“And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis that recounts God’s covenant with Abraham. The covenant between God and Abraham is established in Genesis 17, where God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations and to bless him and his descendants.
In this particular verse, God instructs Abraham that any male child who is uncircumcised, whose foreskin has not been removed, will be considered to have broken the covenant and shall be cut off from his people. Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, symbolizing the separation of the chosen people and their commitment to follow God’s commands.
From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the importance of obedience and adherence to the terms of the covenant. Circumcision was a significant act of faith and obedience for the Israelites, demonstrating their commitment to God’s covenant. Failing to circumcise the male children was seen as a violation of the covenant and resulted in being cut off from the community.
It’s important to note that in the New Testament, the apostle Paul teaches that physical circumcision is not a requirement for salvation or participation in the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. In Galatians 5:6, Paul writes, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Paul emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ and love are what truly matter in the new covenant.
In summary, Genesis 17:14 highlights the significance of circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. It underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands and serves as a reminder of the commitment required to maintain the covenant relationship. However, in the New Testament, Paul teaches that physical circumcision is not a requirement under the new covenant of faith in Jesus Christ.
