### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peritomḗ**, represented by `{{G4061}}`, defines **circumcision**. It appears **36 times** across **32 unique verses**. The term is used to describe the physical rite, the condition of being circumcised, or the people who practice it, and is employed both literally and figuratively throughout the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4061}}` is initially presented as the covenant **sign** `{{G4592}}` God gave to Abraham ([[Acts 7:8]], [[John 7:22]]). It serves as a physical marker of Jewish identity, often used to refer to the Jewish people as "the **circumcision**" in contrast to the Gentiles ([[Galatians 2:9]], [[Ephesians 2:11]]). However, the New Testament shifts the focus from a physical act to a spiritual state. Paul contrasts outward **circumcision** in the **flesh** `{{G4561}}` with an inward **circumcision** of the heart, performed "in the **spirit** `{{G4151}}`, and not in the **letter** `{{G1121}}`" [[Romans 2:29]]. This new understanding becomes central to the apostolic ministry to both Jews and Gentiles [[Galatians 2:7-8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G4061}}`:
* `{{G203}}` **akrobystía** (uncircumcision): As the direct opposite of **circumcision**, this term refers to the uncircumcised state or person, typically a Gentile. Scripture repeatedly declares that in Christ, the distinction between **circumcision** and **uncircumcision** is irrelevant ([[Galatians 5:6]], [[Colossians 3:11]]).
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This word often qualifies **circumcision** as a physical, external act. The New Testament emphasizes having no confidence in the **flesh** [[Philippians 3:3]] and contrasts the "circumcision in the **flesh** made by hands" `{{G5499}}` with a spiritual reality [[Ephesians 2:11]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): This is presented as the supreme principle that supersedes physical rites. God is said to **justify** `{{G1344}}` both the **circumcision** `{{G4061}}` and the **uncircumcision** `{{G203}}` through **faith** [[Romans 3:30]]. **Circumcision** was given to Abraham as a **seal** `{{G4973}}` of the righteousness he already possessed by **faith** [[Romans 4:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4061}}` is significant, marking a key transition from Old Covenant signs to New Covenant realities.
* **The Sign vs. The Substance:** The physical rite of **circumcision** only profits if one keeps the law; for a **breaker** `{{G3848}}` of the law, their **circumcision** is made **uncircumcision** `{{G203}}` [[Romans 2:25]]. Conversely, an uncircumcised person who keeps the law's righteous requirements is counted as circumcised [[Romans 2:26]].
* **Abolished Distinctions in Christ:** In Christ Jesus, neither **circumcision** `{{G4061}}` nor **uncircumcision** `{{G203}}` has any value [[Galatians 5:6]]. Instead, what matters is being a **new** `{{G2537}}` **creature** `{{G2937}}` [[Galatians 6:15]] or the **keeping** `{{G5084}}` of God's **commandments** `{{G1785}}` [[1 Corinthians 7:19]].
* **The Circumcision of Christ:** True **circumcision** is redefined as a spiritual operation "made without hands" `{{G886}}`. This is the "**circumcision** of Christ," which involves the **putting off** `{{G555}}` of the **body** `{{G4983}}` of the **sins** `{{G266}}` of the **flesh** `{{G4561}}` [[Colossians 2:11]]. True believers are considered "the **circumcision**" because they worship God in the **spirit** `{{G4151}}` [[Philippians 3:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4061}}` is a term that evolves from a literal physical rite to a profound spiritual metaphor. What begins as the covenant marker for the Jewish people becomes a point of theological clarification, demonstrating that outward acts are secondary to inward realities. The ultimate scriptural conclusion is that the only **circumcision** with eternal value is that of the heart, performed by the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` and evidenced by **faith** `{{G4102}}` in Christ.
TRV