Genesis 21:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Avraham circumcised his son Yitz'chak when he was eight days old, as God had ordered him to do.

Berean Standard Bible:

When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

American Standard Version:

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Abraham^{H85} circumcised^{H4135} his son^{H1121} Isaac^{H3327} being eight^{H8083} days^{H3117} old^{H1121}, as God^{H430} had commanded^{H6680} him.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 21:4

Genesis 21:4 is a verse that reflects the themes of covenant, obedience, and faith in the context of Abraham's life. This event occurs within the larger narrative of the patriarch Abraham, who is a central figure in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

**Themes:**

1. **Covenant:** The act of circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as established in Genesis 17. This covenant includes the promise of numerous descendants and the land of Canaan for his offspring.

2. **Obedience:** Abraham's prompt circumcision of his son Isaac on the eighth day after his birth demonstrates his obedience to God's command, reinforcing his role as a model of faith and trust in God's promises.

3. **Faith:** Abraham's actions reflect his deep faith in God, which is a recurring theme throughout his story. His willingness to circumcise his son, despite the potential pain and risk involved, underscores his trust in God's plan.

**Historical Context:**

- **Abraham's Family:** At this point in the narrative, Abraham is advanced in age and has two sons: Ishmael, born to his wife's servant Hagar, and Isaac, born to his wife Sarah. The circumcision of Isaac is a pivotal moment that distinguishes Isaac as the son of the promise, through whom the covenant will continue.

- **Promise of Descendants:** The circumcision occurs after God's promise to Abraham that he would have a son through Sarah, which was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac. This promise is part of a larger theme of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

- **Cultural Practice:** Circumcision was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but for the Israelites, it took on a unique religious significance as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant, distinguishing them as God's chosen people.

- **Historical Significance:** This event is foundational for Jewish identity and religious practice, as circumcision became a permanent statute for the Israelites and their descendants. It also has significance in Christian theology, where it is seen as a precursor to baptism as a sign of the new covenant in Christ.

In summary, Genesis 21:4 encapsulates the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Abraham's faithful response, and the establishment of a religious practice that would become a defining characteristic of the Jewish people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H85
   There are 1159 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַבְרָהָם
   Transliteration: ʼAbrâhâm
   Pronunciation: ab-raw-hawm'
   Description: contracted from אָב and an unused root (probably meaning to be populous); father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram; Abraham.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4135
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּל
   Transliteration: mûwl
   Pronunciation: mool
   Description: a primitive root; to cut short, i.e. curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e. to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy; circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3327
   There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יִצְחָק
   Transliteration: Yitschâq
   Pronunciation: yits-khawk'
   Description: from צָחַק; laughter (i.e. mochery); Jitschak (or Isaac), son of Abraham; Isaac. Compare יִשְׂחָק.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8083
   There are 105 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁמֹנֶה
   Transliteration: shᵉmôneh
   Pronunciation: shem-o-neh'
   Description: or שְׁמוֹנֶה; feminine שְׁמֹנָה; or שְׁמוֹנָה; apparently from שָׁמֵן through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth; eight(-een, -eenth), eighth.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3117
   There are 1931 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יוֹם
   Transliteration: yôwm
   Pronunciation: yome
   Description: from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb); age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger.
   
7. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
8. Strong's Number: H6680
   There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָוָה
   Transliteration: tsâvâh
   Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
   Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.