Genesis 17:13
Genesis 17:13 in Multiple Translations
Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.
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.
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.
He who comes to birth in your house and he who is made yours for a price, all are to undergo circumcision; so that my agreement may be marked in your flesh, an agreement for all time.
You must circumcise those born in your household or bought from foreigners as a sign in your bodies of my eternal agreement.
He that is borne in thine house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needes be circumcised: so my couenant shall be in your flesh for an euerlasting couenant.
he is certainly circumcised who [is] born in thine house, or bought with thy money; and My covenant hath become in your flesh a covenant age-during;
He who is born in your house, and he who is bought with your money, must be circumcised. My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
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.
And my covenant shall be in your flesh for a perpetual covenant.
It does not matter whether their parents are members of your household or slaves that have been bought; they must all be circumcised. Your bodies will have this mark to show you have accepted this everlasting agreement I am making.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:13
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 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִמּ֧וֹל
יִמּ֛וֹל
יְלִ֥יד
בֵּֽיתְ/ךָ֖
וּ/מִקְנַ֣ת
כַּסְפֶּ֑/ךָ
וְ/הָיְתָ֧ה
בְרִיתִ֛/י
בִּ/בְשַׂרְ/כֶ֖ם
לִ/בְרִ֥ית
עוֹלָֽם
הִמּ֧וֹל
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
V-Niphal-Ptc
יִמּ֛וֹל
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
יְלִ֥יד
yâlîyd
H3211
born
N-ms
בֵּֽיתְ/ךָ֖
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מִקְנַ֣ת
miqnâh
H4736
purchase
Conj | N-fs
כַּסְפֶּ֑/ךָ
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הָיְתָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בְרִיתִ֛/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
בִּ/בְשַׂרְ/כֶ֖ם
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לִ/בְרִ֥ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
Prep | N-fs
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:13
הִמּ֧וֹל
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
V-Niphal-Ptc
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.
יִמּ֛וֹל
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.
יְלִ֥יד
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.
בֵּֽיתְ/ךָ֖
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
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/מִקְנַ֣ת
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.
כַּסְפֶּ֑/ךָ
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וְ/הָיְתָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְרִיתִ֛/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
בִּ/בְשַׂרְ/כֶ֖ם
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
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.
לִ/בְרִ֥ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
Prep | N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
- Sermons on Genesis 17:13
Context — The Covenant of Circumcision
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.” 15Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:44 | But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him. |
| 2 | Genesis 37:36 | Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 5:8 | and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. |
| 4 | Matthew 18:25 | Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. |
| 5 | Exodus 21:4 | If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. |
| 6 | Exodus 21:2 | If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. |
| 7 | Genesis 14:14 | And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. |
| 8 | Genesis 39:1 | Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. |
| 9 | Exodus 21:16 | Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. |
| 10 | Genesis 37:27 | Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. |
Genesis 17:13 Summary
Genesis 17:13 is a reminder that God's covenant with Abraham is a promise that lasts forever. Just like Abraham had to circumcise all the males in his household, we need to surrender our hearts to God and let Him remove the sin that separates us from Him (Romans 2:29). This means trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands, just as Abraham did. By doing so, we can experience the joy and freedom of being in a personal relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 119:32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of circumcision in Genesis 17:13?
Circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as stated in Genesis 17:11, and it symbolizes the removal of sin and the dedication of one's life to God, as seen in Romans 4:11.
Who is included in the requirement of circumcision?
According to Genesis 17:13, all males born in Abraham's household or purchased from a foreigner must be circumcised, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
What is the consequence of not being circumcised?
As stated in Genesis 17:14, any male who is not circumcised will be cut off from his people, indicating the seriousness of disobeying God's command and breaking His covenant.
Is the covenant in Genesis 17:13 still relevant today?
While the physical act of circumcision is no longer required for believers in Jesus Christ, as seen in Galatians 5:2-4 and Romans 4:9-12, the spiritual principles of dedication, obedience, and faith remain essential for a personal relationship with God, as emphasized in Romans 2:28-29 and Philippians 3:3.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be 'circumcised in heart' as described in Romans 2:29, and how can I apply this to my daily life?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to God's covenant in my own life, just as Abraham did through circumcision?
- In what ways can I trust God's promise of an 'everlasting covenant' in Genesis 17:13, and how can this shape my faith and obedience?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will and allow Him to 'circumcise' my heart, removing sin and self-reliance?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:13
He that is born in thine house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised,.... Or "in circumcising shall be circumcised" (l), shall certainly be circumcised; this is repeated to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:13
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
So it was, and is properly in regard of the thing signified to all true believers; and for the sign, it is so called because it was to endure through all generations till the coming of the Messias; the word olam, here and elsewhere rendered everlasting, or for ever, being oft used to express not only simple eternity, but any long continuance, for many ages, yea, sometimes for a man’ s life. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
Genesis 17:13 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.Ver. 13. He that is born in thy house.] Householders must see to it, that their families fear God. They walk not "in a perfect way" that do otherwise, that look not “ Aedibus in propriis, quae prava, aut recta gerantur.” My covenant shall be in your flesh.] That is, the sign of my covenant (by a metonymy of the subject), seem it never so simple, and prove it never so painful and shameful. The foolishness of God is wiser than men, that cry, Credat Iudaeus Apella ,& c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
(13) He that is born in thy house . . . —Two things follow from this wide extension of the rite of circumcision: the first, that all members of Abram’s household, being thus sharers in the covenant, were also numbered as belonging to the nations that sprang from him. We have seen that even in early days his followers must have numbered six or seven hundred men (Genesis 14:14), and they were growing in multitude all the rest of his life, and during the lifetime of Isaac. They were then divided between Esau and Jacob at Isaac’s death (Genesis 35:27; Genesis 36:6-7), but the diminution in the number of Jacob’s family thus caused must have been compensated by those whom he gathered for himself in Mesopotamia (Genesis 30:43). All his household went down with him into Egypt, as part of his taf, translated “little ones” in Genesis 46:5, but really signifying the whole body of dependents, men, women, and children. Placed there in the fruitful Delta, they would be counted as members of that tribe to the chief of which they belonged, and would swell the numbers of the vast host which left Egypt (Exodus 12:37). The second point is, that as all who were circumcised were regarded as Israelites, so also circumcision was confined to the Israelites. It was not ‘a catholic ordinance, intended, like baptism, for all people and all times. Nor was it primarily a religious institution. The bought slave was circumcised first, and instructed afterwards. No profession of faith was required, but he was admitted to the privilege in right of his master.
The reason of this was that it was an admission into the Jewish nation first, and by consequence only into the church. It is one of the many points which distinguish slavery, as practised among the Jews, from the degrading form of it which existed in modem times, that from the days of Abram onwards the slave by being circumcised was proclaimed to be one of the same race and nation as his master, and thereby entitled to share in his national and religious privileges.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
Verse 13. He that is born in thy house] The son of a servant; he that is bought with thy money - a slave on his coming into the family. According to the Jewish writers the father was to circumcise his son; and the master, the servant born in his house, or the slave bought with money. If the father or master neglected to do this, then the magistrates were obliged to see it performed; if the neglect of this ordinance was unknown to the magistrates, then the person himself, when he came of age, was obliged to do it.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:13
13. He that is born in thy house — The bond slave of a patriarchal family as distinguished from one bought or taken in war. Comp. Genesis 14:14.
Sermons on Genesis 17:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:27-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. He explains that the Ishmaelites and the Midianites had joined together, making t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
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(God and Man) Entering God's Sabbath Rest by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of dedicating Wednesdays and Saturdays to fasting and prayer. He and another brother would spend hours in prayer after th |
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(Exodus) Exodus 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the social legislation found in chapter 21 of the Bible. He begins by discussing the importance of the master and servant relationship in th |
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The Kinsman Redeemer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher paints a vivid picture of a person in Israel who has lost their inheritance and is in chains, serving a cruel taskmaster. However, a relative or elder |