahweh thy God: of thee, hath Yahweh thy God, made choice, that thou shouldest become his people as a treasure, above all the peoples that are on the face of the ground: not because ye were more in number than any of the peoples, did Yahweh become attached to you and make choice of you, - for, ye, were fewer than any of the peoples;
not because ye were more in number than any of the peoples, did Yahweh become attached to you and make choice of you, - for, ye, were fewer than any of the peoples;
Also when Yahweh sent you out of Kadesh-barnea saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given unto you then quarreled ye with the bidding of Yahweh your God, and trusted him not, neither hearkened unto his voice.
Also when Yahweh sent you out of Kadesh-barnea saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given unto you then quarreled ye with the bidding of Yahweh your God, and trusted him not, neither hearkened unto his voice. Ye have been quarrelling, with Yahweh, - from the day that I first knew you.
Ye have been quarrelling, with Yahweh, - from the day that I first knew you. Thus, then lay I prostrate before Yahweh, the forty days and the forty nights that I did lie prostrate, - because Yahweh spake of destroying you.
Thus, then lay I prostrate before Yahweh, the forty days and the forty nights that I did lie prostrate, - because Yahweh spake of destroying you. Therefore I prostrated myself unto Yahweh and said, My Lord Yahweh! Do not destroy thy people even thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed in thy greatness, - which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a firm hand.
Therefore I prostrated myself unto Yahweh and said, My Lord Yahweh! Do not destroy thy people even thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed in thy greatness, - which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a firm hand. Have remembrance of thy servants, of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, - do not regard the obduracy of this people, or their lawlessness or their sin:
Have remembrance of thy servants, of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, - do not regard the obduracy of this people, or their lawlessness or their sin: lest the land out of which thou hast brought us forth say, Because Yahweh was not able to bring them into the land of which he had spoken to them, - and because he hated them, took he them forth to put them to death in the desert.
lest the land out of which thou hast brought us forth say, Because Yahweh was not able to bring them into the land of which he had spoken to them, - and because he hated them, took he them forth to put them to death in the desert.
Therefore must ye circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, - and your necks, must ye stiffen no more.
Therefore must ye circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, - and your necks, must ye stiffen no more.
Therefore must ye circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, - and your necks, must ye stiffen no more.
Therefore must ye circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, - and your necks, must ye stiffen no more.
And Yahweh thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, - to love Yahweh thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
And Yahweh thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, - to love Yahweh thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
At that time, said Yahweh unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, - and again circumcise the sons of Israel, a second time.
At that time, said Yahweh unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, - and again circumcise the sons of Israel, a second time.
For, though all the people who came forth had been circumcised, yet, all the people who were born in the desert by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt, had they not circumcised.
For, though all the people who came forth had been circumcised, yet, all the people who were born in the desert by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt, had they not circumcised. Because, for forty years, did the sons of Israel journey in the desert, until all the nation who were men of war, who came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Yahweh, - unto whom Yahweh sware that he would not let them see the land, which Yahweh sware unto their fathers, that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Because, for forty years, did the sons of Israel journey in the desert, until all the nation who were men of war, who came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Yahweh, - unto whom Yahweh sware that he would not let them see the land, which Yahweh sware unto their fathers, that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey.
And so it came to pass, when they had made an end of circumcising all the nation, they remained in their place, in the camp, until they were healed.
And so it came to pass, when they had made an end of circumcising all the nation, they remained in their place, in the camp, until they were healed.
And his father and his mother said to him - Is there not, among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, a woman, that thou art going away to take a woman from among the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said unto his father - Take, her, for me, for, she, is pleasant in mine eyes.
And his father and his mother said to him - Is there not, among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, a woman, that thou art going away to take a woman from among the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said unto his father - Take, her, for me, for, she, is pleasant in mine eyes.
Awake, awake, Put on thy strength, O Zion, - Fur on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem - thou holy city, For there shah not again come into thee any more the uncircumcised and unclean.
Awake, awake, Put on thy strength, O Zion, - Fur on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem - thou holy city, For there shah not again come into thee any more the uncircumcised and unclean.
Circumcise yourselves unto Yahweh So shall ye remove the impurity of your heart, ye men of Judah and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, - Lest mine indignation, go forth as fire, and burn and there be none to quench it, Because of the wickedness of your doings.
Circumcise yourselves unto Yahweh So shall ye remove the impurity of your heart, ye men of Judah and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, - Lest mine indignation, go forth as fire, and burn and there be none to quench it, Because of the wickedness of your doings.
Circumcise yourselves unto Yahweh So shall ye remove the impurity of your heart, ye men of Judah and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, - Lest mine indignation, go forth as fire, and burn and there be none to quench it, Because of the wickedness of your doings.
Circumcise yourselves unto Yahweh So shall ye remove the impurity of your heart, ye men of Judah and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, - Lest mine indignation, go forth as fire, and burn and there be none to quench it, Because of the wickedness of your doings.
Unto whom, can I speak - and bear witness, that they may hear? Lo! uncircumcised, is their ear, that they cannot attend, - Lo! the word of Yahweh, hath become to them a reproach, they take no delight therein.
Unto whom, can I speak - and bear witness, that they may hear? Lo! uncircumcised, is their ear, that they cannot attend, - Lo! the word of Yahweh, hath become to them a reproach, they take no delight therein.
Lo! days are coming, Declareth Yahweh, - When I will bring punishment upon every one circumcised, With him that is uncircumcised:
Lo! days are coming, Declareth Yahweh, - When I will bring punishment upon every one circumcised, With him that is uncircumcised:
Unto whom couldst thou be likened thus, in glory and in greatness, among the trees of Eden? Yet shalt thou be caused to descend with the trees of Eden into the earth below In the midst of the uncircumcised, shalt thou lie down With them who were thrust through by the sword, the same, is Pharaoh and all his multitude, Declareth My Lord Yahweh.
Unto whom couldst thou be likened thus, in glory and in greatness, among the trees of Eden? Yet shalt thou be caused to descend with the trees of Eden into the earth below In the midst of the uncircumcised, shalt thou lie down With them who were thrust through by the sword, the same, is Pharaoh and all his multitude, Declareth My Lord Yahweh.
And it came to pass, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child, and were calling it, after the name of its father, Zachariah.
And it came to pass, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child, and were calling it, after the name of its father, Zachariah.
And, when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, then was his name called, Jesus, - which it was called by the messenger, before he was conceived in the womb.
And, when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, then was his name called, Jesus, - which it was called by the messenger, before he was conceived in the womb.
For this cause, Moses, hath given you, circumcision, - not that, of Moses, it is, but of the fathers; - and, on Sabbath, ye circumcise a man.
For this cause, Moses, hath given you, circumcision, - not that, of Moses, it is, but of the fathers; - and, on Sabbath, ye circumcise a man. If, circumcision, a man receiveth, on Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, with me, are ye bitter as gall, because, a whole man, I made, well, on Sabbath?
If, circumcision, a man receiveth, on Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, with me, are ye bitter as gall, because, a whole man, I made, well, on Sabbath?
Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and in ears, ye, always, against the Holy Spirit, do strive! As your fathers, ye also:
Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and in ears, ye, always, against the Holy Spirit, do strive! As your fathers, ye also:
And he came even unto Derbe, and unto Lystra; and lo! a certain disciple, was there, by name Timothy, son of a believing Jewish woman, but whose father was a Greek, -
And he came even unto Derbe, and unto Lystra; and lo! a certain disciple, was there, by name Timothy, son of a believing Jewish woman, but whose father was a Greek, -
The same, would Paul have go forth with him, and took and circumcised him, on account of the Jews who were in those places; for they one and all knew that, his father, was, a Greek.
The same, would Paul have go forth with him, and took and circumcised him, on account of the Jews who were in those places; for they one and all knew that, his father, was, a Greek.
For, not he who is one in appearance, is a Jew, nor is, that which is such in appearance in flesh, circumcision;
For, not he who is one in appearance, is a Jew, nor is, that which is such in appearance in flesh, circumcision; But, he who is one in secret, is a Jew, - and, that is , circumcision, which is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, - whose, praise, is not of men, but of God.
But, he who is one in secret, is a Jew, - and, that is , circumcision, which is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, - whose, praise, is not of men, but of God.
I became, unto the weak, weak, - that, the weak, I might win; - to all men, have I become all things, that, by all means, some, I might save.
I became, unto the weak, weak, - that, the weak, I might win; - to all men, have I become all things, that, by all means, some, I might save.
But, not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; -
But, not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; - But, this was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, - who, indeed, came in secretly to spy out our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: -
But, this was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, - who, indeed, came in secretly to spy out our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: - Unto whom, not even for an hour, gave we place by the required submission, - in order that, the truth of the glad-message, might still abide with you.
Unto whom, not even for an hour, gave we place by the required submission, - in order that, the truth of the glad-message, might still abide with you.
See! I, Paul, say unto you - if ye be getting circumcised, Christ will profit you, nothing.
See! I, Paul, say unto you - if ye be getting circumcised, Christ will profit you, nothing. Yea, I bear solemn witness again, unto every man getting circumcised, - that he is, a debtor, to do, the whole law.
Yea, I bear solemn witness again, unto every man getting circumcised, - that he is, a debtor, to do, the whole law.
Oh! that they would even leave off in dismay, who are unsettling you!
Oh! that they would even leave off in dismay, who are unsettling you!
Beware of the dogs, beware of mischievous workers, beware of the mutilation;
Beware of the dogs, beware of mischievous workers, beware of the mutilation; For, we, are the circumcision, who in the Spirit of God, are doing divine service, and are boasting in Christ Jesus, and, not in flesh, having confidence, -
For, we, are the circumcision, who in the Spirit of God, are doing divine service, and are boasting in Christ Jesus, and, not in flesh, having confidence, -
In whom, ye have also been circumcised with a circumcision not done by hand, in the despoiling of the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ, -
In whom, ye have also been circumcised with a circumcision not done by hand, in the despoiling of the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ, -
Hastings
This rite is not of Israelite origin; there are some good grounds for the belief that it came to the Israelites from the Egyptians. The fact of a flint being used for its performance (Jos 5:2-3) witnesses to the immense antiquity of the rite. Its original meaning and object are hidden in obscurity, though the theory that it was regarded as a necessary preliminary to marriage has much to commend it. Among the Israelites it became the sign of the Covenant People; whoever was uncircumcised could not partake of the hopes of the nation, nor could such join in the worship of Jahweh; he could not be reckoned an Israelite (Ge 17:14). Not only was every Israelite required to undergo circumcision, but even every slave acquired by the Israelites from foreign lands had likewise to be circumcised (Ge 17:12-13); according to Ex 12:48-49 even a stranger sojourning in the midst of Israel had to submit to the rite, at all events if he wished to join in the celebration of the Passover. Originally male children were not circumcised in Israel (cf. Jos 5:5-9), but boys had to undergo it on arriving at the age of puberty; but in later days the Law commanded that every male child should be circumcised on the eighth day after birth (Le 12:3).
In the OT there are two accounts as to the occasion on which circumcision was first practised by the Israelites; according to Ge 17:10-14 the command was given to Abraham to observe the rite as a sign of the covenant between God and him, as representing the nation that was to be; while according to Ex 4:25-26 its origin is connected with Moses. It was the former that, in later days, was always looked upon as its real origin; and thus the rite acquired a purely religious character, and it has been one of the distinguishing marks of Judaism ever since the Exile. The giving of a name at circumcision (Lu 1:59; 2:21) did not belong to the rite originally, but this has been the custom among Jews ever since the return from the Captivity, and probably even before.
In the early Church St. Paul had a vigorous warfare to wage against his Judaizing antagonists, and it became a vital question whether the Gentiles could be received into the Christian community without circumcision. As is well known, St. Paul gained the day, but it was this question of circumcision, which involved of course the observance of the entire Mosaic Law, that was the rock on which union between the early Christians and the Judaizing Christians split. Henceforth the Jewish and the Christian communities drifted further and further apart.
Circumcision in its symbolic meaning is found fairly frequently in the OT; an 'uncircumcised heart' is one from which disobedience to God has not been 'cut off' (see Le 26:41; De 10:16; 30:6); the expression 'uncircumcised lips' (Ex 6:12,30) would be equivalent to what is said of Moses, as one who 'spake unadvisedly with his lips' (Ps 106:33, cf. Isa 6:5); in Jer 6:10 we have the expression 'their ear is uncircumcised' in reference to such as will not hearken to the word of the Lord. A like figurative use is found in the NT (e.g. Col 2:11,13).
W. O. E. Oesterley.
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This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male: So shall ye be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, - So shall it become a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and you. read more. And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed,
And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed, He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant.
He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant. But, as for the uncircumcised male who shall not be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, - that person shall be cut off from among his people, - my covenant, hath he made void.
But, as for the uncircumcised male who shall not be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, - that person shall be cut off from among his people, - my covenant, hath he made void.
So Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it down at his feet, - and said - Surely, a bridegroom by rites of blood, art thou to me! So he let him go, Then, it was that she said, A bridegroom by rites of blood - with regard to the rites of circumcision.
And Moses spake before Yahweh, saying, - Lo! the sons of Israel have not hearkened unto me, how then shall Pharaoh, hear, I, also being of uncircumcised lips.
And Moses said before Yahweh, - Lo! I, am of uncircumcised lips, how then will Pharaoh hearken unto me?
And when there may sojourn with thee a sojourner who may wish to keep a passover to Yahweh, there must be circumcised to him every male and then, may he draw near to keep it, so shall he be as a native of the land, - but no uncircumcised male, shall eat thereof. One law, shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in your midst.
And, on the eighth day, shall the flesh of his foreskin be circumcised.
I also, must needs go in opposition to them, and bring them into the land of their foes, - Save only that, if, even then, their uncircumcised heart shall be humbled, And, even then, they shall accept as a payment the punishment of their iniquity,
Therefore must ye circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, - and your necks, must ye stiffen no more.
And Yahweh thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, - to love Yahweh thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
At that time, said Yahweh unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, - and again circumcise the sons of Israel, a second time. So Joshua made him knives of flint, - and circumcised the sons of Israel, at the Hill of Foreskins.
For, though all the people who came forth had been circumcised, yet, all the people who were born in the desert by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt, had they not circumcised. Because, for forty years, did the sons of Israel journey in the desert, until all the nation who were men of war, who came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Yahweh, - unto whom Yahweh sware that he would not let them see the land, which Yahweh sware unto their fathers, that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey. read more. Their sons, therefore, whom he had raised up in their stead, them, did Joshua circumcise, - for, uncircumcised, they were, in that they had not circumcised them by the way. And so it came to pass, when they had made an end of circumcising all the nation, they remained in their place, in the camp, until they were healed. Then said Yahweh unto Joshua, To-day, have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of that place is called Gilgal unto this day.
For they embittered his spirit, and he spake rashly with his lips.
Then said I - Woe to me! - for I am undone, Because a man of unclean lips, am, I, And in the midst of a people of unclean lips, do I dwell, - For the King. Yahweh of hosts, have mine eyes seen!
Unto whom, can I speak - and bear witness, that they may hear? Lo! uncircumcised, is their ear, that they cannot attend, - Lo! the word of Yahweh, hath become to them a reproach, they take no delight therein.
And it came to pass, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child, and were calling it, after the name of its father, Zachariah.
And, when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, then was his name called, Jesus, - which it was called by the messenger, before he was conceived in the womb.
In whom, ye have also been circumcised with a circumcision not done by hand, in the despoiling of the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ, -
And, as for you - who were, dead, by your offences and by the uncircumcision of your flesh, he hath brought you to life together with him, - having in favour forgiven us all our offences,
Morish
The rite appointed by God to be a token of the covenant that He made with Abraham and his seed, and also the seal of the righteousness of his faith. Every male in Abraham's house was to be circumcised, and afterwards every male of his seed on the eighth day after birth. It signified the separation of a people from the world to God. During the 40 years in the wilderness this rite was not performed, but on entering God's land all were circumcised at Gilgal, when the reproach of Egypt was rolled away. Jos 5:2-9. Circumcision became a synonym for Israel, so that they could be spoken of as 'the circumcised,' and the heathen as 'the uncircumcised.' Jg 14:3; Eze 31:18; Ac 11:3. Contrary to the design of God, circumcision became a mere formal act, when the covenant itself was disregarded, and God then speaks of Israel as having 'uncircumcised hearts.' Stephen charged the Jewish council with being 'uncircumcised in heart and ears.' Le 26:41; Ac 7:51. In Rom. 4. Abraham is shown to be 'the father of circumcision,' that is, of all that believe as the truly separated people of God.
Hence circumcision is typical of the putting off the body of the flesh by those who accept the cross as the end of all flesh, because Christ was there cut off as to the flesh: see Col 2:11: "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;" and again, "We are the circumcision which worship God by the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Php 3:3. "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth." Col 3:5.
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I also, must needs go in opposition to them, and bring them into the land of their foes, - Save only that, if, even then, their uncircumcised heart shall be humbled, And, even then, they shall accept as a payment the punishment of their iniquity,
At that time, said Yahweh unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, - and again circumcise the sons of Israel, a second time. So Joshua made him knives of flint, - and circumcised the sons of Israel, at the Hill of Foreskins. read more. Now, this, is the cause why Joshua did circumcise, - all the people who came forth out of Egypt, who were males, all the men of war, died in the desert, by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt. For, though all the people who came forth had been circumcised, yet, all the people who were born in the desert by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt, had they not circumcised. Because, for forty years, did the sons of Israel journey in the desert, until all the nation who were men of war, who came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Yahweh, - unto whom Yahweh sware that he would not let them see the land, which Yahweh sware unto their fathers, that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Their sons, therefore, whom he had raised up in their stead, them, did Joshua circumcise, - for, uncircumcised, they were, in that they had not circumcised them by the way. And so it came to pass, when they had made an end of circumcising all the nation, they remained in their place, in the camp, until they were healed. Then said Yahweh unto Joshua, To-day, have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of that place is called Gilgal unto this day.
And his father and his mother said to him - Is there not, among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, a woman, that thou art going away to take a woman from among the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said unto his father - Take, her, for me, for, she, is pleasant in mine eyes.
Unto whom couldst thou be likened thus, in glory and in greatness, among the trees of Eden? Yet shalt thou be caused to descend with the trees of Eden into the earth below In the midst of the uncircumcised, shalt thou lie down With them who were thrust through by the sword, the same, is Pharaoh and all his multitude, Declareth My Lord Yahweh.
Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and in ears, ye, always, against the Holy Spirit, do strive! As your fathers, ye also:
Saying - he went in unto men uncircumcised, and did eat with them.
For, we, are the circumcision, who in the Spirit of God, are doing divine service, and are boasting in Christ Jesus, and, not in flesh, having confidence, -
In whom, ye have also been circumcised with a circumcision not done by hand, in the despoiling of the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ, -
Make dead, therefore, your members that are on the earth - as regardeth fornication, impurity, passion, base coveting, and greed, the which, is idolatry, -
Smith
was peculiarly, though not exclusively, a Jewish rite. It was enjoined upon Abraham, the father of the nation, by God, at the institution and as the token of the covenant, which assured to him and his descendants the promise of the Messiah. Gen. 17. It was thus made a necessary condition of Jewish nationality. Every male child was to be circumcised when eight days old,
on pain of death. The biblical notice of the rite describes it as distinctively Jewish; so that in the New Testament "the circumcision" and "the uncircumcision" are frequently used as synonyms for the Jews and the Gentiles. The rite has been found to prevail extensively in both ancient and modern times. Though Mohammed did not enjoin circumcision in the Koran, he was circumcised himself, according to the custom of his country; and circumcision is now as common among the Mohammedans as among the Jews. The process of restoring a circumcised person to his natural condition by a surgical operation was sometimes undergone. Some of the Jews in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, wishing to assimilate themselves to the heathen around them, "made themselves uncircumcised." Against having recourse to this practice, from an excessive anti-Judaistic tendency, St. Paul cautions the Corinthians.
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And, on the eighth day, shall the flesh of his foreskin be circumcised.
After being circumcised, was any called? let him not become uncircumcised; in uncircumcision, hath any been called? let him not be circumcised:
Watsons
CIRCUMCISION is from the Latin, circumcidere, "to cut all around," because the Jews, in circumcising their children, cut off after this manner the skin which covers the prepuce. God enjoined Abraham to use circumcision, as a sign of his covenant. In obedience to this order, Abraham, at ninety-nine years of age, was circumcised: also his son Ishmael, and all the males of his property, Ge 17:10. God repeated the precept of circumcision to Moses: he ordered that all who were to partake of the paschal sacrifice should receive circumcision; and that this rite should be performed on children, on the eighth day after their birth. The Jews have always been very exact in observing this ceremony, and it appears that they did not neglect it when in Egypt. But Moses, while in Midian with Jethro his father-in-law, did not circumcise his two sons born in that country; and during the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, their children were not circumcised. Circumcision was practised among the Arabians, Saracens, and Ishmaelites. These people, as well as the Israelites, sprung from Abraham. Circumcision was introduced with the law of Moses among the Samaritans and Cutheans. The Idumeans, though descended from Abraham and Isaac, were not circumcised till subdued by John Hircanus. Those who assert that the Phenicians were circumcised, mean, probably, the Samaritans; for we know, from other authority, that the Phenicians did not observe this ceremony. As to the Egyptians, circumcision never was of general and indispensable obligation on the whole nation; certain priests only, and particular professions, were obliged to it. Circumcision is likewise the ceremony of initiation into the Mohammedan religion. There is, indeed, no law in the Koran which enjoins it, and they have the precept only in tradition. They say that Mohammed commanded it out of respect to Abraham, the head of his race. They have no fixed day for the performance of this rite, and generally wait till the child is five or six years of age.
CIRCUMCISION, Covenant of. That the covenant with Abraham, of which circumcision was made the sign and seal, Ge 17:7-14, was the general covenant of grace, and not wholly, or even chiefly, a political and national covenant, may be satisfactorily established. The first engagement in it was, that God would "greatly bless" Abraham; which promise, although it comprehended temporal blessings, referred, as we learn from St. Paul, more fully to the blessing of his justification by the imputation of his faith for righteousness, with all the spiritual advantages consequent upon the relation which was thus established between him and God, in time and eternity. The second promise in the covenant was, that he should be "the father of many nations;" which we are also taught by St. Paul to interpret more with reference to his spiritual seed, the followers of that faith whereof cometh justification, than to his natural descendants. "That the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to that which is by the law, but to that also which is by the faith, of Abraham, who is the father of us all,"
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And I will confirm my covenant betwixt me and thee and thy seed after thee to their generations for an age-abiding covenant, - to become to thee a God, and to thy seed after thee; And I will give to thee and to thy seed after thee the land of thy sojournings - all the land of Canaan, for an age-abiding possession - And I will be to them a God. read more. And God said unto Abraham, But, as for thee, my covenant, must thou keep, thou and thy seed after thee, to their generations: - This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male:
This, is my covenant which ye shall keep, betwixt me and you, and thy seed after thee, - To circumcise to you every male: So shall ye be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, - So shall it become a sign of a covenant, betwixt me and you. read more. And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised to you every male to your generations, - he that is born of the house, and he that is bought with silver of any son of a stranger, who is, not of thy seed, He must surely be circumcised, born of thy house or bought with thy silver, - So shall my covenant be in your flesh for an age-abiding covenant. But, as for the uncircumcised male who shall not be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, - that person shall be cut off from among his people, - my covenant, hath he made void.
But, as for the uncircumcised male who shall not be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, - that person shall be cut off from among his people, - my covenant, hath he made void.
For this cause, Moses, hath given you, circumcision, - not that, of Moses, it is, but of the fathers; - and, on Sabbath, ye circumcise a man.
Knowing, however, that a man is not declared righteous by works of law, nor at all save through faith in Christ Jesus; even we, on Christ Jesus, believed, that we might be declared righteous - by faith in Christ, and not by works of law; because, by works of law, shall no flesh be declared righteous.
And, the scripture, foreseeing, that, by faith, God would declare the nations righteous, fore-announced the good news unto Abraham, saying, All the nations shall be blessed in thee. So then, they who are of faith, are blessed with believing Abraham;
Why, then, the law? Because of the transgressions, it was added, until such time as the seed should come, unto whom the promise had been made, and was given in charge through messengers, at the hand of a mediator;
See! I, Paul, say unto you - if ye be getting circumcised, Christ will profit you, nothing. Yea, I bear solemn witness again, unto every man getting circumcised, - that he is, a debtor, to do, the whole law. read more. Ye have been set aside from Christ, ye who, by law, are to be declared righteous, - out of his favour, ye have fallen;
Accounting that, even from among the dead, God, was able, to raise him , - whence, even in similitude, he bare him away.
And I heard a loud voice out of the throne, saying - Lo! the tent of God, is with men, and he will tabernacle with them, and, they, shall be, his peoples, and, he, shall be, God with them;