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Genesis 17:13

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He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

He that is born {H3211} in thy house {H1004}, and he that is bought {H4736} with thy money {H3701}, must needs {H4135} be circumcised {H4135}: and my covenant {H1285} shall be in your flesh {H1320} for an everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285}.

The slave born in your house and the person bought with your money must be circumcised; thus my covenant will be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant.

Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.

He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 17:13 (KJV)

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions to Abram (later Abraham) regarding the covenant He is establishing with him and his descendants. Having already declared circumcision as the sign of this covenant (Genesis 17:10), God specifies here that the requirement extends beyond Abraham's direct biological offspring.

Context

Genesis chapter 17 describes the formal establishment of the covenant between God and Abram, including the change of his name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah, and the promise of a son (Isaac) through Sarah. The sign of the covenant, circumcision, is introduced as a perpetual ordinance. Verses 12 and 13 specifically define who within Abraham's household must undergo this rite: every male, whether born within the household or acquired through purchase (slaves), regardless of their lineage.

Key Themes

  • The Abrahamic Covenant: This verse reinforces the stipulations of the covenant God made with Abraham, promising land, descendants, and a special relationship (see Genesis 17:8). Circumcision was the physical mark of participation in this covenant community.
  • Inclusion and Household Faith: The requirement for slaves and those born in the house to be circumcised highlights that the covenant extended beyond blood relation. It included the entire household under Abraham's authority, indicating a principle of corporate identity and the head of the household's responsibility for the spiritual standing of those under his care.
  • The Sign of Circumcision: Circumcision served as a permanent, physical reminder of the covenant promises and obligations. It was a visible symbol distinguishing Abraham's household and descendants.
  • Everlasting Covenant: The phrase "everlasting covenant" emphasizes the enduring nature of God's promise and commitment to Abraham and his seed, though the *sign* itself would later be superseded by the New Covenant's spiritual reality (see Romans 2:29).
  • Obedience: The command "must needs be circumcised" underscores the mandatory nature of this divine instruction as a condition of remaining within the visible covenant community.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covenant" is berit, which signifies a binding agreement or treaty, often initiated by one party (God) and involving obligations for the other (Abraham and his descendants). The term "everlasting" ('olam) in this context denotes a very long duration, extending through the relevant era or dispensation, pointing to the perpetual nature of God's underlying covenant promises even as their expression evolves.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 17:13 shows God's covenant extending beyond just bloodlines, encompassing the entire household associated with the covenant head. This provides a foundational principle about the importance of faith and covenant relationship influencing the whole family unit. While the physical sign of circumcision is not required under the New Covenant in Christ, this verse reminds us of the importance of identifying with God's covenant people and the head of the household's responsibility to lead those under their care in obedience to God's commands. The concept of an "everlasting covenant" points forward to God's enduring faithfulness throughout history, culminating in the better covenant established through Jesus Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 12:44 (4 votes)

    But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

  • Nehemiah 5:8 (3 votes)

    And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].

  • Genesis 37:36 (3 votes)

    And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.

  • Genesis 14:14 (2 votes)

    And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained [servants], born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued [them] unto Dan.

  • Genesis 15:3 (2 votes)

    And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

  • Exodus 21:4 (2 votes)

    If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

  • Nehemiah 5:5 (2 votes)

    Yet now our flesh [is] as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and [some] of our daughters are brought unto bondage [already]: neither [is it] in our power [to redeem them]; for other men have our lands and vineyards.