Topical Bible: Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child

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Circumcision is a significant rite in the Judeo-Christian tradition, symbolizing the covenant between God and His people. This practice, instituted by God, is first mentioned in Genesis 17, where God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of the covenant. The act of circumcision is not merely a physical procedure but carries profound spiritual and communal implications.

In the biblical context, circumcision is closely associated with the naming of the child, particularly in Jewish tradition. This connection is evident in the account of the birth and circumcision of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. Genesis 21:3-4 states, "And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him." Here, the naming of Isaac is directly linked to his circumcision on the eighth day, underscoring the importance of this rite in the identity and religious life of the child.

The practice of circumcision on the eighth day is reiterated in the Mosaic Law, as seen in Leviticus 12:3 : "On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised." This commandment highlights the continuity of the covenantal sign from Abraham through the generations of Israel. The eighth day is significant, symbolizing a new beginning and the child's formal entry into the covenant community.

In the New Testament, the practice of circumcision and naming is observed in the life of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:21 records, "When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived." This passage illustrates the adherence to Jewish customs by Mary and Joseph, emphasizing the importance of circumcision and naming in the life of Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The act of naming during circumcision is not merely a cultural tradition but holds theological significance. The name given to the child often reflects divine purpose or prophetic insight. For instance, the name "Isaac" means "he laughs," reflecting the joy and fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. Similarly, the name "Jesus" means "The Lord saves," signifying His mission and identity as the Savior.

While the New Testament church, particularly through the teachings of the Apostle Paul, emphasizes that circumcision is not required for salvation (Galatians 5:6: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love."), the historical and covenantal significance of circumcision remains a vital part of understanding the biblical narrative and God's unfolding plan of redemption.

In summary, circumcision accompanied by the naming of the child is a deeply rooted biblical practice that signifies covenantal identity, divine promise, and communal belonging. It serves as a physical and spiritual marker of God's enduring relationship with His people, from the patriarchs to the present.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 21:3,4
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 1:59
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:21
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Epistles of Paul.
... He accompanied Paul and Barnabas to the so-called ... he was exempted from the necessity
of circumcision. ... epistle as authoritative, but without naming the author. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... didst make as Thy sign the circumcision of the ... Pharisee when he heard our Lord naming
the sins ... for another reason the meek voice accompanied the overpowering ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... the accomplishment of its promises is shown in the abolition of circumcision, and
of ... order by seeking in marriage only the production of a child; while the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Christian Behavior
... state of man by nature; discourse with them of sin, of death, and hell; of a crucified
Saviour, and the promise of life through faith: 'Train up a child in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... be with for ever, all our relations, as wife, husband, child, father, mother ... the
Gentiles pretended themselves to be Jews inwardly, whose circumcision is that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. . Life and
Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Various. ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /