Genesis 17:14

KJV

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the uncircumcised {H6189} man child {H2145} whose {H834} flesh {H1320} of his foreskin {H6190} is not circumcised {H4135}, that soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from his people {H5971}; he hath broken {H6565} my covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Any uncircumcised male who will not let himself be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin -that person will be cut off from his people, because he has broken my covenant."

Berean Standard Bible

But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

American Standard Version

And the uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 17:14 delivers a profound and unyielding divine decree, establishing the absolute necessity of physical circumcision as the perpetual sign of God's everlasting covenant with Abraham and his male descendants. It unequivocally states that any uncircumcised male shall be "cut off from his people," a severe pronouncement signifying not merely social exclusion but a profound spiritual and existential excommunication, a forfeiture of identity, blessings, and participation within the covenant community due to a direct breach of the divine agreement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 17 is a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic narrative, following God's previous covenant promises to Abram in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "God's Call to Abram") and [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). Here, God appears to Abram when he is ninety-nine years old, reaffirming and expanding the covenant. The chapter begins with God introducing Himself as "El Shaddai," God Almighty, and commanding Abram to "walk before me, and be thou perfect" ([Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "God's Command to Abram")). This encounter includes the significant renaming of Abram to [Abraham](/genesis/17-5 "Abraham, Father of Many Nations") and Sarai to [Sarah](/genesis/17-15 "Sarah, Mother of Nations"), emphasizing their new roles in God's redemptive plan. The institution of circumcision as the "token of the covenant" ([Genesis 17:11](/genesis/17-11 "Circumcision as the Token of the Covenant")) is central, with specific instructions for it to be performed on all male descendants on the [eighth day](/genesis/17-12 "Circumcision on the Eighth Day") of life, as well as on all male servants born in the household or bought with money. Verse 14, therefore, serves as the solemn pronouncement of the consequence for failing to uphold this foundational covenant sign, underscoring its non-negotiable nature within the immediate narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants were common, often involving rituals, oaths, and visible signs to bind parties. While other cultures practiced forms of circumcision (e.g., Egyptians, Edomites), the Abrahamic circumcision was distinct in its theological meaning and its specific timing (eighth day). It was not merely a hygienic practice or a rite of passage, but a divinely commanded sign that marked a people as uniquely belonging to Yahweh. The act of "cutting" in covenant-making was significant, often involving the cutting of animals and the parties passing between the pieces, symbolizing the fate of the one who breaks the covenant (as seen in [Genesis 15:9-17](/genesis/15-9-17 "The Covenant Ceremony")). Thus, the language of being "cut off" in Genesis 17:14 resonates with the gravity of covenant violation in the ancient world, where breaking an oath had severe social, legal, and often spiritual repercussions. This physical mark distinguished Abraham's descendants from surrounding nations and served as a constant, embodied reminder of their unique identity and relationship with the Almighty God.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 17:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant**, highlighting God's faithfulness in establishing and maintaining His promises, but also emphasizing the human responsibility of obedience to the covenant's terms. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience and Disobedience**, demonstrating that God's commands are not optional, but carry profound consequences for those who disregard them. The failure to be circumcised is explicitly labeled as "breaking my covenant," a direct act of rebellion. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Identity and Belonging**, defining who is truly part of God's chosen people and who is excluded. The physical sign of circumcision was the visible marker of inclusion in the covenant community, a precursor to the spiritual identity found in Christ. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, revealing God's absolute commitment to the sanctity of His covenant and His righteous judgment against those who willfully violate its sacred terms. This severity highlights the profound holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards His relationship with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 17:14 presents a clear and unyielding divine decree concerning the covenant of circumcision, outlining the severe consequences for non-compliance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** This word (H6189) refers to someone "properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically,; uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed)." In this context, it specifically denotes a male who has not undergone the covenantal ritual of circumcision. The term highlights the physical state that directly violates God's command, making the individual distinct from the circumcised covenant community.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** The verb (H3772) literally means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." However, in a covenantal or legal context, it carries profound implications beyond a simple physical severance. It signifies "to destroy or consume," and specifically "to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces)." When used in the passive or reflexive, as here, it denotes expulsion, excommunication, or destruction. It implies a complete separation from the community and its benefits, often carrying a connotation of divine judgment, whether through premature death, childlessness, or social ostracism.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This noun (H1285) is derived "from בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting (like בָּרָא)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." It refers to a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by God, establishing a relationship with specific terms, promises, and obligations. The term itself evokes the ancient practice of "cutting" a covenant, underscoring the gravity and permanence of the agreement. To "break" this covenant is to violate the most sacred of bonds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised":** This opening clause precisely identifies the subject of the divine decree: any male descendant of Abraham who, by the eighth day or at any point, remains uncircumcised. It emphasizes the physical state of non-compliance with the specific ritual commanded by God. The repetition of "uncircumcised" and "not circumcised" underscores the deliberate and unacceptable nature of this omission. It is not an accidental state but a failure to fulfill a foundational requirement.
* **"that soul shall be cut off from his people":** This is the severe consequence. The term "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_) here refers to the entire person, the living being. To be "cut off" from "his people" signifies a profound and multi-faceted excommunication. It implies a loss of identity, status, and all the privileges associated with being part of God's covenant community. This could involve social ostracism, exclusion from religious rituals, and potentially divine judgment leading to premature death or barrenness. It is a spiritual and existential severing from the blessings and promises tied to the Abrahamic lineage.
* **"he hath broken my covenant":** This concluding phrase provides the explicit rationale for the severe penalty. The failure to be circumcised is not merely a minor infraction but a direct, willful violation of God's sacred covenant. It highlights the seriousness with which God regards His agreements and the expectation of strict adherence to the terms He establishes. This emphasizes that the covenant was a two-sided agreement, requiring human obedience in response to divine initiative and promise.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 17:14 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, evident in the precise definition of the offender ("the uncircumcised man child"), the clear articulation of the consequence ("shall be cut off from his people"), and the explicit statement of the offense ("he hath broken my covenant"). This legalistic phrasing underscores the binding nature of the covenant and the seriousness of its violation, akin to a divine statute. There is also an element of **Repetition** in the phrase "uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised," which emphasizes the specific nature of the transgression and leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the target of the decree. Furthermore, the phrase "cut off" functions as powerful **Symbolism**. While it could imply physical death, its deeper meaning in a covenantal context symbolizes a complete spiritual and communal severance, a loss of identity and belonging, highlighting the profound spiritual implications of disobedience. The verse's **Decretive Tone** reinforces the absolute authority of God's command and the certainty of the stated consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 17:14 profoundly illustrates the nature of God's covenant relationship with humanity, revealing that while God initiates and sustains the covenant through His faithfulness, human participation requires a tangible response of obedience. Circumcision was not merely a ritual; it was the visible, physical embodiment of a spiritual commitment and a sign of belonging to God's chosen people. The severe consequence of being "cut off" underscores the gravity of rejecting God's terms and the sanctity of the covenant. It teaches that inclusion in God's redemptive plan is conditional upon adherence to His revealed will, demonstrating that God's grace is not license for disobedience but calls for a life of responsive faith. This verse sets a precedent for the importance of covenant signs and the dire consequences of their willful disregard throughout biblical history.

* [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Unleavened Bread and Being Cut Off"): "Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel."
* [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Presumptuous Sin and Being Cut Off"): "But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him."
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "True Circumcision of the Heart"): "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical requirement of circumcision is superseded by the New Covenant in Christ, the principle embedded in Genesis 17:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God regards our covenant relationship with Him and the non-negotiable nature of His commands. Just as physical circumcision was the outward sign of belonging to Abraham's lineage and participating in the Old Covenant, so too is a transformed heart and life of obedience the outward manifestation of our inclusion in the New Covenant through Christ. To willfully reject God's revealed will, to refuse to embrace the terms of His grace and walk in obedience, is to effectively "cut oneself off" from the blessings and intimacy of relationship with Him. This calls us to a deep self-examination: are we truly living in responsive faith, allowing the Spirit to circumcise our hearts from sin, or are we, through our actions or inactions, breaking the covenant of grace established through Jesus? Our spiritual identity and participation in God's family are contingent upon our acceptance of His terms, demonstrated by a life continually yielded to His Spirit and His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" or outward expressions of faith do I embrace that demonstrate my commitment to God's New Covenant?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "breaking" my covenant with God through disobedience or neglect?**
* **How does the severity of being "cut off" in the Old Testament deepen my appreciation for the grace and inclusion offered in Christ?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to have a "circumcised heart" in today's world?**

### FAQ
**Why was circumcision so important in the Abrahamic covenant?**

Answer: Circumcision was paramount because it was the physical, visible, and permanent "token" or sign of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/17-11 "Circumcision as a Sign of the Covenant"). It served as a constant, embodied reminder to Abraham and his male descendants of their unique, exclusive relationship with [God](/genesis/17-7 "God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham"). It marked them as distinct from all other nations, signifying their identity as His chosen people and their commitment to the promises and obligations of the covenant. This physical mark was essential for inclusion in the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, symbolizing their separation unto God and their participation in His redemptive plan.

**What does "cut off from his people" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "cut off from his people" (Hebrew, _kârath_) signifies a profound and severe penalty far beyond mere physical death. It implies a complete spiritual, social, and existential excommunication. This meant losing one's identity as an integral part of [God's covenant community](/exodus/12-19 "Being Cut Off from Israel"), forfeiting all associated blessings, protections, and promises, such as the inheritance of the land, the blessing of offspring, or participation in communal worship. It was a profound separation from the communal and spiritual life of Israel, a direct consequence of willfully breaking [God's covenant](/genesis/17-14 "Breaking God's Covenant") and denying the visible sign of belonging. This could manifest as social ostracism, exclusion from religious rites, or even divine judgment leading to premature death or barrenness.

**Does this verse apply to Christians today, given that physical circumcision is not required in the New Covenant?**

Answer: While the literal command for physical circumcision does not apply to [Christians](/galatians/5-6 "Faith Working Through Love") under the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "A Better Covenant Established on Better Promises"), the underlying theological principles of obedience, covenant fidelity, and the seriousness of our relationship with [God](/john/14-23 "God's Love for the Obedient") certainly do. The [New Testament](/romans/2-29 "Spiritual Circumcision") emphasizes a "circumcision of the heart" through faith in [Christ](/colossians/2-11 "Circumcision of Christ"), signifying an inner transformation, a cleansing from sin, and a dedication to God that transcends outward ritual. The consequence of being "cut off" for believers today is spiritual separation from God, which occurs through willful rejection of [Christ](/john/3-18 "Condemnation for Unbelief") and His [covenant of grace](/ephesians/2-8 "Salvation by Grace through Faith"). It underscores that true belonging in God's family is marked by a transformed heart and a life lived in obedience to the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 17:14, with its severe consequence for breaking the covenant of circumcision, finds its profound fulfillment and reinterpretation in [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith"). The Old Covenant's physical sign pointed forward to a deeper, spiritual reality that Christ inaugurates. [Paul explains](/romans/2-29 "True Circumcision of the Heart") that true circumcision is not outward in the flesh, but "that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter." This spiritual circumcision is accomplished through union with Christ, where believers are "circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ" ([Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Circumcision of Christ")). No longer is physical cutting the mark of belonging, but rather a spiritual transformation, a death to the old sinful self, and a resurrection to new life in Christ. The threat of being "cut off from his people" is thus transformed: those who are "in Christ" are eternally grafted into God's family, no longer subject to the curse of the law but brought near by the blood of Jesus ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). Conversely, those who reject Christ, the mediator of the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ as Mediator of a Better Covenant"), remain spiritually "cut off" from God, not by a failure to perform a physical rite, but by their unbelief and refusal to embrace the ultimate covenant of grace offered through His atoning sacrifice ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "Condemnation for Unbelief")). Thus, Christ fulfills the covenant by providing the means for true spiritual inclusion and belonging, a reality far surpassing the physical sign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 4:24

¶ And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.

Exodus 4:26

So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband [thou art], because of the circumcision.

Numbers 15:30

¶ But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously, [whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Numbers 15:31

Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.

Exodus 12:19

Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.

Leviticus 18:29

For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit [them] shall be cut off from among their people.

Leviticus 7:27

Whatsoever soul [it be] that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.