Genesis 17:23

Genesis 17:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

On 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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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 foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.

American Standard Version ASV

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 foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Abraham took Ishmael, his son, and all whose birth had taken place in his house, and all his servants whom he had made his for a price, every male of his house, and on that very day he gave them circumcision in the flesh of their private parts as God had said to him.

Free Bible Version FBV

That day Abraham circumcised his son Ishmael as well as all those born in his household or purchased, in fact every male among the members of Abraham's household, just as God had told him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Abraham tooke Ishmael his sonne and all that were borne in his house, and all that was bought with his money, that is, euery man childe among the men of Abrahams house, and he circumcised the foreskinne of their flesh in that selfe same day, as God had comaunded him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Abraham taketh Ishmael his son, and all those born in his house, and all those bought with his money — every male among the men of Abraham's house — and circumciseth the flesh of their foreskin, in this self-same day, as God hath spoken with him.

World English Bible WEB

Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money: every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 foreskin, in the same day, as God had said to him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Abraham took Ismael his son, and all that were born in his house: and all whom he had bought, every male among the men of his house: and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin forthwith the very same day, as God had commanded him.

Translation for Translators T4T

On that same day, Abraham took his son Ishmael and all the males that were in his household, including the sons of all the slaves he had bought, and circumcised them. He cut off their foreskins, just as God told him to do.

Plain English Version PEV

Then, on that same day, Abraham did a young man operation on every man and every boy in his camp. All Abraham’s work-men had that operation. They were the work-men that Abraham bought, and the work-men that were born in his camp. And Abraham and his son Ishmael had that operation too. They all had that operation on the same day. Ishmael was 13 years old, and Abraham was 99 years old, when they had that young man operation.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:23

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 17:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֗/וֹ וְ/אֵ֨ת כָּל יְלִידֵ֤י בֵית/וֹ֙ וְ/אֵת֙ כָּל מִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפּ֔/וֹ כָּל זָכָ֕ר בְּ/אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֵּ֣ית אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַ/יָּ֜מָל אֶת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָתָ֗/ם בְּ/עֶ֨צֶם֙ הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/זֶּ֔ה כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖/וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים

וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַבְרָהָ֜ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 Ishmael N-proper

בְּנ֗/וֹ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

וְ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יְלִידֵ֤י yâlîyd H3211 born N-mp

בֵית/וֹ֙ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מִקְנַ֣ת miqnâh H4736 purchase N-fs

כַּסְפּ֔/וֹ keçeph H3701 silver N-ms | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

זָכָ֕ר zâkâr H2145 male Adj

בְּ/אַנְשֵׁ֖י ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-mp

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

אַבְרָהָ֑ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham N-proper

וַ/יָּ֜מָל mûwl H4135 to circumcise Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בְּשַׂ֣ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

עָרְלָתָ֗/ם ʻorlâh H6190 foreskin N-fs | Suff

בְּ/עֶ֨צֶם֙ ʻetsem H6106 bone Prep | N-fs

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

אִתּ֖/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:23

וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אַבְרָהָ֜ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 "Abraham" N-proper

Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant

Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.

אֶת 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.

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 "Ishmael" 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.

בְּנ֗/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.

וְ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יְלִידֵ֤י yâlîyd H3211 "born" N-mp

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.

בֵית/וֹ֙ 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.

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

מִקְנַ֣ת miqnâh H4736 "purchase" 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.

כַּסְפּ֔/וֹ 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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

זָכָ֕ר zâkâr H2145 "male" Adj

This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.

Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.

בְּ/אַנְשֵׁ֖י ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

Definition: nm place, origin, between

אַבְרָהָ֑ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 "Abraham" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.

וַ/יָּ֜מָל mûwl H4135 "to circumcise" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

בְּשַׂ֣ר 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.

עָרְלָתָ֗/ם 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.

בְּ/עֶ֨צֶם֙ ʻetsem H6106 "bone" Prep | N-fs

In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.

Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אִתּ֖/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Genesis 17:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 17:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:23
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:23
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:23
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:23
Sermons on Genesis 17:23

Context — The Covenant of Circumcision

21But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” 22When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.

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;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 119:60	I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.
2	Genesis 18:19	For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
3	Genesis 17:10–14	This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. Generation 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. Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant. But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
4	Proverbs 27:1	Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
5	Genesis 17:26–27	Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised on the same day. And all the men of Abraham’s household—both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners—were circumcised with him.
6	Acts 16:3	Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
7	Joshua 5:2–9	At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again. ” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. Though all who had come out were circumcised, none of those born in the wilderness on the journey from Egypt had been circumcised. For the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness forty years, until all the nation’s men of war who had come out of Egypt had died, since they did not obey the LORD. So the LORD vowed never to let them see the land He had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. And Joshua raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones he circumcised. Until this time they were still uncircumcised, since they had not been circumcised along the way. And after all the nation had been circumcised, they stayed there in the camp until they were healed. Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.
8	Ecclesiastes 9:10	Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
9	1 Corinthians 7:18–19	Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.
10	Galatians 6:15	For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

Genesis 17:23 Summary

This verse shows us that Abraham obeyed God's command to circumcise all the males in his household, which was a sign of their commitment to follow God. Abraham's actions demonstrate his faith and trust in God's promises, just like we are called to trust and obey God in our own lives (as seen in Romans 4:11 and Genesis 15:6). By obeying God, Abraham showed that he was willing to follow God's commands, even when it was difficult or uncomfortable. This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, just as Abraham did, and to demonstrate our faith through obedience to God's commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abraham circumcise all the males in his household, including servants?

Abraham circumcised all the males in his household as an act of obedience to God's command, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's covenant promise, as seen in Genesis 17:23 and Genesis 15:6.

What is the significance of circumcision in the Bible?

Circumcision was a physical sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, symbolizing their commitment to follow God's laws and commands, as stated in Genesis 17:10-14 and Romans 4:11.

How did Abraham's actions demonstrate his faith in God?

Abraham's actions demonstrated his faith in God by his immediate obedience to God's command, even when it seemed difficult or impractical, as seen in Genesis 17:23 and Hebrews 11:8-10.

What can we learn from Abraham's example of obedience in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands, even when they seem challenging or unclear, as Abraham did in Genesis 17:23, and as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

How do I demonstrate my faith and trust in God's promises in my own life, just as Abraham did through circumcision?
What are some areas in my life where I need to obey God's commands, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable?
How can I show hospitality and inclusion to those in my community, just as Abraham included his servants in the covenant sign of circumcision?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of community and corporate worship, as Abraham circumcised all the males in his household?
How does Abraham's obedience in this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as seen in Genesis 17:21?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:23

And Abraham took Ishmael his son,.... To circumcise him; he took his son first, to set an example to his servants, and that they might the more readily comply when they saw that Abraham's son, and at

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:23

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:23

Circumcised the flesh of their foreskin; partly by his own hand, and partly by the help of others, whom he by Divine instinct called to and directed in that work; in the self-same day, in which God appeared to him and gave the command. So he made haste and delayed not to execute God’ s command. And his servants also yielded a ready and cheerful obedience to this severe and painful precept, being moved thereunto by Abraham’ s example and sovereign authority, by God’ s powerful presence some way or other manifested to them, and by the prospect and hope of God’ s blessing to accompany and follow his own ordinance.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:23

Genesis 17:23 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 foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.Ver. 23. Abraham took Ishmael.] To make the other more willing. Circumcised the flesh.] Not regarding the affliction, danger, scandal, shame of the action in the eyes of the world.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:23

Verse 23. And Abraham took Ishmael, c.] Had not Abraham, his son, (who was of age to judge for himself,) and all the family, been fully convinced that this thing was of God, they could not have submitted to it. A rite so painful, so repugnant to every feeling of delicacy, and every way revolting to nature, could never have sprung up in the imagination of man. To this day the Jews practise it as a Divine ordinance and all the Arabians do the same. As a distinction between them and other people it never could have been designed, because it was a sign that was never to appear. The individual alone knew that he bore in his flesh this sign of the covenant, and he bore it by the order of God, and he knew it was a sign and seal of spiritual blessings, and not the blessings themselves, though a proof that these blessings were promised, and that he had a right to them. Those who did not consider it in this spiritual reference are by the apostle denominated the concision, Philippians 3:2, i.e., persons whose flesh was cut, but whose hearts were not purified. THE contents of this chapter may be summed up in a few propositions: - 1. God, in renewing his covenant with Abram, makes an important change in his and Sarai's name; a change which should ever act as a help to their faith, that the promises by which God had bound himself should be punctually fulfilled. However difficult it may be for us to ascertain the precise import of the change then made, we may rest assured that it was perfectly understood by both; and that, as they had received this name from God, they considered it as placing them in a new relation both to their Maker and to their posterity. From what we have already seen, the change made in Abram's name is inscrutable to us; there is something like this in Revelation 2:17: To him that overcometh will I give a white stone, and a NEW NAME-which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it. The full import of the change made in a soul that enters into covenant with God through Christ, is only known to itself; a stranger intermeddleth not with its joy. Hence, even men of learning and the world at large have considered experimental religion as enthusiasm, merely because they have not understood its nature, and have permitted themselves to be carried away by prejudices which they have imbibed perhaps at first through the means of ignorant or hypocritical pretenders to deep piety; but while they have the sacred writings before them, their prejudices and opposition to that without which they cannot be saved are as unprincipled as they are absurd. 2. God gives Abraham a precept, which should be observed, not only by himself, but by all his posterity; for this was to be a permanent sign of that covenant which was to endure for ever.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:23

23–27. Abraham circumcises his Household 23. And Abraham took, &c.] This verse repeats the directions contained in Genesis 17:11-13. in the selfsame day] As in Genesis 17:26 : see note on Genesis 7:13. The expression is characteristic of P. The performance of this rite upon all the males of Abraham’s household, consisting of several hundred (cf. Genesis 14:14), in one day is hardly to be understood literally. The narrative is more concerned with the thought of the symbolism of a ritual precept, than with its literal practicability. The operation for full-grown males is a serious one, and not unattended with risk, cf. 34.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:23

23. Abraham… in the selfsame day — The promptness of his obedience is noticeable. Abraham’s “faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect.” James 2:22.

Sermons on Genesis 17:23

	Sermon	Description
	Have You Been Circumcised? by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch delves into the significance of circumcision in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing that while it was not a condition for e
	Instant Obedience by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of instant obedience to God's call, highlighting that delayed obedience is disobedience. He stresses that every time God calls us to a d
	Sacrifice Is No Substitute for Obedience by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true obedience to God is far more important than the intensity of our prayers or emotional displays. He points out that many of us may fervently pray whi
	At the Hour for the Divine Office by St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of promptly and reverently attending the Divine Office, instructing that nothing should take precedence over this sacred work. He o
	The Test of Love by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments, highlighting that regardless of our feelings or enjoyment, we are called to obey God's will for H
	(Genesis) Genesis 38 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the 38th chapter of the Bible, which reveals the son of Judah. The speaker highlights that the sons of Jacob, with the exception of Joseph an
	(Godly Home) Part 4 - a Vision That Motivates by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision that sustains and motivates us in our spiritual journey. He highlights the encouraging words found in Ephes