He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Everyone born in your household and everyone you buy as a servant must be circumcised. This will be a permanent sign of my covenant written in your bodies forever.
God is telling Abraham that circumcision must be performed on all males in his household as a permanent, physical sign of their covenant relationship.
📚 Historical Context
In Genesis 17, God is establishing an everlasting covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations and commanding circumcision as a physical sign of this agreement. This included not only Abraham's family members but also any servants born in his household or purchased, reflecting the cultural norms of ancient Near Eastern societies where household members were integrated into family covenants. The practice emphasized God's call for complete dedication and separation from other peoples' customs.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.