The term "circumciseth" is an archaic form of the verb "circumcise," which refers to the act of cutting away the foreskin of the male genitalia. This practice holds significant religious and cultural importance within the Judeo-Christian tradition, particularly as it pertains to the covenant between God and His people.

Biblical Foundation

Circumcision is first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 17, where God establishes His covenant with Abraham. The act of circumcision is instituted as a physical sign of this covenant. Genesis 17:10-11 states, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you."

This commandment was to be observed by Abraham and his descendants, marking them as God's chosen people. The practice was to be performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, as further emphasized in Leviticus 12:3 : "And on the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised."

Theological Significance

Circumcision in the Old Testament is not merely a physical act but carries deep spiritual significance. It symbolizes the cutting away of impurity and the dedication of the individual to God. It serves as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, signifying obedience, faith, and separation from the surrounding pagan cultures.

In the New Testament, the concept of circumcision is expanded beyond the physical act to encompass a spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 2:28-29 : "A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code."

Controversy and Transition

The early Christian church faced significant debate over the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts. This issue is prominently addressed in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council, where it was determined that Gentile believers were not required to undergo circumcision to be part of the Christian community. Acts 15:19-20 records the decision: "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood."

Paul further clarifies the transition from physical to spiritual circumcision in Galatians 5:6 : "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love."

Symbolism and Modern Interpretation

In contemporary Christian theology, circumcision is often viewed symbolically, representing the believer's commitment to God and the transformation of the heart. Colossians 2:11 speaks to this spiritual circumcision: "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands."

While physical circumcision remains a practice in some Christian communities, its spiritual significance as a symbol of faith and covenant with God is emphasized in modern Christian teaching.

Colossians ii. 6, 7
... circumcision, as is the case there, but the Spirit. It circumciseth not
a part, but the whole man. It is the body both in the one ...
/.../homily vi colossians ii 6.htm

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
... convincing us of the dreadful hazard thereof, through the spirit of conviction,
whereby he convinceth the world of it, John 16:8, and circumciseth their ears ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iii how christ is.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
Christology of the Old Testament. <. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

Circumciseth (4 Occurrences)
...Circumciseth (4 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Genesis 21:4 and Abraham circumciseth Isaac
his son, 'being' a son of eight days, as God hath commanded him. (YLT). ...
/c/circumciseth.htm - 7k

Circumcising (3 Occurrences)

/c/circumcising.htm - 7k

Self-same (17 Occurrences)
... his son, and all those born in his house, and all those bought with his money --
every male among the men of Abraham's house -- and circumciseth the flesh of ...
/s/self-same.htm - 11k

Circumcised (58 Occurrences)

/c/circumcised.htm - 24k

Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... his son, and all those born in his house, and all those bought with his money --
every male among the men of Abraham's house -- and circumciseth the flesh of ...
/t/taketh.htm - 35k

Height (109 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV). Joshua 5:3 and Joshua maketh for him knives of flint, and
circumciseth the sons of Israel at the height of the foreskins. (YLT). ...
/h/height.htm - 41k

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