The Covenant of Circumcision
Genesis 17:1-27
Gen.17.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותשע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: PREP
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אל: PREP
- שדי: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- התהלך: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- והיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.6:9 (verbal): Noah is described as "blameless" and as one who "walked with God," echoing the language of walking before God and being blameless in Gen 17:1.
- Exod.6:3 (verbal): God says he appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai (God Almighty), directly paralleling the self‑designation 'I am El Shaddai' in Gen 17:1.
- Gen.12:1-3 (thematic): God's earlier call and covenant promise to Abram (leave your country; I will make you a great nation) provides the broader covenantal context for the command to 'walk before me' in Gen 17:1.
- Gen.26:5 (allusion): God later affirms that Abraham 'obeyed my voice and kept my charge'—a retrospective description that echoes the covenantal obedience implied by 'walk before me and be blameless.'
- Micah 6:8 (thematic): Micah's summons to 'do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God' resonates thematically with the call in Gen 17:1 to walk before God and be blameless.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abram was ninety-nine years old when YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, I am El Shaddai; walk before me and be blameless.
- And Abram was ninety-nine years old; and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, I am El Shaddai; walk before me, and be blameless.
Gen.17.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- וארבה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אותך: PRON,2,m,sg,acc
- במאד: PREP+ADV
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Gen.17:6 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: God again promises to make Abraham 'exceedingly fruitful' and to make nations and kings from him — an explicit expansion of the covenantal promise.
- Gen.12:2 (thematic): The initial call-promise to Abram — 'I will make you into a great nation' — which establishes the theme of multiplication and blessing that is formalized as a covenant in 17:2.
- Gen.22:17 (verbal): God's later promise to Abraham after the binding of Isaac: he will bless Abraham and multiply his offspring 'as the stars of heaven and as the sand on the seashore,' echoing the covenantal promise of great posterity.
- Gen.26:4 (quotation): The covenant promise reiterated to Isaac: 'I will multiply your offspring like the stars of heaven' — a direct repetition of the covenantal theme of multiplication passed to the next generation.
- Gal.3:16 (allusion): Paul's theological reading of the Abrahamic promise: he interprets the 'seed' promise as referring to Christ, linking the covenantal promise of multiplication/blessing to New Testament Christological fulfillment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will set my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you very greatly.
- And I will set my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you very greatly.
Gen.17.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפל: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON:3,m,sg
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאמר: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Gen.17.17 (verbal): Same narrative sequence: Abraham again 'fell on his face' (וַיִּפֹּל עַל־פָּנָיו) in direct response to God's words—repetition of the gesture within the chapter.
- Judg.13.20 (verbal): Manoah and his wife 'fell on their faces to the ground' when the angel of the LORD ascended—same physical prostration before a divine manifestation.
- Exod.34.8 (thematic): Moses quickly bows/prostrates before the LORD after a divine revelation (worship/prostration motif), paralleling the posture of submission in Gen 17:3.
- Acts 9.4 (thematic): Saul falls to the ground on encountering the divine voice on the Damascus road—similar pattern of falling in response to God's spoken address.
- Rev.1.17 (allusion): John 'fell at his feet as dead' on seeing the risen Christ—an apocalyptic echo of the biblical motif of falling prostrate before divine presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abram fell upon his face, and God spoke with him, saying,
- And Abram fell on his face, and God spoke with him, saying,
Gen.17.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- הנה: PART
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- אתך: PRON,2,m,sg
- והיית: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לאב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 12:2-3 (thematic): Earliest promise that Abraham will become a great nation and be a blessing to the nations, anticipating the covenantal promise here.
- Genesis 15:5 (thematic): God's promise that Abraham's offspring will be as numerous as the stars — a parallel image of becoming many nations/descendants.
- Genesis 17:5 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter: God changes Abram's name to Abraham because He has made him 'father of a multitude of nations,' repeating and explaining the covenant statement.
- Romans 4:16-18 (allusion): Paul explicates the Abrahamic promise as founding 'the heir of the world' and as received by faith, treating Abraham as prototype 'father of many' for believers.
- Galatians 3:7,29 (allusion): Paul affirms that those of faith are Abraham's offspring and heirs of the promise, applying the 'father of many nations' status to the community of faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for me—behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be father of a multitude of nations.
- As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be father of a multitude of nations.
Gen.17.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יקרא: VERB,qal,yiqtol,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- את: PRT
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נתתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.17:4 (structural): Immediate context where God announces He will make Abram 'father of many nations,' the declaration that prompts the name change.
- Gen.17:16 (verbal): God renames Sarai 'Sarah' and gives the reason 'mother of nations,' echoing the language and rationale of Abraham's renaming.
- Gen.12:2 (thematic): Earlier promise that Abram will become a great nation and be blessed—an antecedent formulation of the same promise realized in the name change.
- Rom.4:17 (quotation): Paul explicitly cites the Genesis promise ('I have made you a father of many nations') to portray Abraham as the prototype of faith and the father of believers.
- Gal.3:29 (thematic): Paul applies Abraham's status as patriarch to believers ('if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring'), extending the promise of nations to the church.
Alternative generated candidates
- And your name shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of a multitude of nations I have made you.
- And your name shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of a multitude of nations I have made you.
Gen.17.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והפרתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,-,sg
- אתך: PRON,2,m,sg
- במאד: PREP+ADV
- מאד: ADV
- ונתתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,-,sg
- לגוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומלכים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 12:2-3 (verbal): Early promise to Abram: God will make him a great nation and bless all peoples through him—same foundational promise of offspring, nations, and blessing.
- Genesis 22:17 (thematic): Reiteration after the binding of Isaac: God vows to multiply Abraham's offspring and bless them—echoes the promise of numerous descendants and their significance among nations.
- Genesis 26:4 (verbal): To Isaac: the promise that his seed will become numerous and that through them all nations will be blessed—direct parallel in promise language to Genesis 17:6.
- Genesis 35:11 (verbal): God's promise to Jacob: 'A nation and a company of nations shall be of you, and kings shall come out of you'—nearly identical wording, repeating the covenantal promise across the patriarchs.
- Galatians 3:16 (allusion): Paul interprets the Abrahamic promises as spoken to 'seed' (Christ), applying the covenantal promise of descendants and blessing to the fulfillment in Christ—New Testament theological reference to the same promise.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come out from you.
- And I will make you very greatly fruitful; and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come out from you.
Gen.17.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והקמתי: VERB,hif,impf,1,-,sg
- את: PRT
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- זרעך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אחריך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לדרתם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- לברית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להיות: VERB,qal,inf
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולזרעך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אחריך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.9:9-17 (thematic): Both passages present God establishing an enduring covenant with descendants (Noah and his offspring) described as 'everlasting/evermore'—a precedent for covenantal continuity.
- Gen.26:3-4 (thematic): God repeats to Isaac the promises given to Abraham: land, numerous offspring, and blessing to the nations—continuation of the covenant with descendants.
- Gen.28:13-15 (thematic): God's promise to Jacob echoes the Abrahamic covenant language—seed, land, and divine presence across generations.
- Exod.6:7 (verbal): Uses covenantal formula 'I will take you... I will be to you a God' (or 'I will be your God'), paralleling Genesis 17:7's promise to be God to Abraham and his offspring.
- Lev.26:42-45 (allusion): God's pledge to remember and act on the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob links the enduring covenantal commitment across generations.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you, throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
- And I will establish my covenant between me and you and between your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
Gen.17.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ולזרעך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אחריך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מגריך: NOUN,m,pl,construct+PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כנען: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאחזת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והייתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,imprf,1,?,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,pl,m
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,pl,m,abs
Parallels
- Gen.12:7 (verbal): Earliest promise that God will give 'this land' to Abram's offspring—repeats the land-to-descendants theme and language of divine grant.
- Gen.15:18-21 (structural): The covenant of the pieces formally defines the territorial grant to Abram's seed ('all the land of Canaan'), paralleling the land-as-possession aspect of Gen 17:8.
- Gen.26:3-4 (verbal): God repeats to Isaac the promise to give the land to Abraham's offspring and to make his descendants numerous—continuation of the same land-and-descendants covenant formula.
- Gen.28:13 (thematic): God tells Jacob that the land will be given to his offspring—the promise's transmission to the next patriarchs echoes Gen 17:8's commitment to Abraham's seed.
- Exod.6:7 (verbal): The phrase 'I will be your God' (and 'I will be to them a God') echoes Gen 17:8's closing covenantal promise that God will be God to Abraham's descendants.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings—all the land of Canaan—for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
- And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Gen.17.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: PREP
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- תשמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וזרעך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:2ms
- אחריך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לדרתם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3mp
Parallels
- Genesis 17:10-11 (structural): Immediate continuation: the covenant command in v.9 is instantiated by the requirement of circumcision as the sign of the covenant in vv.10–11 (direct, structural link).
- Exodus 19:5 (verbal): Similar covenant formula — 'if you obey my voice and keep my covenant' — echoing the obligation placed on Israel (and here on Abraham and his offspring) to 'keep' YHWH’s covenant.
- Deuteronomy 7:9 (thematic): Speaks of God’s faithfulness in keeping covenant 'to a thousand generations' with those who 'keep his commandments,' reflecting the generational scope and reciprocal duty implied in Gen 17:9.
- Romans 4:11 (allusion): Paul explicitly interprets Abraham’s circumcision as 'a seal of the righteousness of the faith' and as the sign of the covenant, linking NT theology back to the covenant obligations given to Abraham and his seed.
- Galatians 3:7-9 (thematic): Paul argues that 'those of faith are the sons of Abraham' and inherit the blessing promised to Abraham’s seed, connecting the covenantal promise to descendants (seed) who 'keep' or participate in the covenant by faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- And God said to Abraham, As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
- And God said to Abraham, As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
Gen.17.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: PRON,dem,f,sg
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תשמרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וביניכם: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,pl
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- זרעך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אחריך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- המול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכם: PRON,2,pl
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.17:9 (structural): Immediate context: the prior clause establishes the covenant between God, Abraham and his offspring, framing circumcision as the covenant’s sign.
- Gen.17:11 (verbal): Direct continuation that names circumcision explicitly as the sign of the covenant—closely repeats and explains 17:10’s command.
- Lev.12:3 (verbal): Prescribes the ritual timing of circumcision on the eighth day for male infants, reflecting the practical observance of the covenant command in Israelite law.
- Josh.5:2-9 (structural): Narrates a national renewal when Israel circumcises the new generation at Gilgal before entering Canaan, reenacting Genesis 17’s covenant sign as communal identity and obedience.
- Rom.4:11 (allusion): Paul interprets Abraham’s circumcision as a sign of the righteousness credited to him, citing the Genesis covenantal rite theologically in the context of faith and covenant status.
Alternative generated candidates
- This is my covenant which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised.
- This is my covenant which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: every male among you shall be circumcised.
Gen.17.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונמלתם: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,pl
- את: PRT
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערלתכם: NOUN,f,sg,cs+2,m,pl
- והיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וביניכם: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,pl
Parallels
- Gen.17.10 (verbal): Immediate legal context: the covenant of circumcision is announced ('This is my covenant...'), directly linking circumcision as the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham’s descendants.
- Gen.17.23 (structural): Narrative fulfillment: Abraham’s obedience in circumcising himself, Ishmael, and his household implements the command in 17:11 and shows the covenant enacted in practice.
- Lev.12.3 (verbal): Later priestly/torah regulation repeats and formalizes the practice: male infants are to be circumcised on the eighth day, reflecting the covenant sign instituted in Genesis 17.
- Josh.5.2-9 (thematic): National application: Israel is circumcised at Gilgal as a corporate renewal of the Abrahamic covenant before entering Canaan, linking the sign of circumcision to covenant identity and remembrance.
- Rom.2.28-29 (thematic): New Testament reinterpretation: Paul contrasts external physical circumcision (the sign from Gen 17:11) with 'circumcision of the heart,' treating the sign’s meaning in terms of inward faith and covenant membership.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
- And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between me and you.
Gen.17.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמנת: NUM,f,sg,cons
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ימול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכם: PRON,2,pl
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדרתיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- יליד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומקנת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART,neg
- מזרעך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.17.10 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same covenant passage: declares circumcision as the perpetual sign of the covenant for every male among Abraham's descendants.
- Lev.12.3 (verbal): Prescribes the eighth-day timing for circumcision, echoing the specific timing given in Gen 17:12 for performing the rite.
- Luke 2:21 (structural): Narrative fulfillment showing the practice continued in Israel — Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day, following the command in Genesis.
- Rom.4:11 (thematic): Paul treats Abraham's circumcision as a sign/seal of righteousness by faith, thematically linking Gen 17's covenant sign to theological reflection on faith and covenant.
- Col.2:11-12 (allusion): Uses the language and concept of circumcision figuratively ('circumcision made without hands') to describe spiritual transformation, alluding to the covenantal practice instituted in Genesis 17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And a son eight days old shall be circumcised among you—every male throughout your generations—whether born in the house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring.
- And a son of eight days shall be circumcised for you, every male throughout your generations, born in the house and bought with money, from any foreigner who is not of your offspring.
Gen.17.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- המול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ימול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יליד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ומקנת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- כספך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והיתה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- בבשרכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לברית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.17.10 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: the covenant command that every male be circumcised as the sign of the perpetual covenant (same legal formulation).
- Lev.12.3 (verbal): Legal prescription that the newborn male is to be circumcised on the eighth day—echoes the ritual practice tied to Israel's covenant identity established in Genesis 17.
- Josh.5.2-9 (structural): Narrative enactment of the Abrahamic covenant sign: Joshua commands circumcision of the generation born in the wilderness before entering the land, renewing the covenant marker for Israel.
- Deut.10.16 (thematic): Uses the language of 'circumcising the heart'—the covenant concept of circumcision is reinterpreted as an inner, moral obligation rather than only an external rite.
- Col.2.11 (allusion): New Testament appropriation of circumcision imagery: Paul speaks of a 'spiritual circumcision' in Christ, alluding to the covenant sign while reinterpreting its significance for believers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He that is born in your house and he that is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant.
- He must surely be circumcised, the one born in your house and the one bought with your money; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Gen.17.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וערל: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART,neg
- ימול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ונכרתה: CONJ+VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- הנפש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ההוא: PRON,dem,m,sg
- מעמיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,f,sg
- את: PRT
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 4:24-26 (allusion): A narrative where lack of circumcision threatens life—underscores circumcision as a necessary covenantal obligation like Gen 17:14.
- Leviticus 12:3 (verbal): Prescribes circumcision on the eighth day; connects directly to Genesis 17's legal/ritual requirement of circumcision as covenant sign.
- Numbers 15:30-31 (verbal): Uses the same consequence language ('cut off from the people') for willful covenant transgression, paralleling Gen 17:14's formula for breach of the covenant.
- Deuteronomy 30:6 (thematic): Speaks of God 'circumcising the heart'—a theological development of physical circumcision's role as the mark of covenant fidelity introduced in Gen 17.
- Acts 15:1-11 (thematic): Early Christian debate over requiring circumcision for Gentiles recalls Gen 17's establishment of circumcision as the covenant sign and its communal/legal implications.
Alternative generated candidates
- And any uncircumcised male who does not circumcise the flesh of his foreskin—that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.
- And an uncircumcised male who does not circumcise the flesh of his foreskin—that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.
Gen.17.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: PREP
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+suff:2ms
- לא: PART,neg
- תקרא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT
- שמה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שמה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.17:5 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same divine address where God changes Abram’s name to Abraham — both renamings mark a covenant identity given by God.
- Gen.17:16 (verbal): Same speech promising that Sarah (named here) will be blessed and bear a son; links the renaming to the promise of offspring and nations.
- Gen.21:1-2 (structural): Narrative fulfillment: after Sarah’s name is changed, she conceives and gives birth to Isaac, showing the name-change’s role in the story’s covenant development.
- Gen.32:28 (thematic): God renames Jacob ‘Israel’ after a divine encounter; thematically parallels divine renaming as a sign of transformed identity and covenant role.
- Hebrews 11:11 (allusion): New Testament reflection on Sarah’s faith and her bearing a child in old age — echoes the significance of God’s promise associated with Sarah’s new name.
Alternative generated candidates
- And God said to Abraham, Sarai your wife—you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
- And God said to Abraham, Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, for Sarah is her name.
Gen.17.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וברכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וגם: CONJ
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ממנה: PREP+PRS,3,f,sg
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וברכתיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg+PRON,3,f,sg
- והיתה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לגוים: PREP+NOUN,pl,m,abs
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- ממנה: PREP+PRS,3,f,sg
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 18:10-14 (verbal): God again promises that Sarah will bear a son despite her old age—language echoes the assurance in 17:16 that she 'shall have a son.'
- Genesis 21:1-3 (structural): Narrative fulfillment: Sarah conceives and gives birth to Isaac, directly realizing the promise that she would be a mother of nations and bear Abraham a son.
- Genesis 35:11 (verbal): God's promise to Jacob—'a nation and a company of nations shall be of you, and kings shall come from you'—echoes the motif that kings and nations will spring from Abraham's/ Sarah's line.
- Isaiah 51:2 (allusion): The prophet invokes Abraham and 'Sarah who bore you,' recalling Sarah's role as progenitor and alluding to the promise that she would be mother of nations.
- Galatians 4:22-31 (allusion): Paul's allegory contrasts Hagar and Sarah as mothers of two covenants; Sarah is presented as the free 'mother'—an interpretive reuse of the theme of Sarah as progenitor of nations/children of promise.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her; and I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.
- And I will bless her; moreover I will give you a son from her; and I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.
Gen.17.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפל: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON:3,m,sg
- ויצחק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בלבו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- הלבן: PART,interrog
- מאה: NUM,f,sg
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יולד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואם: CONJ
- שרה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- הבת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תשעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תלד: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 18:12-15 (verbal): Sarah's laughter at the announcement that she will bear a son in her old age echoes Abraham's incredulous laughter and question in 17:17 (same scene, shared language of laughter).
- Genesis 21:1-7 (thematic): The birth of Isaac and Sarah's exultant declaration ('God has made me to laugh') fulfills and reinterprets the earlier laughter/doubt in 17:17; the name 'Isaac' (laughter) links both episodes.
- Romans 4:19-21 (thematic): Paul reflects on Abraham's situation of agedness and apparent impossibility, contrasting human weakness with trust in God's promise—engaging the same problem raised by 17:17.
- Hebrews 11:11-12 (allusion): The author cites Sarah's conceiving beyond age as an act of faith and reads the promise to Abraham in terms of faith and fulfillment, alluding to the Genesis promise behind 17:17.
- Luke 1:18-20 (thematic): Zechariah's skeptical question about how his wife (and he) could father a child in old age parallels Abraham's incredulous reaction; both narratives feature divine response to human doubt about miraculous conception.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a son be born to a man one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, ninety years old, bear?
- And Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and he said in his heart, Shall a son be born to a man a hundred years old? And shall Sarah, ninety years old, bear?
Gen.17.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: PREP
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 17:20 (structural): God's immediate response about Ishmael: God acknowledges Abraham's request and promises to bless Ishmael and make him a great nation, continuing the same dialogue and legal promise context.
- Genesis 21:18 (verbal): God speaks directly to Hagar about Ishmael, reassuring her that He will make Ishmael into a great nation—echoing the promise referenced in Abraham’s plea.
- Genesis 16:11-12 (thematic): The earlier divine oracle to Hagar about Ishmael's character and destiny (a wild man, father of a multitude) frames the background concerns that lead Abraham to ask that Ishmael live before God.
- Genesis 21:9-12 (thematic): The later conflict between Sarah and Hagar and God's instruction to heed Sarah because the covenant will be established through Isaac highlights the tension behind Abraham’s plea for Ishmael’s standing.
- Galatians 4:22-31 (allusion): Paul allegorizes the stories of Hagar/Ishmael and Sarah/Isaac to contrast two covenants; he treats Ishmael's status and relationship to the promise as theologically significant, drawing on the Genesis narrative including Abraham’s concern for Ishmael.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you!
- And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you!
Gen.17.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אבל: CONJ
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+suff:2ms
- ילדת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וקראת: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- את: PRT
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והקמתי: VERB,hif,impf,1,-,sg
- את: PRT
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- לברית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לזרעו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,suffix-3ms
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 17:7 (verbal): Repeats the covenant language ('I will establish my covenant...to you and your offspring') and frames the promise to Abraham's seed that is reiterated specifically for Isaac in 17:19.
- Genesis 17:15-16 (verbal): Immediate context: God renames Sarai (Sarah) and promises she will bear a son who will be mother of nations — the same promise that identifies the promised child in 17:19.
- Genesis 21:1-7 (verbal): Narrative fulfillment of 17:19: Sarah bears a son, Abraham names him Isaac, and the birth is presented as the realization of God's promise.
- Genesis 21:12 (verbal): God's later instruction to Abraham — 'through Isaac shall your offspring be named' — restates the same point of 17:19 about covenant continuity through Isaac.
- Galatians 4:28 (allusion): Paul uses Isaac as the archetypal 'child of promise' (contrasting with Ishmael) — a theological reading of the promise in 17:19 emphasizing covenantal/eschatological lineage.
Alternative generated candidates
- And God said, Indeed, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.
- And God said, No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.
Gen.17.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולישמעאל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- הנה: PART
- ברכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- והפריתי: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- והרביתי: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- במאד: PREP+ADV
- מאד: ADV
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,f,sg
- נשיאם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יוליד: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- ונתתיו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לגוי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 21:18 (quotation): God repeats the promise to Hagar about Ishmael—'I will make him a great nation,' echoing the blessing and promise of increase in Gen 17:20.
- Genesis 25:12-18 (structural): The genealogy of Ishmael lists his twelve sons/princes, providing the fulfillment and narrative realization of the 'twelve princes' promise in Gen 17:20.
- Genesis 16:10-12 (thematic): Earlier promise to Hagar that her offspring will be numerous and that Ishmael will be a certain kind of people—prefigures and thematically parallels the blessing and multiplication in Gen 17:20.
- Galatians 4:22-31 (allusion): Paul uses the Isaac/Ishmael motif allegorically, referencing the two sons of Abraham and the divergent promises/covenants—explicitly drawing on the traditions about Ishmael's status and promise reflected in Gen 17:20.
- 1 Chronicles 1:29-31 (verbal): Chronicles repeats the list of Ishmael's sons/princes (the twelve chiefs), echoing the numerical and genealogical detail promised in Gen 17:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as for Ishmael, I have heard you—behold, I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful and will multiply him very greatly; he shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
- And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful, and I will multiply him very greatly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him into a great nation.
Gen.17.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- בריתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- אקים: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- את: PRT
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תלד: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למועד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- האחרת: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.21.12 (quotation): God tells Abraham that 'in Isaac shall thy seed be called,' directly echoing the selection of Isaac as the covenant son promised in 17:21.
- Gen.26.3-4 (thematic): God reiterates the covenant to Isaac—land, numerous offspring, and blessing to the nations—repeating the covenantal role assigned to Isaac in 17:21.
- Rom.9.7-9 (quotation): Paul cites the Genesis promise (quoting 'In Isaac shall thy seed be called') to argue that the covenant line is through Isaac, not Ishmael, invoking the promise of 17:21.
- Gal.4.22-31 (allusion): Paul contrasts Ishmael and Isaac as children of the flesh and of the promise, using Isaac as the fulfillment of the covenant promise highlighted in 17:21.
- Heb.11.11 (thematic): Sarah's miraculous conception is attributed to faith and God's promise, reflecting the fulfillment of the covenant promise to bring forth Isaac in 17:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this appointed time next year.
- But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time in the next year.
Gen.17.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדבר: INF,qal
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויעל: VERB,qal,impr,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מעל: PREP
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.18:33 (verbal): After Abraham's negotiation over Sodom the narrative closes with God departing from Abraham — a near-verbal and situational parallel of God finishing speech and going away from Abraham.
- Gen.17:1 (structural): The opening of the same theophany/covenant scene where God appears to Abram and speaks; 17:22 functions as the closing formula to the same divine address begun in 17:1.
- Exod.33:20-23 (thematic): Moses’ intimate encounter with God culminates in God ‘passing by’ and departing; both passages portray a theophany that ends with God withdrawing after speech/revelation.
- Judg.13:21-22 (allusion): After the angel of the LORD completes his message to Manoah and his wife, he is taken up in the flame and departs — a parallel motif of a divine messenger finishing communication and departing from the human recipients.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when he had finished speaking with him, God went up from Abraham.
- And he finished speaking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
Gen.17.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT
- ישמעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- ילידי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- מקנת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- כספו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באנשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וימל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,pl
- בעצם: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.17:10-11 (verbal): Immediate command establishing circumcision as the sign of the covenant ('every male among you shall be circumcised')—the action in v.23 is the fulfillment of this divine command.
- Gen.21:4 (thematic): Narrative parallel: Isaac is circumcised on the eighth day in obedience to the same covenant command, showing the ongoing practice within Abraham's household.
- Exod.4:24-26 (allusion): A problematic episode where Zipporah performs a circumcision to avert divine wrath on Moses' household—another narrative that treats circumcision as a critical covenantal requirement for a patriarchal household.
- Josh.5:2-9 (structural): Mass circumcision of the Israelite men at Gilgal as a corporate renewal of covenant identity before entering the land—parallels Abraham's household circumcision as a rite that marks covenant membership.
- Rom.4:11 (allusion): Paul's theological reflection calls Abraham 'the father of circumcision,' interpreting the rite as the covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants—echoes the significance of the act performed in Gen 17:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham took Ishmael his son and all that were born in his house and all that were bought with his money—every male among the men of Abraham’s house—and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins on that very day, as God had spoken with him.
- And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all born in his house, and all bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins on that very day, as God had spoken with him.
Gen.17.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואברהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- ותשע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בהמלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3ms
Parallels
- Genesis 17:11 (verbal): The command accompanying Abraham's covenant: 'You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin' — same technical language as v.24 describing the act of circumcision.
- Genesis 17:23 (structural): Immediate narrative follow‑up: Abraham obeys by circumcising himself and all males in his household on that same day, linking the command to the historical action.
- Genesis 21:4–5 (structural): Reports the circumcision of Isaac on the eighth day and gives Abraham's age (100) at Isaac's birth, situating Abraham's own circumcision at 99 (Gen 17:24) relative to the birth and circumcision of Isaac.
- Romans 4:11 (allusion): Paul reflects on Abraham's circumcision as a sign/seal of the righteousness he had by faith; he alludes to the historical event of Abraham's circumcision (the event described in Gen 17:24) for theological argument.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
- And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Gen.17.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמעאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בהמלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
- את: PRT
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3ms
Parallels
- Genesis 17:24 (verbal): Immediate context: Abraham (and his household) is circumcised at the same time — similar phrasing about being 'circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.'
- Genesis 17:12 (thematic): The covenant command that every male born in the house be circumcised on the eighth day — provides contrast with Ishmael’s being thirteen at circumcision.
- Genesis 21:4 (verbal): Isaac is circumcised on the eighth day as God commanded; this verse contrasts Isaac’s infant circumcision with Ishmael’s later circumcision.
- Exodus 4:24-26 (allusion): A narrative where failure to perform circumcision brings divine threat until the covenant sign is performed — underscores the legal and covenantal weight of circumcision in patriarchal narratives.
- Romans 4:11 (thematic): Paul treats circumcision as the 'seal' of the covenant/faith (applied to Abraham); useful for theological reflection on the sign’s meaning versus its timing or physical enactment (as with Ishmael).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
- And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Gen.17.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בעצם: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- נמול: VERB,nip,perf,3,pl
- אברהם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישמעאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.17:23 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: describes Abraham's act of circumcising himself and all in his house on that same day (context for v.26).
- Gen.17:10-11 (structural): The divine command establishing circumcision as the covenant sign (‘every male among you shall be circumcised’), which explains why Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised in v.26.
- Gen.21:4 (thematic): Reports the circumcision of Isaac on the eighth day, showing the ongoing practice of the Abrahamic covenant sign in Abraham's family.
- Acts 7:8 (allusion): Stephen’s speech refers to Abraham and ‘the covenant of circumcision,’ alluding to the same covenantal act recounted in Genesis 17 (the rite marking membership in God’s promise).
- Rom.4:11 (thematic): Paul interprets Abraham’s circumcision as a sign/seal of righteousness by faith and calls him ‘father of circumcision,’ thematically linking the Genesis account to later theological reflection on the rite.
Alternative generated candidates
- On that very day Abraham and Ishmael his son were circumcised.
- On that very day Abraham and Ishmael his son were circumcised.
Gen.17.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יליד: NOUN,m,pl,con
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומקנת: NOUN,m,pl,con
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאת: NUM,card,f,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכר: ADJ,m,sg
- נמלו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.17:13-14 (verbal): The covenant command that every male born in your house and every one bought with money must be circumcised — the legal basis for 17:27's action.
- Gen.17:23 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: the same report that Abram circumcised all the males of his household on that day (repeating the event within the chapter).
- Gen.21:4 (allusion): Report that Isaac was circumcised on the eighth day in accordance with the covenant — a specific fulfillment of the circumcision practice instituted in Genesis 17.
- Josh.5:5 (thematic): After crossing the Jordan Israel undergoes a corporate circumcision; parallels the theme of communal/household observance of the covenant sign.
- Acts 7:8 (thematic): Stephen's summary of patriarchal history mentioning the covenant of circumcision, reflecting New Testament reference to Abrahamic circumcision as the covenantal marker exemplified in Genesis 17:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the men of his house, born in the house and bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
- And all the men of his house, born in the house and bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
And Abram was ninety-nine years old when YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, I am El Shaddai; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will set my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly. And Abram fell upon his face, and God spoke with him, saying:
As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be father of a multitude of nations. And your name shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. And I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come out from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your seed after you. And I will give to you and to your seed after you the land of your sojournings—all the land of Canaan—for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said to Abraham, As for you, my covenant you shall keep—you and your seed after you, throughout their generations.
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between me and you. And at eight days old every male among you shall be circumcised throughout your generations—the one born in the house and the one bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your seed.
He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must surely be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male who does not circumcise the flesh of his foreskin—that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant. And God said to Abraham, Sarai your wife—you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her; and I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall be from her. And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and he said in his heart, Shall a child be born to a man a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you! And God said, No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, for his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him into a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this appointed time in the next year. And he finished speaking with him, and God went up from Abraham. And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money—every male among the men of the house of Abraham—and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on that very day, as God had spoken with him. And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when the flesh of his foreskin was circumcised. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when the flesh of his foreskin was circumcised.
On that very day Abraham was circumcised, and Ishmael his son. And all the men of his house, the house-born and the bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.