Genesis 17:11
Genesis 17:11 in Multiple Translations
You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
And ye shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt me and you.
In the flesh of your private parts you are to undergo it, as a mark of the agreement between me and you.
You are to circumcise your foreskin, and this will be the sign of the agreement between me and you.
That is, ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shalbe a signe of the couenant betweene me and you.
and ye have circumcised the flesh of your foreskin, and it hath become a token of a covenant between Me and you.
You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin. It will be a token of the covenant between me and you.
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, that it may be for a sign of the covenant between me and you.
◄Cutting the foreskins of/Circumcising► them will be the sign that you have accepted the agreement I am making with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 17:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/נְמַלְתֶּ֕ם
אֵ֖ת
בְּשַׂ֣ר
עָרְלַתְ/כֶ֑ם
וְ/הָיָה֙
לְ/א֣וֹת
בְּרִ֔ית
בֵּינִ֖/י
וּ/בֵינֵי/כֶֽם
וּ/נְמַלְתֶּ֕ם
nâmal
H5243
to languish
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּשַׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
עָרְלַתְ/כֶ֑ם
ʻorlâh
H6190
foreskin
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לְ/א֣וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
Prep | N-cs
בְּרִ֔ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
בֵּינִ֖/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינֵי/כֶֽם
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:11
וּ/נְמַלְתֶּ֕ם
nâmal
H5243
"to languish"
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
The Hebrew word for to cut or circumcise, as seen in the context of religious rituals. It means to become clipped or specifically circumcised, and is used in various biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to languish, wither, fade 1a) (Qal) to hang down, wither
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (branch to) be cut down (off), circumcise. See also: Genesis 17:11; Job 18:16; Psalms 37:2.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּשַׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
עָרְלַתְ/כֶ֑ם
ʻorlâh
H6190
"foreskin"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for foreskin, referring to being uncircumcised. It appears in various Bible translations as foreskin or uncircumcised, emphasizing the physical and spiritual significance of circumcision in the Bible.
Definition: foreskin, uncircumcised
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: foreskin, [phrase] uncircumcised. See also: Genesis 17:11; Leviticus 19:23; Jeremiah 4:4.
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/א֣וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
Prep | N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
בְּרִ֔ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
בֵּינִ֖/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵינֵי/כֶֽם
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
- Sermons on Genesis 17:11
Context — The Covenant of Circumcision
9God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—you and your descendants in the generations after you.
10This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised.
11You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.
12Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. 13Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 4:11 | And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. |
| 2 | Acts 7:8 | Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 10:16 | Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more. |
| 4 | Joshua 5:3 | So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. |
| 5 | Exodus 12:48 | If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 18:25–27 | Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived, David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 3:14 | Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” |
| 8 | Exodus 4:25 | But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. |
Genesis 17:11 Summary
[Genesis 17:11 is about a special sign that God gave to Abraham, which is circumcision, to show that Abraham and his family belong to God, similar to the spiritual mark of ownership mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:13. This sign is a reminder of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants, as stated in Genesis 17:1-14. Just like Abraham, we can trust in God's promises and signs, even when they seem hard to understand, as in Genesis 17:11. By following God's commands and trusting in His promises, we can show our love and devotion to Him, as mentioned in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of circumcision in Genesis 17:11?
Circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as stated in Genesis 17:11, symbolizing the removal of sin and the dedication of one's life to God, similar to the spiritual circumcision mentioned in Romans 2:29 and Colossians 2:11.
Is circumcision still required for Christians today?
According to the New Testament, specifically in Galatians 5:2-4 and 6:15, physical circumcision is no longer required for salvation, but rather a spiritual circumcision of the heart, as mentioned in Romans 2:29 and Deuteronomy 10:16.
What does the 'flesh of your foreskin' represent in this verse?
The 'flesh of your foreskin' represents the sinful nature that needs to be removed, as stated in Genesis 17:11, and is a symbol of the spiritual circumcision that God requires, as mentioned in Jeremiah 4:4 and Deuteronomy 10:16.
How does this verse relate to the covenant between God and Abraham?
Genesis 17:11 is a key part of the covenant between God and Abraham, as it provides a physical sign of the covenant, which is later reinforced in Genesis 17:13 as an everlasting covenant, and is connected to the promises made to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 and Genesis 15:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'circumcise' or remove sinful tendencies, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I, like Abraham, trust in God's promises and signs, even when they seem difficult or unclear, as in Genesis 17:11?
- What does it mean for me to be a part of God's covenant, and how can I live out my faith in a way that honors this covenant, as described in Genesis 17:1-14?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, be a blessing to others, as stated in Genesis 12:2-3, and how can I share God's love and promises with those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:11
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin,.... Or "the foreskin of your flesh" (u); by an hypallage (v), the manner in which this was performed may be seen in the Jewish writers (w), as well
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:11
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
The flesh of your foreskin, i.e. by a usual hypallage, the foreskin of your flesh; and the word flesh is here put for the genital part, as it is ,19 Ezekiel 16:26 23:20, and elsewhere. This part God singled out for this ordinance, because it is and was a great instrument both in the commission of actual sins, and in the propagation of original sin; and therefore it was very proper to apply to it the seal of God’ s gracious covenant for the remission of sins past, and the extirpation of sin for the future. It shall be a token of the covenant, i.e. a sign, evidence, and assurance, both of the blessing promised by that God who appointed this ordinance, and of man’ s obligation to the duties required, which is signified by his acceptance of and submission to this ordinance. And here we have the nature and definition of a sacrament, viz. that it is a figure or token of God’ s covenant.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
Genesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.Ver. 11. It shall be a token of the covenant.] It seals up nothing then to those that are not in covenant. Circumcision to such is but as a seal to a blank. Unregenerate Israel was to God as Ethiopia. Circumcision of itself avails nothing, if the heart be uncircumcised. The apostle distinguisheth of circumcision, and tells us that the true circumcision is "made without hands" (αχειροποιητος), and "is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter". It is a wonderful work of the Spirit, wrought by the word, upon the saints in their first conversion, whereby corruption of nature is wounded, beloved sins cast away with sorrow, and the sinner received into an everlasting communion with God and his saints. Labour this, or you are not a button the better for your baptism. A man may go to hell with font-water on his face, if not baptized "with the Holy Ghost, and with fire". Circumcision seals not up any covenant of grace to Turks, as it did not, of old, to Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites, who yet would needs be circumcised.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
Verse 11. And it shall be a token] לאות leoth, for a sign of spiritual things; for the circumcision made in the flesh was designed to signify the purification of the heart from all unrighteousness, as God particularly showed in the law itself. See Deuteronomy 10:16; see also Romans 2:25-29; Colossians 2:11. And it was a seal of that righteousness or justification that comes by faith, Romans 4:11. That some of the Jews had a just notion of its spiritual intention, is plain from many passages in the Chaldee paraphrases and in the Jewish writers. I borrow one passage from the book Zohar, quoted by Ainsworth: "At what time a man is sealed with this holy seal, (of circumcision,) thenceforth he seeth the holy blessed God properly, and the holy soul is united to him. If he be not worthy, and keepeth not this sign, what is written? By the breath of God they perish, (Job 4:9), because this seal of the holy blessed God was not kept. But if he be worthy, and keep it, the Holy Ghost is not separated from him."
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:11
11. a token] i.e. an outward sign. Cf. the rainbow which was the token of the covenant of Noah, Genesis 9:12-13.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:11
11. Circumcise the flesh of your foreskin — The act of circumcision consisted in cutting off the prepuce, or foreskin, which covers the glans of the penis in males.
Sermons on Genesis 17:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Cross by Dick Hussey | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the final moments of Jesus on the cross. He emphasizes the brevity of Jesus' spoken words, lasting less than a minute, but the profound imp |
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Toronto Hebrew Academy. by Gareth Evans | Gareth Evans shares a powerful testimony of his journey from applying for a teaching position at Toronto Hebrew Academy to impacting the lives of students and the school's rabbi wi |
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Lessons From the Sacrifice of Isaac by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow preaches on the profound story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, showcasing unwavering faith and obedience to God's command. The narrative highlights |
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Some Strictures on a Late Treatise, Called, a Fair and Rational Vindication of the Right of Infants to the Ordinance of Baptism. by John Gill | John Gill critiques David Bostwick's treatise on the right of infants to baptism, arguing that the scriptural basis he presents, particularly Acts 2:39, is misinterpreted and does |
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The Abrahamic Covenant by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, emphasizing Abraham's unique role as 'the friend of God' and the father of all believers. He highlights how the coven |
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Part 12: The Abrahamic Covenant and Premillennialism by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the significance of the covenant of God with Abraham, emphasizing its pivotal role in understanding the Old Testament and its extension into the New Te |
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Some Queries and Considerations Proposed to the Cavaliers by Isaac Penington | Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of the term 'patriarch' in Scripture, highlighting the role of important male ancestors as heads of families or tribes, such as Abra |