Genesis 17:23 - Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money; every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 17:23" mean?
Genesis 17:23 describes the immediate and widespread implementation of the covenant of circumcision by Abraham. Let's break down the key elements:
"Abraham took Ishmael his son...": This highlights that Abraham, in obedience to God's command, first circumcised his own son, Ishmael, who was thirteen years old at the time. Ishmael, although not the son of the covenant (that was to be Isaac), was still part of Abraham's household.
"...all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money...": This indicates that the command wasn't just for Abraham's biological descendants. It included all male members of his household, regardless of their origin. Those "born in his house" were likely slaves or servants born into his household, and those "bought with his money" were slaves he had purchased.
"...every male among the men of Abraham’s house...": This emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the command. No male in Abraham's household was exempt.
"...and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.": This stresses the immediate and complete obedience of Abraham. He didn't delay or question the command. He followed God's instructions precisely and promptly. The "same day" shows the urgency and importance Abraham placed on fulfilling God's command.
In summary, the verse illustrates:
Abraham's Obedience: It demonstrates Abraham's unquestioning obedience to God's command, regardless of its potential difficulties or implications.
The Scope of the Covenant: The circumcision was not limited to Abraham and his direct descendants, but extended to all males within his household, signifying the inclusion of all who lived under his authority within the covenant.
The Establishment of a Sign: Circumcision served as a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. It was a visible mark of belonging to the chosen people and a commitment to follow God.
The Severity of the Command: The immediate and widespread nature of the circumcision shows the seriousness with which God intended for this command to be taken.
The verse is a crucial part of the narrative establishing circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, marking Abraham and his descendants as a distinct people chosen by God. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.
Genesis 17:23 - Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money; every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.
What does "Genesis 17:23" mean?
Genesis 17:23 describes the immediate and widespread implementation of the covenant of circumcision by Abraham. Let's break down the key elements:
"Abraham took Ishmael his son...": This highlights that Abraham, in obedience to God's command, first circumcised his own son, Ishmael, who was thirteen years old at the time. Ishmael, although not the son of the covenant (that was to be Isaac), was still part of Abraham's household.
"...all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money...": This indicates that the command wasn't just for Abraham's biological descendants. It included all male members of his household, regardless of their origin. Those "born in his house" were likely slaves or servants born into his household, and those "bought with his money" were slaves he had purchased.
"...every male among the men of Abraham’s house...": This emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the command. No male in Abraham's household was exempt.
"...and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.": This stresses the immediate and complete obedience of Abraham. He didn't delay or question the command. He followed God's instructions precisely and promptly. The "same day" shows the urgency and importance Abraham placed on fulfilling God's command.
In summary, the verse illustrates:
Abraham's Obedience: It demonstrates Abraham's unquestioning obedience to God's command, regardless of its potential difficulties or implications.
The Scope of the Covenant: The circumcision was not limited to Abraham and his direct descendants, but extended to all males within his household, signifying the inclusion of all who lived under his authority within the covenant.
The Establishment of a Sign: Circumcision served as a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. It was a visible mark of belonging to the chosen people and a commitment to follow God.
The Severity of the Command: The immediate and widespread nature of the circumcision shows the seriousness with which God intended for this command to be taken.
The verse is a crucial part of the narrative establishing circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, marking Abraham and his descendants as a distinct people chosen by God. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.