Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision is a significant ritual and covenantal sign in the Judeo-Christian tradition, deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. It involves the surgical removal of the foreskin of the male genitalia and serves as a physical mark of the covenant between God and His people.Biblical Origins and Significance The practice of circumcision is first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 17, where God establishes His covenant with Abraham. God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of this everlasting covenant. Genesis 17:10-11 states, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you." Circumcision was to be performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, as further instructed in Leviticus 12:3 : "On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised." This practice was not only a physical act but also a spiritual symbol of belonging to God's chosen people, Israel. Theological Implications In the Old Testament, circumcision was a critical aspect of Jewish identity and religious life. It signified a commitment to God and adherence to His laws. The act was a reminder of the covenantal promises made to Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness to God. The prophets, however, often spoke of a deeper, spiritual meaning behind the physical act. Jeremiah 4:4 calls for a "circumcision of the heart," urging the Israelites to remove the barriers of sin and rebellion from their lives: "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the practice of circumcision becomes a point of theological discussion, particularly in the context of the early Church and the inclusion of Gentile believers. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue extensively, emphasizing that physical circumcision is not a requirement 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 clarifies in Galatians 5:6 that "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." This shift highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, marked by physical circumcision, to the New Covenant, characterized by faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Cultural and Historical Context Circumcision 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 unique relationship with Yahweh. In the early Christian Church, the question of circumcision became a significant issue, particularly at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). The apostles and elders concluded that Gentile converts were not required to undergo circumcision, affirming that salvation is through grace and faith in Jesus Christ alone. Conclusion Circumcision, as described in the Bible, is a multifaceted practice with profound theological implications. It serves as a physical sign of the covenant between God and His people, while also pointing to the deeper spiritual reality of a heart transformed by faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 17:11And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 4:25 Library It is Our Practice, Indeed, to Make Use of the Words of the ... The Circumcision of Jesus St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ... Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ... Entire Sanctification in Type. Second Part Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... General Character of Christians. Inseparable Connection Between the Old and the New Testament. The Other Observances of the Jews. Resources Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Romans 2:7 teach works salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org Circumcision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
    |