Genesis 17:24

KJV

And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} was ninety {H8673} years {H8141} old {H1121} and nine {H8672}, when he was circumcised {H4135} in the flesh {H1320} of his foreskin {H6190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin,

Berean Standard Bible

So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,

American Standard Version

And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 17:24 records the precise moment Abraham, at the advanced age of ninety-nine, personally underwent the rite of circumcision. This act was a direct and immediate response to God's newly instituted covenant command, signifying Abraham's profound obedience and unwavering faith in the divine promises. It served as a visible, indelible mark of his personal commitment to the perpetual covenant God established with him and his descendants, setting a foundational example for all future generations of the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of God's detailed instructions regarding the covenant of circumcision, which began in [Genesis 17:9](/genesis/17-9 "God's Command for Circumcision"). Immediately preceding this, God had appeared to Abraham (whose name had just been changed from Abram in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "The Name Change of Abram to Abraham")) and reiterated the promise of making him the father of many nations, despite his and Sarah's advanced age and barrenness. God specifically commanded that circumcision be the perpetual sign of this covenant, to be performed on every male eight days after birth, and on all males in Abraham's household, whether born in his house or bought with money. Abraham's immediate compliance in [Genesis 17:23](/genesis/17-23 "Abraham's Immediate Obedience") and the specific detail of his own circumcision in [Genesis 17:24](/genesis/17-24 "Abraham's Circumcision at 99") underscore the seriousness and immediacy of his response to the divine mandate, setting a precedent for his household and future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, various forms of bodily marking existed, sometimes for tribal identification, religious devotion, or even as a rite of passage. However, Israelite circumcision, as instituted in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "The Covenant of Circumcision"), was distinct. It was not a common practice among all surrounding peoples (e.g., Philistines were uncircumcised), though some groups like Egyptians practiced it for different reasons. For Abraham, a man of advanced age and a patriarch, undergoing this procedure would have been a significant, even painful, act. It was a unique, divinely commanded sign that set Abraham's lineage apart, establishing a physical distinction that would mark them as God's chosen people, distinct from the nations around them. This physical act was deeply counter-cultural for a man of his status and age, highlighting the depth of his faith.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 17:24 contributes significantly to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Initiative and Human Response**, where God initiates a covenant and Abraham responds with immediate and costly obedience. It underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating Abraham's commitment to the covenant established by God, which promised land, descendants, and a special relationship. Furthermore, it highlights **God's Sovereignty over Natural Limitations**, as Abraham's advanced age (and Sarah's barrenness, as mentioned in [Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Reaction to Sarah's Promised Son")) makes the promise of numerous descendants seem impossible without divine intervention. The act of circumcision itself becomes a symbol of **Separation and Consecration**, marking Abraham and his seed as set apart for God's unique purposes, a theme that evolves into the concept of a "circumcision of the heart" in later biblical texts like [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Circumcision of the Heart in Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 17:24 succinctly states, "And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin." This precise detail of Abraham's age underscores the profound nature of his obedience and faith. At an age when physical procedures are often avoided, Abraham willingly submitted to God's command, demonstrating a trust that transcended personal comfort or societal norms. His immediate action, following the divine directive, highlights the seriousness with which he regarded his covenant relationship with the Almighty.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abraham (Hebrew, _ʼAbrâhâm'_):** This is the patriarch, whose name was recently changed from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of a multitude") in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "The Name Change of Abram to Abraham"). This new name reflects God's promise to make him the progenitor of many nations, emphasizing the vast scope of the covenant and the divine purpose for his life. His personal act of circumcision underscores his individual acceptance of this new identity and the responsibilities that came with him.
* **circumcised (Hebrew, _mûwl'_):** This verb means "to cut short" or "to curtail," specifically referring to the removal of the prepuce. It signifies a physical act of cutting away, a permanent alteration of the body. In the context of the covenant, it was a unique and indelible mark, distinguishing Abraham's lineage and symbolizing their separation unto God. The act was not merely symbolic but a literal, physical cutting, emphasizing the tangible nature of their covenant commitment.
* **foreskin (Hebrew, _ʻorlâh'_):** This term refers to the prepuce, the part of the body that is removed during circumcision. Its mention here emphasizes the specific and intimate nature of the commanded act. The removal of the foreskin was a visible sign of the covenant, a permanent physical marker that distinguished the male descendants of Abraham. The repeated emphasis on "flesh of his foreskin" throughout Genesis 17 underscores the physical reality and the deep significance of this bodily sign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine":** This clause precisely dates the event, emphasizing Abraham's advanced age. At ninety-nine, Abraham was well past the age of natural procreation, and undergoing such a procedure would have been physically demanding and potentially risky. This detail highlights the extraordinary nature of his faith and obedience, demonstrating that his commitment to God's covenant transcended personal comfort or perceived limitations of age. It sets the stage for the miraculous birth of Isaac, which would occur within the year.
* **"when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin":** This phrase directly states the action Abraham performed, linking it to the specific command given by God in [Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10-14 "The Command for Circumcision"). The repetition of "flesh of his foreskin" (as also seen in [Genesis 17:11](/genesis/17-11 "The Covenant Sign of Circumcision")) stresses the physical, tangible, and permanent nature of the covenant sign. It was not a mere ritual but a profound bodily alteration, signifying a deep, indelible commitment to God and marking Abraham and his descendants as set apart for God's unique purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Precision** in its dating, explicitly stating Abraham's age as "ninety years old and nine." This numerical specificity not only anchors the event in time but also emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Abraham's obedience at such an advanced stage of life, highlighting the depth of his faith. The phrase "in the flesh of his foreskin" utilizes **Literalism** and **Repetition** (from earlier verses in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "The Covenant of Circumcision")), providing a stark, unvarnished description of the physical act. This directness underscores the tangible and permanent nature of the covenant sign, leaving no ambiguity about the required action. The act of circumcision itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing Abraham's personal commitment to the covenant, his separation unto God, and the physical mark of belonging to God's chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's personal circumcision at ninety-nine years old is a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant and obedience. It demonstrates that God's covenant demands a tangible, personal response, regardless of age or circumstance. This act of costly obedience underscores the seriousness with which God's commands are to be received and highlights the depth of Abraham's faith, which was not merely intellectual assent but active submission. This event establishes a foundational principle for God's people: true faith is demonstrated through obedient action, and the covenant relationship involves both divine initiative and human responsibility. It also foreshadows the deeper spiritual reality of being set apart for God, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant.

* [Romans 4:11](/romans/4-11 "Circumcision as a Seal of Righteousness by Faith")
* [Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Those of Faith are Sons of Abraham")
* [Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "True Circumcision is of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's immediate and personal obedience at ninety-nine years old serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that it is never too late to respond to God's call or to commit fully to His revealed will. His willingness to undergo a painful and significant procedure at such an advanced age, trusting in God's promises despite all natural impossibilities, challenges us to examine our own excuses for delaying obedience. For believers today, while physical circumcision is no longer a requirement for the New Covenant (as clearly articulated in [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "The Concept of Spiritual Circumcision") and [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Faith Working Through Love")), the principle of a "circumcision of the heart" remains vitally important. This involves a spiritual cutting away of sin, a turning from self-reliance, and a deep, inward commitment to God, marked by unwavering faith and obedient living. This verse encourages us to embrace God's commands with immediate and unreserved faith, trusting in His promises regardless of our circumstances, age, or perceived limitations, knowing that true devotion is expressed through action and a transformed heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" commands or difficult acts of obedience might God be calling you to undertake, regardless of your age or circumstances?**
* **How does Abraham's immediate obedience at ninety-nine challenge any excuses you might have for delaying your own response to God's call?**
* **In what ways can you pursue a "circumcision of the heart"—a deeper, inward commitment to God—in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abraham circumcised at such an old age?**

Answer: Abraham was circumcised at ninety-nine years old because that was the specific age at which God commanded him to undergo the rite as the sign of the covenant established in [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "God's Appearance to Abraham"). His advanced age highlights the depth of his faith and immediate obedience to God's directive, demonstrating that no one is too old to respond to God's call or to commit fully to His covenant. It also underscores the miraculous nature of God's promise of a son through Sarah, which would be fulfilled shortly after this event.

**What is the significance of "flesh of his foreskin" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "flesh of his foreskin" emphasizes the literal, physical, and permanent nature of the act of circumcision. It was not merely a symbolic gesture but a profound physical alteration, an indelible mark on the body. This specific language underscores that the covenant sign was tangible and visible, signifying a deep and lasting separation unto God and identifying Abraham and his male descendants as uniquely belonging to the covenant people. It was a physical reminder of their unique relationship with the Creator and their obligations under the covenant.

**Does this verse imply that physical circumcision is still required for believers today?**

Answer: No, this verse describes the institution of physical circumcision as a sign of the Old Covenant with Abraham. For New Covenant believers, the emphasis has shifted from physical circumcision to a spiritual "circumcision of the heart," as taught in [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Spiritual Circumcision in Romans 2:29") and [Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Spiritual Circumcision in Christ"). This spiritual circumcision involves an inward transformation—a putting off of the sinful nature and a turning to God—through faith in Christ, rather than a physical rite. The physical sign pointed to a deeper spiritual reality that is now fully realized in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 17:24](/genesis/17-24 "Abraham's Circumcision at 99") details a physical act under the Old Covenant, it ultimately points forward to the spiritual reality of new life and covenant membership found in Christ. Abraham's circumcision, a sign of being set apart for God and entering into a covenant relationship, foreshadows the "circumcision made without hands" that believers experience in Christ [Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Spiritual Circumcision in Christ"). Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, believers are spiritually cut off from their sinful nature and united with God, not by a physical mark, but by a new heart and a new spirit, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of being God's set-apart people. This spiritual transformation, which is a work of God's Spirit and received through faith, is the true and perfect fulfillment of the covenant sign initiated with Abraham, making all who believe in Christ "Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to Promise"). It is in Christ that the covenant's deepest spiritual intentions are realized for all nations [Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11-13 "Gentiles Brought Near by Christ").

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

Romans 4:11

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Genesis 17:17

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

Genesis 12:4

¶ So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Genesis 17:1

¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Romans 4:19

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

Romans 4:20

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;