Genesis 21:4 - Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
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What does "Genesis 21:4" mean?
Genesis 21:4 simply states that Abraham followed God's command to circumcise his son Isaac on the eighth day after his birth. Let's break down the meaning:
"Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac": This identifies the actors: Abraham (the father) and Isaac (his son). Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin of the penis.
"when he was eight days old": This specifies the timing of the circumcision. It was performed precisely on the eighth day of Isaac's life.
"as God had commanded him": This is the most crucial part. It explains why Abraham performed the circumcision. It wasn't a cultural norm or personal preference; it was an act of obedience to a direct command from God. This refers back to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 17, where circumcision was established as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants.
Therefore, the verse signifies:
Obedience: Abraham's unwavering obedience to God's commands.
Covenant: Isaac's inclusion in the covenant God made with Abraham. Circumcision was a visible marker of this covenant relationship.
Identity: It established Isaac as part of the lineage chosen by God and set apart for a special purpose. It marked him as belonging to the people of God.
Foundation for Jewish Law: This act becomes the foundation for the Jewish practice of circumcising male children on the eighth day, adhering to God's command to Abraham.
In essence, this verse is a concise statement emphasizing Abraham's obedience and the beginning of Isaac's life as a covenant child, set apart for God's purpose. It connects directly back to the promise God made to Abraham and forward to the future generations who would be defined by their relationship to this covenant.
Genesis 21:4 - Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
What does "Genesis 21:4" mean?
Genesis 21:4 simply states that Abraham followed God's command to circumcise his son Isaac on the eighth day after his birth. Let's break down the meaning:
"Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac": This identifies the actors: Abraham (the father) and Isaac (his son). Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin of the penis.
"when he was eight days old": This specifies the timing of the circumcision. It was performed precisely on the eighth day of Isaac's life.
"as God had commanded him": This is the most crucial part. It explains why Abraham performed the circumcision. It wasn't a cultural norm or personal preference; it was an act of obedience to a direct command from God. This refers back to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 17, where circumcision was established as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants.
Therefore, the verse signifies:
Obedience: Abraham's unwavering obedience to God's commands.
Covenant: Isaac's inclusion in the covenant God made with Abraham. Circumcision was a visible marker of this covenant relationship.
Identity: It established Isaac as part of the lineage chosen by God and set apart for a special purpose. It marked him as belonging to the people of God.
Foundation for Jewish Law: This act becomes the foundation for the Jewish practice of circumcising male children on the eighth day, adhering to God's command to Abraham.
In essence, this verse is a concise statement emphasizing Abraham's obedience and the beginning of Isaac's life as a covenant child, set apart for God's purpose. It connects directly back to the promise God made to Abraham and forward to the future generations who would be defined by their relationship to this covenant.