Genesis 17:10
What does Genesis 17:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 17:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 17:10 means
God then revealed the specific sign by which Abraham and his descendants would keep His covenant: "every male among you shall be circumcised." This physical act served as a tangible, visible mark distinguishing God's covenant people from all other nations. It was a singular, communal requirement that demonstrated their commitment to the everlasting covenant. This external sign prefigures the internal spiritual circumcision of the heart, which the New Testament speaks of as being essential for true membership in God's people, accomplished through faith in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee: every male among you shall be circumcised.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee: every male among you shall be circumcised.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And this is the agreement which you are to keep with me, you and your seed after you: every male among you is to undergo circumcision.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this <FI>is<Fi> My covenant which ye keep between Me and you, and thy seed after thee: Every male of you <FI>is<Fi> to be circumcised;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This is my covenant which you shall observe between me and you, and thy seed after thee: All the male-kind of you shall be circumcised.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This is my covenant which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee — that every male among you be circumcised.
Context
This verse provides the specific, central commandment that answers the call for Abraham and his descendants to "keep my covenant" (v. 9). It introduces circumcision as the physical token, immediately establishing the ritual that will define their covenant relationship. This clear instruction serves as the foundation for the subsequent verses, which will detail the precise manner and timing of this covenant sign and the consequences of neglecting it. It is the practical outworking of the covenant obligations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:3
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
- John 7:22
Moses hath given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.
- Galatians 5:3
Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
- 1 Corinthians 7:18
Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
- Genesis 17:11
And ye shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt me and you.
- Romans 3:28
We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 17
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 17.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Community
The Bible emphasizes the importance of community as a reflection of God's design for humanity and a source of strength and growth
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Pregnancy
Verses for the long wait of trying to conceive.