Circumcision has deep roots in the Bible, both physically and spiritually. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture teaches about its significance under the Old and New Covenants.
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What Does The Bible Say About Circumcision
Genesis 17:10-11
“This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.”
In this verse, God institutes the practice of circumcision as a sign of the covenant between Him and Abraham’s descendants. It is a physical mark that distinguishes them as a chosen people.
This act of circumcision serves as a reminder of the covenant and signifies their commitment to honor and obey God’s commandments.
Leviticus 12:3
“On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised.”
According to the law given to Moses by God, male children were to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This specific timing emphasizes the importance of following God’s ordained instructions meticulously and obediently.
The act of circumcision sets them apart as partakers of the covenant and represents their incorporation into the community of God’s chosen people.
Deuteronomy 10:16
“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”
Here, God calls His people to spiritual circumcision, an inner transformation of the heart. He desires a change of attitude and a relinquishing of stubbornness and rebellion.
Physical circumcision alone is not sufficient; it is the circumcision of the heart that truly matters. It involves surrendering oneself completely to God and allowing Him to work in and through us.
Jeremiah 4:4
“Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done― burn with no one to quench it.”
This verse highlights the urgency of spiritual circumcision and the consequences of disobedience. God warns the people of Judah to turn away from their rebellious ways and submit their hearts to Him, or else face His wrath.
It serves as a reminder that our outward actions must align with a genuine inner transformation, or else we will face the consequences of our disobedience.
Acts 7:8
“Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth.”
In this verse, Stephen refers to the covenant of circumcision given to Abraham by God. Abraham faithfully followed this command by circumcising Isaac when he was eight days old, continuing the generational practice.
It showcases the importance of passing down faith traditions and fulfilling God’s commands as a means of honoring the covenant and maintaining a faithful relationship with Him.
Romans 2:29
“No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.”
Paul emphasizes that being part of God’s chosen people is not merely a matter of physical circumcision or following the external rituals. True circumcision involves a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Our identity as God’s people is not based on outward appearances or the opinions of others, but on our inward relationship with God and our obedience to His Spirit.
Galatians 5:6
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Paul clarifies that circumcision itself holds no significance in the context of salvation. Whether one is circumcised or not is irrelevant to their standing before God.
What truly matters is a living faith that is demonstrated through love and genuine obedience to God’s commandments.
Philippians 3:3
“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh”
Paul explains that as believers in Christ, we are the true circumcision, set apart by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our devotion to God. Our identity and confidence lie in Him alone.
We joyfully serve God, not relying on our own abilities or accomplishments, but recognizing that it is through the work of Christ that we are made righteous and belong to Him.
Colossians 2:11-12
“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Paul teaches that through faith in Christ, believers experience a spiritual circumcision that is far greater than any physical act. It is a circumcision performed by Christ Himself, removing the power of the sinful nature.
Baptism, symbolizing our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, signifies this spiritual circumcision and our new life in Him.
1 Corinthians 7:19
“Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”
Paul reiterates that the external act of circumcision holds no significance in the grand scheme of things. What truly matters is obedience to God’s commands, which stem from a heart surrendered to Him.
Our faith should manifest itself through a lifestyle characterized by righteousness and devotion to God’s will.
Ephesians 2:11
“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)”
Paul addresses the Gentile believers, reminding them of their previous status as uncircumcised by birth, and their exclusion from the covenant community.
It highlights the distinction between the physical sign of circumcision and the spiritual reality of being in Christ, who breaks down all barriers and grafts both Jews and Gentiles into one body.
Philippians 3:5
“circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;”
Paul lists his own religious credentials, including his adherence to the practice of circumcision according to Jewish customs. He held a position of high religious standing, meticulously observing the law.
However, he later realizes that these external factors alone do not bring him closer to God, but rather, it is through faith in Christ that he finds true meaning and salvation.
Joshua 5:2-3
“At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.”
After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Joshua was instructed by God to circumcise the new generation of Israelites who were born during the wilderness journey.
This act represented a renewal of commitment to God and a marking of their identity as His chosen people in the land He had promised to them.
John 7:22-23
“Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath.”
Jesus addresses the Jews who criticized Him for healing a man on the Sabbath. He points out their inconsistency by reminding them that circumcision, a religious ritual, was allowed on the Sabbath, even though it involved breaking the laws of rest.
Jesus uses this example to challenge their legalistic mindset and highlight the need for a deeper understanding of righteousness and compassion.
Luke 2:21
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.”
Following Jewish custom, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after His birth, highlighting His identification with the covenant people of God.
His circumcision also signifies His obedience to the law and His fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and promises.
Acts 15:1-2
“Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them.”
There arose a disagreement within the early church regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile believers in order to be saved.
Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this teaching, arguing that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, regardless of circumcision or observance of Mosaic customs.
Acts 16:3
“Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.”
Paul circumcised Timothy, a young disciple, before their missionary journey to avoid unnecessary offense to the Jews in the region.
This decision was a practical one, demonstrating Paul’s willingness to adapt his approach for the sake of reaching others with the gospel and maintaining unity within the diverse body of believers.
Romans 4:9-10
“Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!”
Paul explains that Abraham’s righteousness was not a result of circumcision but of his faith in God. His faith came first, even before the act of circumcision.
This serves as a reminder that our relationship with God is not based on external rituals or works, but on faith alone.
Jeremiah 9:25-26
“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 wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
Jeremiah delivers a message from God, warning that physical circumcision alone does not guarantee salvation or favor with God. He declares that even the nation of Israel is uncircumcised in heart, lacking true devotion and obedience to God.
God seeks a genuine transformation of the heart, not just a superficial adherence to external rituals.
Acts 21:21
“They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.”
Paul faced accusations that he was teaching Jewish believers to abandon circumcision and disregard their customs. This misunderstanding led to conflict and opposition against Paul.
Although Paul emphasized salvation by grace through faith, he also honored the Jewish traditions where they did not contradict the gospel message, seeking to promote unity among believers.
1 Samuel 18:25-27
“Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.’” Saul’s plan was to have David fall by the hands of the Philistines. When the attendants told David these things, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. So before the allotted time elapsed, David took his men with him and went out and killed two hundred Philistines and brought back their foreskins. They counted out the full number to the king so that David might become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage.”
In this narrative, Saul demanded a gruesome dowry from David before allowing him to marry his daughter. David willingly took on this gruesome task, demonstrating his bravery, loyalty, and desire to fulfill the king’s requirements.
This story showcases the cultural significance of circumcision as a defining marker of identity and highlights the lengths David was willing to go to secure his position.
Exodus 4:24-26
“At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision.)”
God intended to kill Moses for failing to circumcise his son, but Zipporah quickly performed the circumcision and touched Moses’ feet with the severed foreskin, preventing God’s wrath.
This incident underscores the seriousness of obedience to the covenant of circumcision and the importance of fulfilling God’s commands without delay.
Joshua 5:9
“Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.”
After the Israelites were circumcised at Gilgal, God declared that He had removed the disgrace and reproach of their past slavery in Egypt.
Through their obedience to the covenant, God reaffirmed His faithfulness and renewed their identity as His chosen people.
Acts 15:5
“Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”
During the Jerusalem Council, there were some Pharisaic believers who argued for the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith through physical circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law.
This debate raised important questions about the relationship between faith, salvation, and religious observances, leading to the council’s decision to affirm that salvation is by grace through faith, apart from the works of the law.
Genesis 34:15-17
“We will enter into an agreement with you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males. Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one people with you.”
In a controversial incident, the sons of Jacob requested that the men of Shechem be circumcised as a condition for intermarrying and forming an alliance.
This event demonstrates how circumcision played a significant role in ancient cultures, not only as a religious ritual but also as a means of establishing social and familial connections.