Genesis 17:25
Genesis 17:25 in Multiple Translations
and his son Ishmael was thirteen;
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.
And Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he underwent circumcision.
and his son Ishmael was thirteen.
And Ishmael his sonne was thirteene yeere olde, when the foreskinne of his flesh was circumcised.
and Ishmael his son [is] a son of thirteen years in the flesh of his foreskin being circumcised;
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.
And Ismael his son was full thirteen years old at the time of his circumcision.
and Ishmael was thirteen years old when Abraham circumcised him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:25
BAB
Word Study
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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 17:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל
בְּנ֔/וֹ
בֶּן
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
שָׁנָ֑ה
בְּ/הִ֨מֹּל֔/וֹ
אֵ֖ת
בְּשַׂ֥ר
עָרְלָתֽ/וֹ
וְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
Ishmael
Conj | N-proper
בְּנ֔/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
בְּ/הִ֨מֹּל֔/וֹ
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּשַׂ֥ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
עָרְלָתֽ/וֹ
ʻorlâh
H6190
foreskin
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:25
וְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
"Ishmael"
Conj | N-proper
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.
בְּנ֔/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
בְּ/הִ֨מֹּל֔/וֹ
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
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.
בְּשַׂ֥ר
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.
עָרְלָתֽ/וֹ
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Covenant of Circumcision
23On 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.
24So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,
25and his son Ishmael was thirteen;
26Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised on the same day. 27And all the men of Abraham’s household—both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners—were circumcised with him.Genesis 17:25 Summary
[Genesis 17:25 tells us that Ishmael, Abraham's son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised, as part of God's covenant with Abraham, as stated in Genesis 17:1-14. This shows that Abraham was obedient to God's commands, even when it was difficult, and trusted in God's promises, as seen in Romans 4:18-25. Circumcision was a sign of this covenant, and it was important for all the males in Abraham's household to participate, as seen in Genesis 17:23-27. By obeying God, Abraham demonstrated his faith and trust in God's plan, and we can learn from his example to trust and obey God in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ishmael's age mentioned in Genesis 17:25?
Ishmael's age is mentioned to emphasize that he was old enough to understand the significance of circumcision, as seen in Genesis 17:25, and to highlight Abraham's obedience to God's command, as stated in Genesis 17:23.
What is the significance of the age thirteen in the Bible?
In the Bible, the age thirteen is not specifically mentioned as a significant age, but it is notable that Ishmael was considered old enough to be circumcised and participate in the covenant with God, as seen in Genesis 17:25-26, similar to the Jewish tradition of bar mitzvah at age thirteen, although this is not directly referenced in the Bible.
How does Genesis 17:25 relate to the covenant God made with Abraham?
Genesis 17:25 is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14, where God promises to establish His covenant with Abraham and his descendants, and circumcision is given as a sign of this covenant, as stated in Genesis 17:10-11.
What can we learn from Abraham's obedience in circumcising Ishmael at the age of thirteen?
We can learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Genesis 17:23-25, and trust in God's promises, as stated in Genesis 17:1-8, and Romans 4:18-25, which highlights Abraham's faith and obedience as an example for believers.
Reflection Questions
- What does Ishmael's age reveal about Abraham's obedience to God's command to circumcise all the males in his household?
- How does this verse contribute to our understanding of the significance of circumcision in the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to God's covenant with Abraham?
- What can we learn from the fact that Abraham and Ishmael were circumcised on the same day, as stated in Genesis 17:26?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Abraham's actions, to our own lives and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:25
And Ishmael his son [was] thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.. Hence the Arabians, as Josephus (w) relates, circumcise their children when at thirteen years of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:25
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:25
Genesis 17:25 And Ishmael his son [was] thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.Ver. 25. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old.] The Turks’ children are not circumcised till they are ten years old, and then they use great feasting, banqueting, music, and bringing of presents. They say that Abraham loved Ishmael, and not Isaac: and that it was Ishmael whom Abraham would have sacrificed. The Grand Sign Sereg., pp. 113,191.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:25
(25) Ishmael. . . . was thirteen years old.—Hence the Mohammedans defer circumcision to the thirteenth year.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:25
25. Ishmael … thirteen years old] The mention of Ishmael and of his age, is of interest; for it implies (1) the fact that the Ishmaelite people practised circumcision; (2) the possible reminiscence of a variant custom by which it was performed at the age of thirteen years, instead of eight days; as in Israel, cf. Genesis 17:12. The modern Arabian use is said to be much later in life than that of the Jews, and in some cases corresponds with the age of Ishmael. A boy at 13 was regarded as on the threshold of manhood. Origen (Euseb. Praep. Evang. vi. 11) and Ambrose (de Abrah. ii. 348) mention fourteen as the age for the practice of the rite among the Egyptians.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:25
25. Thirteen years old — Josephus (Ant., 1:12, 2) says the Arabians, because of this, do not circumcise their children until the thirteenth year. NOTE ON .