Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:12

What does Genesis 17:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:12 means

God gave precise instructions regarding the timing and scope of circumcision: "he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations." This specific timing (the eighth day) for infants underscores the divine origin and importance of the command. The instruction also extended beyond those born directly into Abraham's lineage to include "he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any foreigner that is not of thy seed." This brought the entire male household—sons, servants born in the home, and purchased slaves—into the visible covenant community.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any foreigner that is not of thy seed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any foreigner that is not of thy seed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Every male among you, from one generation to another, is to undergo circumcision when he is eight days old, with every servant whose birth takes place in your house, or for whom you gave money to someone of another country, and not of your seed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And a son of eight days is circumcised by you; every male to your generations, born in the house, or bought with money from any son of a stranger, who is not of thy seed;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

An infant of eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every manchild in your generations: he that is born in the house, as well as the bought servant, shall be circumcised, and whosoever is not of your stock:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And at eight days old shall every male in your generations be circumcised among you — he who is born in the house, and he who is bought with money, any stranger who is not of thy seed.

Context

Having defined circumcision as the covenant token (v. 11), this verse provides the critical operational details. It specifies the timing for infants (eight days old) and broadens the scope to include all males within Abraham's household, regardless of their direct lineage. This expansion clearly outlines the communal and inclusive nature of the covenant sign within Abraham's immediate sphere. It naturally leads into verse 13, which reiterates and reinforces this inclusive command for the benefit of all who would be part of Abraham's extended family.

v.11And ye shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt me and you.

v.12This passage

v.13He 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 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.

  • Acts 7:8

    And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.

  • Romans 2:28

    For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:

  • 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.

  • Genesis 21:4

    And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

  • Luke 1:59

    And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

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