Verse

Genesis 21:4

ESV And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
NIV When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.
NASB Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
CSB When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.
NLT Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.
KJV And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
NKJV Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

What does Genesis 21:4 mean?

On the very same day when God had changed Abram's name to Abraham, and Sarai's name to Sarah, He told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within a year and they would call him Isaac. Abraham had laughed (Genesis 17:15–17). On that day, God had also commanded Abraham to be circumcised, along with every male in his household, and to circumcise all future male children born to his household at eight days old (Genesis 17:10–13).

The act of circumcision involves removing the foreskin from the penis, cutting in a circle around the organ. This ritual is deeply symbolic, echoing God's sovereignty over fertility and children, the uniqueness of His people, and the permanence of His influence. God would continue the requirement for circumcision in the laws given to Israel through Moses (Leviticus 12:3).

Now Abraham obeys that command with this promised son Isaac, circumcising him on the eighth day of his life.
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