Bible Dictionary
Circumcision
Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham and his male descendants. It marked membership among God’s covenant people, while Scripture also used it figuratively for the cleansing and obedience of the heart.
Biblical Usage
Circumcision marked covenant membership and Jewish identity. Jesus was circumcised, and Paul circumcised Timothy to avoid offending Jews, while resisting its imposition on Gentile converts. Scripture also speaks figuratively of circumcised hearts, ears, and lips, signifying inward purity, receptiveness, and obedience.
Scripture References
Genesis 17:10
Genesis 17:11
Exodus 12:48
Joshua 5:2-9
Judges 14:3
Judges 15:18
1 Samuel 14:6
1 Samuel 17:26
2 Samuel 1:20
Ezekiel 31:18
Galatians 6:15
Colossians 3:11
Acts 15:1
Galatians 6:12
Acts 16:3
Galatians 2:3-5
Isaiah 52:1
Exodus 6:12
Exodus 6:30
Jeremiah 6:10
Leviticus 26:41
Leviticus 19:23
Galatians 3:14
Deuteronomy 10:16
Deuteronomy 30:6
Ezekiel 44:7
Acts 7:51
Romans 2:28
Colossians 2:11
Genesis 17
Leviticus 12:3
1 Corinthians 7:18