Topical Encyclopedia The term "uncircumcised" in the Bible primarily refers to individuals who have not undergone the physical rite of circumcision, a practice that was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as described in Genesis 17:10-14. In a broader theological context, it also carries significant spiritual and symbolic meanings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and His chosen people, the Israelites. Those who were uncircumcised were often seen as outside of this covenant community. Genesis 17:14 states, "But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." The uncircumcised were often synonymous with Gentiles or non-Israelites, as seen in the frequent references to "uncircumcised Philistines" (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:26). The term also carried a derogatory connotation, implying a lack of purity or holiness. For instance, in Jeremiah 9:25-26, God declares judgment on both Israel and the surrounding nations, stating, "The days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh—Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all who live in the desert in distant places. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart." Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning Beyond the physical act, the Bible often uses "uncircumcised" to describe a spiritual condition. The concept of being "uncircumcised in heart" is a recurring theme, indicating a lack of spiritual receptivity or obedience to God. In Deuteronomy 10:16, Moses exhorts the Israelites, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This metaphorical use underscores the importance of inner transformation and faithfulness to God over mere external compliance. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the issue of circumcision becomes a significant theological debate, particularly in the context of the early Church's mission to the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul addresses this in several of his epistles, 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 elaborates in Galatians 5:6, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." This teaching highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, based on the law and physical signs, to the New Covenant, centered on faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Cultural and Historical Considerations In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, circumcision was a distinguishing mark of the Jewish people. The term "uncircumcised" thus served as a boundary marker between Jews and Gentiles. However, the New Testament redefines this boundary, emphasizing unity in Christ regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Ephesians 2:11-13 speaks to this unity: "Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh, and called 'uncircumcised' by the so-called 'circumcision' that is done in the body by human hands—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Conclusion The term "uncircumcised" in the Bible, therefore, encompasses both a literal and a metaphorical meaning, reflecting the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Not circumcised; hence, not of the Israelites.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia UNCIRCUMCISED; UNCIRCUMCISIONun-sur'-kum-sizd, un-sur-kum-sizh'-un: The adjective in the Old Testament is `arel (Genesis 17:14, etc.), from a root of uncertain meaning, with the noun `orlah, "uncircumcised (person)" (Leviticus 19:23 Jeremiah 9:25), and the verb `aral, "count as uncircumcised" (Leviticus 19:23; the Revised Version (British and American) Habakkuk 2:16). In the Apocrypha and the New Testament the noun is akrobustia (a physiological term, 1 Maccabees 1:15; Acts 11:3, etc.), and the adjective aperitmetos (Additions to Esther 14:15; 1 Maccabees 1:48; 2:46; Acts 7:51), with the verb epispaomai, "become uncircumcised" (1 Corinthians 7:18). The language of 1 Maccabees 1:15 suggests the performance of some surgical operation, but no such operation appears to be possible, and "behaved like uncircumcised persons" (as in 1 Corinthians 7:18) is the probable meaning. Greek 564. aperitmetos -- uncircumcised ... uncircumcised. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: aperitmetos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-er-eet'-may-tos) Short Definition: uncircumcised, unclean Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/564.htm - 7k 1986. epispaomai -- to draw over, to become as uncircumcised 1986a. epispaomai -- to draw over, to become as uncircumcised 203. akrobustia -- the prepuce, foreskin, hence uncircumcision 2487. ichnos -- a track 2192. echo -- to have, hold Strong's Hebrew 6189. arel -- having foreskin (uncircumcised)... 6188, 6189. arel. 6190 . having foreskin (uncircumcised). Transliteration: arel Phonetic Spelling: (aw-rale') Short Definition: uncircumcised. ... /hebrew/6189.htm - 6k 6188. aral -- to count as foreskin (as uncircumcised) 6190. orlah -- foreskin Library The Law Anterior to Moses. Circumcision Unknown Before Abraham. But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This... Neither do they Confess that they are Awed by those Citations from ... Concerning the Circumcision. True Righteousness is Obtained by Christ. Rom. Ii. 17, 18 That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ... Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace? Acts XVI Thesaurus Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Not circumcised; hence, not of the Israelites. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. UNCIRCUMCISED; UNCIRCUMCISION. ... /u/uncircumcised.htm - 25k Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Hordes (24 Occurrences) Circumcised (58 Occurrences) Pierced (63 Occurrences) Instilled (3 Occurrences) Foreskin (12 Occurrences) Forefather (33 Occurrences) Credited (19 Occurrences) Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences) Resources What is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Hebrew Roots movement? | GotQuestions.org Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Uncircumcised: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences)Acts 7:51 Acts 11:3 Romans 2:26 Romans 2:27 Romans 3:30 Romans 4:9 Romans 4:10 Romans 4:11 Romans 4:12 1 Corinthians 7:18 Galatians 2:7 Ephesians 2:11 Colossians 3:11 Genesis 17:14 Genesis 34:14 Exodus 6:12 Exodus 6:30 Exodus 12:48 Leviticus 19:23 Leviticus 26:41 Joshua 5:7 Judges 14:3 Judges 15:18 1 Samuel 14:6 1 Samuel 17:26 1 Samuel 17:36 1 Samuel 31:4 2 Samuel 1:20 1 Chronicles 10:4 Isaiah 52:1 Jeremiah 6:10 Jeremiah 9:25 Jeremiah 9:26 Ezekiel 28:10 Ezekiel 31:18 Ezekiel 32:19 Ezekiel 32:21 Ezekiel 32:24 Ezekiel 32:25 Ezekiel 32:26 Ezekiel 32:27 Ezekiel 32:28 Ezekiel 32:29 Ezekiel 32:30 Ezekiel 32:32 Ezekiel 44:7 Ezekiel 44:9 Habakkuk 2:16 Subtopics Related Terms Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) Law-transgressor (2 Occurrences) Righteousness (442 Occurrences) |