Genesis 17:27
What does Genesis 17:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 17:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 17:27 means
The chapter concludes by reaffirming the comprehensive nature of the circumcision, stating, "And all the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him." This final detail emphasizes that Abraham's obedience extended to every male under his authority, fulfilling God's complete instruction for the covenant sign. The inclusion of both those "born in the house" and those "bought with money" highlights the unity of the entire household in entering this physical covenant, making for a truly communal act of submission to God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And all the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And all the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all the men of his house, those whose birth had taken place in the house and those whom he had got for money from men of other lands, underwent circumcision with him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all the men of his house--born in the house, and bought with money from the son of a stranger--have been circumcised with him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all the men of his house, as well they that were born in his house, as the bought servants and strangers, were circumcised with him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and all the men of his house, born in his house, or bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Context
This concluding verse provides a final, overarching summary of Abraham's obedience, expanding beyond just Abraham and Ishmael to include *all* the men of his household. It comprehensively reiterates the details given in verses 12 and 13 about who was to be circumcised, thereby showing that Abraham executed God's command fully and without exception. This final statement closes the chapter by demonstrating Abraham's complete fidelity to the covenant given to him.
v.26In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
v.27This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 18:19
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
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