Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:24

What does Genesis 17:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:24 means

This verse reiterates Abraham's age at the time of his circumcision: "And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin." This detail emphasizes the personal cost and faith involved for Abraham. At nearly a hundred years old, he underwent this painful ritual, not as a youth, but as an elderly man, demonstrating his complete submission to God's command. His age underscores the miraculous trust he placed in God's promises, despite his physical condition, becoming a personal embodiment of the covenant sign.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he underwent circumcision.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham <FI>is<Fi> a son of ninety and nine years in the flesh of his foreskin being circumcised;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abraham was ninety and nine years old, when he circumcised the flesh of his foreskin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Context

Following the general statement of Abraham's immediate obedience in circumcising his entire household (v. 23), this verse provides the specific detail of Abraham's own age at the time of his circumcision. This precision highlights his personal commitment to the covenant and sets the chronological context for the subsequent verses, which will detail Ishmael's age during the same event. It reinforces the solemnity and the personal nature of Abraham's participation in the covenant sign.

v.23And 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.

v.24This passage

v.25And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 17:1

    And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

  • Romans 4:19

    And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;

  • Genesis 12:4

    So Abram went, as Jehovah had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

  • Genesis 17:17

    Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

  • Romans 4:11

    and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 17:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary