Genesis 21:4
Genesis 21:4 in Multiple Translations
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And when his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham made him undergo circumcision, as God had said to him.
Abraham circumcised him when Isaac was eight days old, following God's command.
Then Abraham circumcised Izhak his sonne, when he was eight dayes olde, as God had commanded him.
and Abraham circumciseth Isaac his son, [being] a son of eight days, as God hath commanded him.
Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And he circumcised him the eighth day, as God had commanded him,
Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when his son was eight days old, just as God commanded him to do.
And when Isaac was 8 days old, Abraham did the young man operation on him, just like God told him to do, to show that Isaac belonged to God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:4
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 21:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֤מָל
אַבְרָהָם֙
אֶת
יִצְחָ֣ק
בְּנ֔/וֹ
בֶּן
שְׁמֹנַ֖ת
יָמִ֑ים
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
אֹת֖/וֹ
אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יָּ֤מָל
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָם֙
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִצְחָ֣ק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
בְּנ֔/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שְׁמֹנַ֖ת
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Adj
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:4
וַ/יָּ֤מָל
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.
אַבְרָהָם֙
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.
יִצְחָ֣ק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
בְּנ֔/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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
שְׁמֹנַ֖ת
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
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.
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.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
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 21:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:4
- Sermons on Genesis 21:4
Context — The Birth of Isaac
2So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.
3And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.
4When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.
5Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:8 | Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 12:32 | See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it. |
| 3 | John 7:22–23 | But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath? |
| 4 | Leviticus 12:3 | And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. |
| 5 | Luke 1:6 | Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. |
| 6 | Luke 1:59 | On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah. |
| 7 | Luke 2:21 | When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived. |
| 8 | Genesis 17:10–12 | 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. |
| 9 | Exodus 12:48 | If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. |
Genesis 21:4 Summary
[Abraham obeyed God's command to circumcise his son Isaac on the eighth day, showing his trust and faith in God's plan. This act was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14. Just like Abraham, we can show our love and commitment to God by following His commands, as stated in John 14:15. By trusting and obeying God, we can demonstrate our faith and dedication to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham circumcise Isaac on the eighth day?
Abraham circumcised Isaac on the eighth day because it was a command from God, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14, where God instructed Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of their covenant with Him.
What is the significance of circumcision in the Bible?
Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and His people, as stated in Genesis 17:10-14, and it symbolized the removal of sin and the dedication of one's life to God, as seen in Romans 4:11.
How does this verse relate to the covenant between God and Abraham?
This verse shows Abraham's obedience to God's command, demonstrating his faith and trust in the covenant God had made with him, as stated in Genesis 15:18 and Genesis 17:1-14.
What can we learn from Abraham's example in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, just like Abraham, who trusted and followed God's instructions, as seen in Genesis 22:1-14 and Hebrews 11:8-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my obedience to God's commands in my own life?
- How can I, like Abraham, trust God's plan and timing, even when it seems uncertain or difficult?
- What are some 'signs' or symbols in my life that demonstrate my commitment to following God?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, be a faithful example to my family and community?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:4
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old as, God had commanded him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:4
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. Abraham called ... circumcised. God was acknowledged in the name which, by divine command, was given for a memorial (cf.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:4
Genesis 21:4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.Ver. 4. And Abraham circumcised his son.] At circumcision, as now at baptism, names were given. Let them be such as are significant, and may immind us of some good, either person or thing; all will be found little enough, Optima nomina, non appellando fieri mala, faenerator Alfius dixisse verissime fertur . We read of a good woman, that had named her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Charity. And when she was to be condemned by Bonner; My lord, said she, if you burn me, I hope you will keep Faith, Hope, and Charity. No, by my truth, will I not, quoth the bishop; keep them who will, I’ ll take no charge of them. We read also of another, that, courting a harlot, asked her name: she answered, Mary; whereupon, remembering Mary Magdalene, that penitent harlot, he repented him of his evil purpose, and, advising the courtesan to repent by her example, departed, and lived honestly. We cannot have too many monitors to mind us of our duty. Columel., De Re Rust., lib. i. cap. 7. - Horat., epod. ii. line 66. Act. and Mon., 1798.
Strange Viney. in Palest.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:4
Verse 4. And Abraham circumcised his son] See Clarke on Genesis 17:10, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:4
4. circumcised] Abraham fulfilled the command of Gen 17:10 (P). That Isaac, the son of the promise, was circumcised on the 8th day is particularly mentioned by St Stephen, Acts 7:8. The mention of circumcision in this verse, the naming in Genesis 21:3, and Abraham’s age in Genesis 21:5, are characteristic of P’s style.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:4
4. Circumcised… as God had commanded — Observe how obedience to every commandment wrought with Abraham’s faith. Thus was that faith made perfect. James 2:22.
Sermons on Genesis 21:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Some Queries and Considerations Proposed to the Cavaliers by Isaac Penington | Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of the term 'patriarch' in Scripture, highlighting the role of important male ancestors as heads of families or tribes, such as Abra |
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(Luke) 02 - Zacharias by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and Goliath and how David was able to defeat Goliath because of his impaired peripheral vision. The speaker then compares t |
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Abraham, My Friend: 06 Your Prayer Is Heard by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying hold of God in prayer, being honest and expressing our true feelings to Him. He encourages listeners to trust God wi |
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Faith That Walks With God by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our pursuit of Christ over material possessions and worldly achievements. He highlights the distractions and b |
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Luke 1:5-14. the Angel's Visit to Zacharias. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the remarkable story of Zacharias and Elizabeth, a righteous couple who believed in the promise of a Savior and were declared righteous through fait |
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Sanctification -- When It Is by J.H. Collins | J.H. Collins preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, discussing the process of sanctification and the distinction between justification and entire sanctification. He em |
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The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher, Greek Word Studies, delves into the concept of 'dikaioma' in the Bible, which refers to God's declaration of what is right and just, often seen as His decree of retri |