Initially instituted in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant between God and Jewish People, it later triggered intense theological debates in the New Testament era where it is determined not a requirement for those of the Christian Faith
What is Circumcision in the Biblical Context?
Circumcision, in the biblical context, refers to the surgical removal of the foreskin from the male genitalia. This was a physical sign of the covenant between God and people of the Jewish faith. Circumcision was more than a mere medical or hygienic routine, but a spiritual act that placed significantly in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites.
Why is Circumcision Significant in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, circumcision was considered an essential religious rite performed on the male descendants of Abraham. It was typically performed on the eighth day after birth as an inscription into the covenant community.
When Does Circumcision become Controversial?
The significance of circumcision became controversial during the early Christian era as depicted in the New Testament. With the advent of Christianity and its gospel of grace, the necessity of physical circumcision was hotly debated among the new converts from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. Some Christian leaders argued that faith in Jesus Christ and inner transformation were more important than physical signs such as circumcision. The apostle Paul, in particular, argued that circumcision of the heart by the Spirit, not by a written code, is what truly counts.
Who Upholds Circumcision in the New Testament?
While some Jewish Christians maintained an emphasis on circumcision and adherence to Mosaic law as prerequisites for salvation, many of the Christian apostles, including Paul, presented a different perspective. They argued that Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection rendered physical circumcision obsolete. They emphasized that Christians are spiritually circumcised through faith in Christ. This shift from physical to spiritual circumcision marked a radical shift in religious thought, which eventually became a core tenet of Christian belief.
What is the Final Stand on Circumcision in the Christian Era?
In the Christian era, the Bible presents circumcision as an issue superseded by the advent of salvation through faith in Christ. The New Testament emphasizes ‘circumcision of the heart,’ — a metaphorical term that speaks of inner spiritual transformation, rather than adherence to a physical sign. The apostle Paul, in particular, asserts that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision holds any value; what matters is a new creation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Below is the full list of bible verses on circumcision (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Circumcision
1 Corinthians 7:19
“19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.”
Jeremiah 4:4
“4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.”
Galatians 5:2-11
“2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.”
Genesis 21:4
“4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.”
Romans 2:25-29
“25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Galatians 6:15
“15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”
Related Themes: New Life New Beginnings
Genesis 17:10-14
“10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.14 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.”
Romans 4:11
“11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:”
Related Themes: Righteousness
Galatians 2:3
“3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:”
Galatians 5:6
“6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”
Luke 2:21
“21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”
Philippians 3:3
“3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
Related Themes: Humility Self Confidence
Deuteronomy 10:16
“16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.”
Romans 2:28
“28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:”
Leviticus 12:3
“3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”
1 Corinthians 7:18
“18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.”
Romans 2:29
“29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Genesis 17:12
“12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.”
Ephesians 2:11
“11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;”
Genesis 17:14
“14 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.”
Deuteronomy 30:6
“6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.”
Acts 16:3
“3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.”
Colossians 2:11
“11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”
Romans 2:25
“25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
Luke 1:59
“59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.”
John 7:23
“23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?”
Jeremiah 9:25-26
“25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.”
Exodus 12:48
“48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.”
Related Themes: Strangers
Colossians 3:11
“11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”
Related Themes: Strangers Diversity Prejudice Social Justice Partiality
Galatians 6:13
“13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.”
