Genesis 17:12

Genesis 17:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Generation 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.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Every male among you, from one generation to another, is to undergo circumcision when he is eight days old, with every servant whose birth takes place in your house, or for whom you gave money to someone of another country, and not of your seed.

Free Bible Version FBV

From now and for all generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised. This includes not only your sons but also those born in your household or bought from foreigners.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And euery man childe of eight dayes olde among you, shalbe circumcised in your generations, aswell he that is borne in thine house, as he that is bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seede.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And a son of eight days is circumcised by you; every male to your generations, born in the house, or bought with money from any son of a stranger, who is not of thy seed;

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

An infant of eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations: he that is born in the house, as well as the bought servant shall be circumcised, and whosoever is not of your stock:

Translation for Translators T4T

Every male child among you must be circumcised when he is eight days old, in all future generations. That includes baby boys in your household or those born from slaves that have been bought, and baby boys of foreigners who live among you but do not belong to your household.

Plain English Version PEV

From now on, every baby boy in your camp has to have that young man operation 8 days after he is born. Every man in your family has to have that operation. And if you buy a man to work for you, he has to have that operation too. Every male person has to have that mark on his body. It will show that we made this agreement, you and me, and that this agreement will last for ever.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:12

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 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/בֶן שְׁמֹנַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יִמּ֥וֹל לָ/כֶ֛ם כָּל זָכָ֖ר לְ/דֹרֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּ/מִקְנַת כֶּ֨סֶף֙ מִ/כֹּ֣ל בֶּן נֵכָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹ֥א מִֽ/זַּרְעֲ/ךָ֖ הֽוּא

וּ/בֶן bên H1121 son Conj | N-ms

שְׁמֹנַ֣ת shᵉmôneh H8083 eight Adj

יָמִ֗ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

יִמּ֥וֹל mûwl H4135 to circumcise V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

לָ/כֶ֛ם Prep | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

זָכָ֖ר zâkâr H2145 male Adj

לְ/דֹרֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם dôwr H1755 generation Prep | N-mp | Suff

יְלִ֣יד yâlîyd H3211 born N-ms

בָּ֔יִת bayith H1004 place N-ms

וּ/מִקְנַת miqnâh H4736 purchase Conj | N-fs

כֶּ֨סֶף֙ keçeph H3701 silver N-ms

מִ/כֹּ֣ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

נֵכָ֔ר nêkâr H5236 foreign N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

מִֽ/זַּרְעֲ/ךָ֖ zeraʻ H2233 seed Prep | N-ms | Suff

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:12

וּ/בֶן bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

שְׁמֹנַ֣ת shᵉmôneh H8083 "eight" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.

Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.

יָמִ֗ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יִמּ֥וֹל mûwl H4135 "to circumcise" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.

Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.

לָ/כֶ֛ם "" Prep | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

זָכָ֖ר zâkâr H2145 "male" Adj

This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.

Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.

לְ/דֹרֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם dôwr H1755 "generation" Prep | N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.

Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.

יְלִ֣יד yâlîyd H3211 "born" N-ms

This Hebrew word means born, referring to a child or son, like a home-born son or daughter.

Definition: born

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (home-) born, child, son. See also: Genesis 14:14; Numbers 13:22; Jeremiah 2:14.

בָּ֔יִת bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

וּ/מִקְנַת miqnâh H4736 "purchase" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means to buy or acquire something, like a piece of land or property, and can also refer to the price paid for it, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) purchase 1a) purchase 1b) purchase-price 1c) possession (gained by purchase)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (he that is) bought, possession, piece, purchase. See also: Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 25:16; Jeremiah 32:11.

כֶּ֨סֶף֙ keçeph H3701 "silver" N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

מִ/כֹּ֣ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

נֵכָ֔ר nêkâr H5236 "foreign" N-ms

This word refers to something or someone foreign, including people, gods, or things. It can also describe heathendom or alien ideas. In the KJV, it is translated as alien or strange.

Definition: 1) foreign, alien, foreignness, that which is foreign 1a) foreignness, foreign gods 1b) alien, foreigner 1c) foreign (vanities)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: alien, strange ([phrase] -er). See also: Genesis 17:12; Nehemiah 13:30; Psalms 18:45.

אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

מִֽ/זַּרְעֲ/ךָ֖ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

Study Notes — Genesis 17:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 17:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:12
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:12
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:12
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:12
Sermons on Genesis 17:12

Context — The Covenant of Circumcision

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. 14But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 12:3	And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.
2	Luke 2:21	When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived.
3	Exodus 12:48–49	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. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.”
4	Philippians 3:5	circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
5	Luke 1:59	On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.
6	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.
7	Genesis 17:23	On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him.
8	John 7:22–23	But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?
9	Romans 2:28	A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.
10	Genesis 21:4	When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

Genesis 17:12 Summary

Genesis 17:12 teaches us that God wanted all the males in Abraham's household to be circumcised when they were eight days old, as a sign of His covenant with them (Genesis 17:10-11). This was not just for Abraham's family, but also for the servants and foreigners who lived with them. It shows us that God's love and promises are for everyone, not just a select few (Romans 4:11). By following God's commands, like circumcision, we demonstrate our trust and obedience to Him, just as Abraham did, and this is an important part of our relationship with God (Genesis 17:1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God require circumcision to be performed on the eighth day?

The requirement for circumcision on the eighth day, as seen in Genesis 17:12, may have been chosen because of the high concentration of vitamin K in a newborn's blood on this day, which helps with blood clotting and reduces the risk of bleeding complications, but ultimately, it is a matter of God's sovereign will and design, as expressed in His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11).

What is the significance of including those born in the household and those purchased from a foreigner in the circumcision requirement?

The inclusion of those born in the household and those purchased from a foreigner in Genesis 17:12 emphasizes that God's covenant is not limited to Abraham's biological descendants, but is also extended to those who are part of his household, as seen in the example of Ishmael, who was circumcised (Genesis 17:23, 26-27).

How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant and God's promises?

Genesis 17:12 is part of God's covenant with Abraham, which includes the promise of making him the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5) and giving him the land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8), and the circumcision requirement serves as a sign of this covenant, symbolizing the faithful obedience and trust required to receive God's promises (Romans 4:11).

What is the spiritual significance of circumcision in the context of this verse?

In Genesis 17:12, circumcision is a physical sign of the covenant, but it also symbolizes the spiritual circumcision of the heart, which is necessary for a person to be in a right relationship with God, as expressed in Deuteronomy 10:16 and Romans 2:28-29, where it is written that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

What does the requirement of circumcision on the eighth day reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?
How does the inclusion of those born in the household and those purchased from a foreigner in the circumcision requirement reflect God's heart for the marginalized and the stranger?
In what ways can I, as a believer, apply the principle of faithful obedience and trust, as exemplified in Genesis 17:12, to my own life and relationships?
What are some ways in which I can symbolically 'circumcise' my own heart, putting off the old nature and putting on the new, as described in Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 6:4?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:12

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you,.... A son or infant of eight days old; it might not be circumcised before, but for some reasons might be deferred longer.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:12

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:12

Eight days; not before that time, because of the child’ s weakness and imperfection, and impurity too, , for which reason also beasts were not to be offered to God before the eighth day, . Every man-child in your generations, successively, until the Messias come, who shall circumcise your hearts, and change this ordinance for another. Bought with money of any stranger: these were of two sorts. 1. Children, who being entirely his possession, and having not understanding to discern, nor will to choose or refuse, were to be circumcised. 2. Grown persons, who were not to be compelled to be circumcised, but if they refused it, were not to be permitted to dwell in his family, lest they should infect others, but were to be sold to strangers, as the Hebrew doctors teach. But as for Abraham’ s servants here, they were thoroughly instructed in religion, , and doubtless did willingly embrace it, and submit to this sacrament.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:12

Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed.Ver. 12. And he that is eight days old.] This warrants our baptizing of infants of both sexes. (Great leap of logic here! Editor.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:12

(12) Eight days old.—That is, just one week after birth, as the day of birth was counted among the eight days.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:12

Verse 12. He that is eight days old] Because previously to this they were considered unclean, Leviticus 12:2-3, and circumcision was ever understood as a consecration of the person to God. Neither calf, lamb, nor kid, was offered to God till it was eight days old for the same reason, Leviticus 22:27.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:12

12. he that is eight days old] The performance of the rite at this early age is distinctive of the Israelite usage. Cf. Genesis 21:4; Leviticus 12:3; Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21; Philippians 3:5. The operation at this exceedingly early age (see note on Genesis 17:25) is probably for the purpose (1) of including all males, (2) of coinciding with the first period of the mother’s uncleanness, Leviticus 12:2-3, (3) of inflicting the smallest degree of suffering. every male] The important principle is here laid down that the rite is to be required of every male member of the household. All slaves are to be circumcised, both those “born in the house” (cf. Genesis 14:14), and those “bought with money” (cf. Exodus 12:44). It was thus that the first principles of charity were interwoven with the foundation of the Chosen People. The privileges of the covenant relation are at once extended beyond the literal seed of Abraham.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:12

12. Eight days old — A whole seven days must pass, and on the eighth day the ceremony. Comp. Genesis 21:4; Leviticus 12:3; Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21; Philippians 3:5.

Sermons on Genesis 17:12

	Sermon	Description
	No Babies Baptized in the Bible by John R. Rice	John R. Rice emphasizes the importance of salvation before baptism, refuting the practice of infant baptism by highlighting the absence of New Testament records supporting it. He d
	(Genesis) Genesis 17:9-14 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of circumcision as a symbol of the Covenant between God and Abraham. He emphasizes that circumcision was not a requirement fo
	Who Is He in Yonder Stall? by Don Courville	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who broke the rules of a prison and went down to pray for the inmates individually. He wept and prayed for each person he en
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Wise Men at Bethlehem by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the problem of understanding the gospel. He refers to the second vision in Gospel chapter 2 and the presentation in verse 22. He also mention
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Ministry Begins by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being sent by God to preach the gospel. He highlights the role of John the Baptist as a witness to Christ, sent specifical
	His Name Is Called Jesus by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and following His word. He uses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace
	All Our Children Belong to the Lord by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the act of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices like the dedication of the firstborn and the Passover feast to