Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:25

What does Genesis 17:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:25 means

The text then specifies the age of Ishmael at the time of his circumcision: "And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin." This detail is significant as it marks Ishmael's transition into the covenant community, though not as the heir of the primary covenant promise. His age of thirteen has also become a foundational marker for the practice of circumcision within some Islamic traditions. This verse respectfully acknowledges Ishmael's inclusion in the physical sign, a testament to God's blessing even outside the direct line of the covenant through Isaac.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he underwent circumcision.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Ishmael his son <FI>is<Fi> a son of thirteen years in the flesh of his foreskin being circumcised;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Ismael his son was full thirteen years old at the time of his circumcision.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Building on the account of Abraham's circumcision (v. 24), this verse now gives the specific age of Ishmael when he was circumcised. This detail completes the picture of the key family members involved in the covenant ritual. It emphasizes that Ishmael, though not the primary covenant heir, was still brought into the physical sign as part of Abraham's household. This leads naturally to the summary statements in the final verses, reinforcing that this was a household-wide event on the same day.

v.24And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

v.25This passage

v.26In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.

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