Genesis 17:23
What does Genesis 17:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 17:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 17:23 means
Immediately and obediently, "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." Abraham's swift action demonstrates his faithfulness and submission to God's command. He included not only his own son Ishmael but every male within his extensive household, fulfilling the comprehensive requirement of the covenant sign without delay. This obedience highlighted his trust in God's word, even when it involved a difficult personal act.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money — every male among the people of Abraham's house — and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on that same day, asGod had said to him.
Context
Immediately following God's departure (v. 22), this verse depicts Abraham's swift and complete obedience to the covenant command regarding circumcision. It shows him taking action on the very "selfsame day," encompassing all the males in his household, just as God had instructed. This decisive act of obedience demonstrates Abraham's faith and commitment, providing a concrete illustration of his keeping the covenant. It sets the factual context for the specific ages and participants in the act, which will be detailed in the subsequent verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Joshua 5:2
At that time Jehovah said unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.
- Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
- Genesis 17:26
In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
- Romans 2:25
For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.
- Genesis 34:24
And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
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