Genesis 17:9-11
“9 Then God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. 10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.'”
Genesis 17:9-11 Meaning
In Genesis 17:9-11, God is speaking to Abraham and establishing a covenant with him and his descendants. This covenant involves every male being circumcised as a sign of their commitment to God. The circumcision serves as a physical representation of their participation in the covenant relationship with God.
Genesis 17:9-11 Commentary and Explanation
God establishes a covenant with Abraham him and his descendants through a significant ritual: circumcision. This covenant is a profound symbol of the relationship between God and His chosen people, and it carries spiritual and historical significance throughout the Bible.
First, we must recognize the context of this passage. God had already made a covenant with Abraham earlier in Genesis 15, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan as their inheritance. Now, in Genesis 17, God is reaffirming and expanding upon this covenant.
God’s words to Abraham in verse 9 are clear: “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.” This emphasizes the enduring nature of the covenant, passing from generation to generation. It’s essential to remember that this covenant isn’t limited to Abraham alone; it encompasses his descendants as well. The “we” in this context includes not only Abraham and God but also all who are part of this covenant lineage.
Verse 10 introduces the unique and significant aspect of this covenant: circumcision. God declares, “Every male among you shall be circumcised.” Circumcision was a physical act that symbolized a deeper commitment and consecration to God. It signified purity and obedience to God’s command, as well as a separation from the surrounding pagan nations. It was a physical reminder of their identity as God’s chosen people.
We can find references to circumcision in other parts of the Bible that shed light on its significance. In the New Testament, in Romans 4:11, Paul mentions that Abraham received circumcision as a sign and seal of the righteousness he had by faith. This underscores the idea that circumcision was not merely a physical act but also a spiritual one, signifying faith in God’s promises.
Furthermore, in Colossians 2:11-12, Paul speaks of a “circumcision not performed by human hands.” He explains that believers in Christ have undergone a spiritual circumcision, a circumcision of the heart, through faith. This connects the physical circumcision of the Old Testament with the spiritual circumcision experienced by Christians in the New Testament.
Returning to Genesis 17, verse 11 emphasizes that circumcision is “the sign of the covenant between me and you.” It serves as a visible reminder of the relationship between God and His chosen people. Just as a signature on a contract seals the agreement, circumcision seals the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants.
Ultimately, Genesis 17:9-11 holds profound spiritual significance for us as partakers in the Abrahamic covenant through faith. It reminds us of the enduring nature of God’s promises, the obedience required in our relationship with Him, and the importance of our identity as His chosen people. Circumcision, both in the Old and New Testaments, symbolizes the heart’s commitment to God and serves as a powerful reminder of our faith in His promises.
Also Read: Genesis 17:3-5 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 17:9-11
At this point in Abraham’s life, he had already been promised by God that he would have a son with Sarah, despite their advanced age. This son would be the one through whom God’s covenant promises would be fulfilled (Genesis 17:15-16). God reiterated this promise to Abraham and changed his name from Abram to Abraham, which means “father of a multitude” (Genesis 17:5). It is in this context of promise and covenant that God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his descendants.
Lessons From Genesis 17:9-11
- Obedience to God’s commands: Abraham’s obedience to God’s command of circumcision is a reminder of the importance of obeying God’s instructions. Just as Abraham’s act of circumcision demonstrated his trust in God’s promises, our obedience to God’s commands is a tangible expression of our faith in Him.
- The significance of physical symbols: The act of circumcision serves as a reminder that God often uses physical symbols to convey spiritual truths. It reminds us that our faith is not just an abstract belief but calls for tangible actions in obedience to God.
- The importance of covenant relationships: God establishes this covenant with Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the significance of relationships in God’s plan. We too are called into a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and it is through this covenant that we receive God’s blessings and promises.
Biblical Translations of Genesis 17:9-11
Genesis 17:9-11 King James Version (KJV)
“9 And God said unto Abraham, ‘Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.'”
Genesis 17:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
“9 Then God said to Abraham, ‘Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility. 10 This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised. 11 You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you.'”
Genesis 17:9-11 English Standard Version (ESV)
“9 And God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.'”
Genesis 17:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)
“9 And God said to Abraham: ‘As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.'”
Genesis 17:9-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“9 Then God said to Abraham, ‘Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.'”
Genesis 17:9-11 The Message (MSG)
“9 God continued to Abraham, ‘And you: You will honor the covenant, you and your descendants, generation after generation. 10 This is the covenant that you are to honor, the covenant that pulls in all your descendants: Circumcise every male. 11 Circumcise by cutting off the foreskin of the penis; it will be the sign of the covenant between us.'”
Final Thoughts
The commandment of circumcision in Genesis 17 reminds us of the importance of obedience, the significance of physical symbols, and the value of covenant relationships with God. It teaches us that our faith should be characterized by a willingness to obey God’s commands and a desire to visibly demonstrate our commitment to Him. Just as God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to bless him, God has made a covenant with us through Jesus Christ, promising us eternal life and an inheritance in His kingdom. May we continually strive to honor this covenant and live in obedience to God’s commands, knowing that as we do, His blessings and favor will be upon us and our descendants.