περιτομή

The Greek term _peritomḗ_ refers primarily to the practice of circumcision, a physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:10–14). This ritual marked Jewish males as belonging to God's chosen people and distinguished them from Gentiles. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles, _peritomḗ_ often refers to the Jewish people themselves, especially as a group defined by their adherence to the law and their covenantal identity. It can also describe the religious system or heritage associated with Judaism prior to Christ.

While the physical rite of circumcision held significant theological weight in the Old Testament, the New Testament introduces a profound spiritual reinterpretation. Paul argues that true circumcision is not merely an outward physical act but an inward transformation of the heart, a spiritual circumcision performed by Christ (Colossians 2:11). This spiritual reality is accessible to both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus, transcending ethnic and ritual distinctions. The emphasis shifts from bodily cutting to a cutting away of sin and a new identity in Christ, which is why Paul can declare that "circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God" (1 Corinthians 7:19), or even more pointedly, "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" (Galatians 5:6).

The term’s semantic range therefore extends from the literal rite to the ethnic group or religious system, and culminates in a metaphorical sense for spiritual renewal. This shift in understanding underscores a central theme of early Christian theology: salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to external laws or rituals. While the historical significance of physical circumcision for the Jewish people is acknowledged, the focus for believers in Christ moves to the internal transformation and new creation. The debate surrounding circumcision was a critical issue in the early church, highlighting the tension between Jewish tradition and the inclusivity of the gospel message for all humanity.