from ἐπί and σπάω; to draw over, i.e. (with ἀκροβυστία implied) efface the mark of circumcision (by recovering with the foreskin):--become uncircumcised.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb *epispáomai* (G1986) is a compound word derived from the preposition *epi* (ἐπί), meaning "upon" or "over," and the verb *spáō* (σπάω), meaning "to draw" or "to pull." Thus, its literal meaning is "to draw over" or "to pull over oneself." In its specific biblical context, as indicated by the base definition, *epispáomai* refers to a unique and rather drastic procedure: the attempt to reverse or conceal the effects of circumcision. This was achieved by drawing the remaining foreskin or stretched skin over the glans penis, thereby effacing the mark of circumcision and making the individual appear "uncircumcised." This practice, sometimes referred to as "decircumcision," was known in the Hellenistic world, particularly among Jews who wished to assimilate into Greek culture and avoid the social stigma associated with circumcision, especially in public settings like gymnasia where nudity was common. The term therefore carries the semantic range of physical alteration for the purpose of identity concealment or cultural conformity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb *epispáomai* (G1986) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Corinthians 7:18]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is addressing various questions concerning Christian living, particularly regarding one's status or condition at the time of conversion. He writes, "Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised." The phrase "let him not become uncircumcised" is a direct translation of μὴ ἐπισπάσθω, utilizing *epispáomai*.
The context of [[1 Corinthians 7:18]] is crucial. Paul's overarching point in this section (vv. 17-24) is that believers should generally remain in the social or physical state in which they were called by God. He applies this principle to marital status, slavery, and here, to circumcision. By explicitly forbidding the act of *epispáomai*, Paul emphasizes that attempting to reverse one's physical mark of circumcision is unnecessary and irrelevant to one's standing in Christ. He is not merely stating a preference but asserting a theological principle: outward physical markers or social conditions, whether inherited or acquired, do not determine one's spiritual identity or acceptance before God in the new covenant. The focus is shifted from external conformity to internal spiritual reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of *epispáomai* (G1986) is enriched by considering several related words and concepts:
* **Circumcision (`{{G4061}}` *peritomē*):** This is the direct antithesis of the state *epispáomai* seeks to create. Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants ([[Genesis 17:10-14]]), a central practice in Judaism. Paul frequently discusses circumcision, often contrasting it with "uncircumcision" and emphasizing its diminished importance in the new covenant ([[Romans 2:25-29]], [[Galatians 5:6]], [[Colossians 2:11]]).
* **Uncircumcision (`{{G203}}` *akrobystia*):** Literally "foreskin," but often used metonymically to refer to the state of being uncircumcised, i.e., a Gentile. The act of *epispáomai* was an attempt to physically revert to or feign this state.
* **Law (`{{G3551}}` *nomos*):** Circumcision was a command of the Mosaic Law. The desire to "become uncircumcised" often reflected a rejection of Jewish identity and the Mosaic covenant in favor of Hellenistic norms.
* **Flesh (`{{G4561}}` *sarx*):** Paul frequently contrasts the "flesh" with the "spirit" (`{{G4151}}` *pneuma*). Physical acts like circumcision or *epispáomai* are acts of the flesh, which Paul deems inferior or irrelevant compared to the spiritual transformation wrought by Christ ([[Galatians 3:3]], [[Philippians 3:3]]).
* **Hellenization/Assimilation:** The historical context for the practice of *epispáomai* was the strong cultural pressure on Jews in the Hellenistic period to assimilate into Greek society. This often involved abandoning distinctive Jewish practices, including circumcision, to blend in with the dominant culture. The word thus touches upon themes of cultural identity, compromise, and faithfulness to one's spiritual heritage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *epispáomai* (G1986) is profound, especially given its single, yet pivotal, appearance in the New Testament:
* **The Irrelevance of Outward Marks in Christ:** The primary theological truth conveyed by Paul's prohibition against *epispáomai* is the radical irrelevance of external physical marks or social statuses for one's salvation and standing before God in the new covenant. For Paul, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters; what matters is "keeping the commandments of God" ([[1 Corinthians 7:19]]) or, as he states elsewhere, "faith working through love" ([[Galatians 5:6]]) and "a new creation" ([[Galatians 6:15]]). This liberates believers from a focus on external rituals and directs them to internal transformation.
* **Contentment in One's Calling:** Paul's instruction "let him not become uncircumcised" is part of a broader exhortation for believers to remain in the condition they were in when called by Christ. This principle promotes contentment and acceptance of one's God-given circumstances, rather than striving to change one's outward status to achieve spiritual favor or social acceptance.
* **Spiritual vs. Physical Identity:** The word highlights the tension between an identity rooted in physical signs and one rooted in spiritual reality. The act of *epispáomai* was a physical attempt to alter an external identity, whereas Paul consistently emphasizes that true identity in Christ is spiritual, defined by one's relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
* **Warning Against Cultural Compromise and Apostasy:** While Paul's immediate point is about the irrelevance of the act, the historical practice of *epispáomai* was often driven by a desire to shed Jewish identity and assimilate into pagan culture, which could lead to apostasy. Paul's instruction implicitly warns against abandoning one's God-given identity or compromising one's faith for the sake of worldly acceptance.
### Summary
The Greek verb *epispáomai* (G1986) literally means "to draw over" and specifically refers to the practice of surgically or cosmetically reversing the appearance of circumcision by drawing the foreskin over the glans. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is in [[1 Corinthians 7:18]], where Paul admonishes believers not to "become uncircumcised" if they were called while circumcised. This instruction is a crucial element in Paul's broader theological argument that physical marks, social statuses, or external rituals are ultimately irrelevant to one's spiritual standing and identity in Christ. The word underscores the radical shift in the new covenant from an emphasis on outward conformity to an internal, spiritual transformation, and serves as a subtle warning against compromising one's faith for cultural assimilation.
TRV