### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peritémnō**, represented by `{{G4059}}`, is defined as **to cut around**, used specially **to circumcise**. It appears **22 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is central to understanding the physical rite of circumcision as a Jewish custom and the significant theological conflict it created within the early church regarding salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4059}}` is used in several key contexts. It is presented as a historical practice rooted in the covenant God made with the patriarchs, as when Abraham **circumcised** his son Isaac [[Acts 7:8]]. This custom continued under the law of Moses, and it was on the eighth day that both Jesus and John the Baptist were brought **to be circumcised** ([[Luke 2:21]], [[Luke 1:59]]). The term becomes a focal point of conflict in the early church when some from Judaea taught that Gentiles could not be saved unless they were **circumcised** [[Acts 15:1]]. The Apostle Paul strongly refuted this, arguing that if someone is **circumcised** as a requirement for righteousness, Christ will profit them nothing [[Galatians 5:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the debate surrounding the act of being circumcised:
* `{{G4061}}` **peritomḗ** (circumcision): This noun refers to the rite itself. Paul uses it to contrast a physical act with a spiritual one, explaining that believers are circumcised with a **circumcision** made without hands [[Colossians 2:11]].
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): The pressure to be circumcised was directly tied to keeping the **law** of Moses [[Acts 15:5]]. Paul taught that anyone who is circumcised for salvation becomes a debtor to the whole **law** [[Galatians 5:3]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): The act of circumcision is performed in the **flesh**. Paul warns against those who desire to make a "fair shew in the **flesh**" or **glory** `{{G2744}}` in the **flesh** of others [[Galatians 6:12-13]].
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (Gentile, nation): The core of the debate was whether **Gentiles** needed to be circumcised to be part of God's people. Paul was accused of teaching Jews among the **Gentiles** not to **circumcise** their children [[Acts 21:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4059}}` is immense, marking a pivotal shift from the Old to the New Covenant.
* **From Covenant Sign to Legalistic Burden:** What began as a sign of God’s covenant [[Acts 7:8]] was distorted by some into a legalistic requirement for salvation [[Acts 15:1]]. Paul clarifies that relying on this act for justification places a person in bondage to the entire **law** `{{G3551}}` [[Galatians 5:3]].
* **Spiritual Circumcision in Christ:** The New Testament redefines the concept spiritually. Believers **are circumcised** with the "circumcision of Christ," which is the "putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh" [[Colossians 2:11]]. This is an internal work of God, not an external rite.
* **A Matter of Calling, Not Salvation:** Paul instructs that a believer’s physical state at conversion is not what matters. A man called while circumcised should not become uncircumcised, and one called in uncircumcision should not **be circumcised** [[1 Corinthians 7:18]].
* **Worldly vs. Godly Motivation:** The insistence on circumcision often stemmed from a desire to avoid **persecution** `{{G1377}}` for the **cross** `{{G4716}}` of Christ, rather than from genuine faith [[Galatians 6:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **peritémnō** is far more than a word describing a physical act. It is a key term that illuminates the transition from the old covenant to the new. Its usage tracks the evolution of a covenant sign into a point of intense theological debate, ultimately being redefined by the apostles as a spiritual reality in **Christ** `{{G5547}}`. The discussion around whether one must **be circumcised** is central to the New Testament's message of salvation by grace through faith, apart from works of the law.
TRV