Genesis 17:27

KJV

And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the men {H582} of his house {H1004}, born {H3211} in the house {H1004}, and bought {H4736} with money {H3701} of the stranger {H1121}{H5236}, were circumcised {H4135} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

and all the men in his household, both slaves born in his house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Berean Standard Bible

And all the men of Abraham’s household—both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners—were circumcised with him.

American Standard Version

And all the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 17:27 powerfully concludes the account of God's covenant with Abraham, detailing Abraham's immediate and comprehensive obedience to the command of circumcision. On the very day the divine instruction was given, Abraham ensured that every male under his authority—whether born within his household or acquired through purchase—received the physical sign of the covenant, thereby demonstrating profound faith, unwavering leadership, and setting apart his entire household unto the Lord as the nascent community of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 17:27 serves as the culminating act of obedience in the pivotal covenant chapter of [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "God's Covenant with Abraham"). Immediately preceding this verse, God renews His promises to Abraham, establishing him as the father of many nations and reaffirming the grant of the land of Canaan. Crucially, God institutes circumcision as the perpetual sign of this covenant, detailing its requirements and consequences in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Command for Circumcision"). Verses 23-26 specifically recount Abraham's personal circumcision and that of Ishmael, setting the stage for the broader household's compliance in verse 27. This swift and complete action underscores Abraham's unwavering faith and commitment, providing a powerful narrative resolution to God's command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, household structures were expansive, encompassing not only nuclear families but also extended relatives, servants, and slaves. The head of the household, like Abraham, held significant authority and responsibility for all within his domain. Slavery was a common institution, with individuals acquired through birth or purchase forming an integral part of the household economy and social fabric. The practice of marking or branding servants was known, but circumcision, as commanded by God, was unique in its theological significance. This act, performed on the eighth day for infants (though here, on adults), was a profound cultural statement, setting Abraham's household apart from surrounding peoples and signifying their distinct identity and allegiance to Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 17:27 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating Abraham's immediate response to God's specific command, which is a hallmark of his walk with God (cf. [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abraham's Initial Obedience")). The verse also emphasizes **Household Theology**, showing that God's covenant extended beyond Abraham himself to encompass the entire community under his authority, establishing a pattern for the inclusion of others into God's people. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Initiative and Human Response**, where God graciously establishes the covenant, and humanity is called to respond in obedience. This act of circumcision physically manifests the theme of **Separation and Holiness**, marking Abraham's lineage as distinct and set apart for God's redemptive purposes, laying the groundwork for the formation of a holy nation, as promised in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Make Abraham a Great Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 17:27](/genesis/17-27 "Abraham's Obedience to the Covenant") reads: "And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him." This verse details the scope and immediacy of Abraham's obedience to God's covenant command.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This term (H582) refers to a mortal man in general, often used collectively. Its use here emphasizes that the command for circumcision applied to every male individual within Abraham's sphere of influence, regardless of their status or origin, underscoring the universal application of the covenant sign within his household.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) is rich in meaning, extending beyond a physical dwelling to encompass the entire household, family, or even a lineage. In this context, "his house" signifies Abraham's extended family unit, including all dependents and servants, highlighting that the covenant was not merely individual but communal, embracing the entire social and familial structure under Abraham's headship.
* **circumcised (Hebrew, _mûwl'_):** This primitive root (H4135) means "to cut short" or "to curtail," specifically referring to the removal of the foreskin. This act was the physical sign of the covenant, symbolizing dedication, purification, and the setting apart of God's people. The passive voice "were circumcised" indicates that the action was performed upon them, emphasizing their submission to the divine command through Abraham's leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the men of his house":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Abraham's compliance. The covenant sign was not limited to Abraham or his direct biological descendants but extended to every male under his authority and within his household. This highlights the communal aspect of the Abrahamic covenant, where the head of the household represented and acted on behalf of all under his care, bringing them into the visible sign of God's promise.
* **"born in the house":** This refers to male servants or their children who were born within Abraham's household. They were part of his extended family structure, indicating that even those not related by blood were brought into the covenant community through this sign, signifying their integration and shared identity within Abraham's people.
* **"and bought with money of the stranger":** This refers to male slaves acquired through purchase, likely from non-Israelite peoples. Their inclusion underscores the principle that anyone who became part of Abraham's household, regardless of their origin, was to be brought under the covenant sign. This demonstrates God's desire for a distinct, set-apart people, even in its nascent stages, transcending immediate familial ties.
* **"were circumcised with him":** The immediate execution, "the selfsame day" (mentioned in [Genesis 17:26](/genesis/17-26 "Abraham's Immediate Circumcision")), further underscores Abraham's absolute trust and prompt obedience to divine instruction, leaving no room for delay or hesitation. The phrase "with him" signifies that Abraham himself underwent the procedure alongside his entire household, demonstrating leadership by example and shared commitment to the covenant, solidifying the unity of the household in this foundational act of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repeated use of "all" and the specific enumeration of those circumcised ("born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger"), highlighting the comprehensive nature of Abraham's obedience. This serves to underscore the thoroughness of his response to God's command. **Symbolism** is central, as the physical act of circumcision itself is a powerful symbol of the covenant, representing dedication, cleansing, and the setting apart of a people for God. The inclusion of diverse members of the household also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future inclusivity of God's people, which would eventually extend beyond biological lineage to encompass gentiles. The concise, declarative sentence structure also lends itself to a sense of **Finality and Authority**, affirming the completion of the divine directive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 17:27 powerfully illustrates the nature of covenant and obedience, serving as a foundational moment in the establishment of God's chosen people. Abraham's immediate and comprehensive response to God's command for circumcision underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through action and submission to divine will. This physical mark, applied to every male in his household, established a visible and indelible sign of their unique identity and relationship with the Almighty, setting them apart as a distinct people. It reveals God's desire for a community, not just an individual, to bear the marks of His covenant, laying the groundwork for the nation of Israel and foreshadowing the broader, spiritual community of believers in Christ.

* [Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Blessing Through Abraham's Seed")
* [Romans 4:11](/romans/4-11 "Circumcision as a Seal of Righteousness")
* [Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Abraham's Spiritual Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 17:27 offers timeless lessons for believers today, primarily centered on the nature of obedience and the scope of God's covenant. Abraham's prompt and thorough obedience to God's command serves as a compelling example; our faith is often demonstrated by how quickly and completely we respond to God's revealed will, rather than delaying or questioning. This verse reminds us that true faith is active and encompasses every sphere of our lives and influence. While physical circumcision is no longer a requirement for believers under the New Covenant, the underlying principle of being set apart for God remains paramount. The New Testament emphasizes a spiritual transformation, often called [the "circumcision of the heart"](/romans/2-29 "Spiritual Circumcision in Romans 2"), which signifies true belonging to God's people through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual reality, which [Romans 4:11](/romans/4-11 "Circumcision as a Seal of Righteousness") describes as circumcision being a seal of righteousness by faith, is what truly matters. Furthermore, just as Abraham's entire household was included in the covenant sign, the New Covenant embraces all who believe, regardless of background or ethnicity, fulfilling the truth that [those who are of faith are Abraham's children](/galatians/3-7 "Abraham's Spiritual Children"), called to live lives of distinct holiness and devotion to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling for immediate and comprehensive obedience, similar to Abraham's response in [Genesis 17:27](/genesis/17-27 "Abraham's Obedience")?**
* **How does the concept of "spiritual circumcision" (Romans 2:29) manifest in your daily walk with Christ, and what does it mean to be truly set apart for God?**
* **Considering Abraham's responsibility for his entire household, how can believers today lead their families or spheres of influence in spiritual commitment and obedience to God?**

### FAQ

**Why was circumcision chosen as the sign of the covenant?**

Answer: Circumcision, the cutting away of flesh, symbolized a cutting off from the old life and a dedication to God. It was a physical, permanent mark that identified the covenant people and served as a constant reminder of their unique relationship with God and their obligation to be holy. It also pointed forward to the spiritual cleansing and new life offered through Christ, as later explained in [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Circumcision of the Heart") and [Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Spiritual Circumcision in Christ").

**Does "all the men of his house" imply that women were excluded from the covenant?**

Answer: While the physical sign of circumcision was for males, women were implicitly included in the covenant through their relationship with the circumcised men of their household (fathers, husbands, sons). The covenant was for the entire community, and women were integral members of that community, sharing in its blessings and responsibilities, even without the physical mark. This is consistent with the understanding of household covenants throughout the Old Testament, where the head of the household represented the entire family unit before God, as seen in passages like [Exodus 12:3-4](/exodus/12-3-4 "Passover Lamb for Households").

**How does Abraham's obedience in Genesis 17:27 relate to faith?**

Answer: Abraham's immediate and comprehensive obedience in [Genesis 17:27](/genesis/17-27 "Abraham's Obedience") is a direct demonstration of his faith. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but results in action and submission to God's will. His prompt response shows his trust in God's command, even when it involved a painful and culturally significant act. This active obedience is a hallmark of Abraham's faith, which is commended throughout Scripture, particularly in [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Abraham's Faith Credited as Righteousness") and [James 2:21-23](/james/2-21-23 "Faith and Works in Abraham").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 17:27](/genesis/17-27 "Abraham's Obedience") and the covenant of circumcision find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The physical cutting of the flesh, which marked Abraham's household as God's people, foreshadowed the spiritual "circumcision of the heart" that occurs through faith in Christ, where the old sinful nature is "cut away" by the Holy Spirit. As [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Spiritual Circumcision in Christ") explains, believers are "circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God." In Christ, the covenant is no longer bound by ethnicity or physical rite but is open to all who believe, forming a new spiritual household—the Church—where belonging is based on faith in Jesus, making all believers true spiritual descendants of Abraham, regardless of their physical lineage or past, as [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "No Distinction in Christ") declares, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile... if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." Thus, the comprehensive inclusion of Abraham's household points to the expansive, global reach of God's redemptive plan in Christ, bringing people from every nation into His family.

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

Genesis 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.