Clicky

What Does the Bible Say About Circumcision? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

What Does the Bible Say About Circumcision?

Introduction

Circumcision is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and holds great religious and cultural significance. It is a practice that is commonly associated with Judaism, but it also plays a role in Christianity and Islam.

The Bible discusses circumcision in both the Old and New Testaments, providing insight into the significance of the practice.

As Christians, it is important to understand the history and spiritual meaning of circumcision. While it is no longer a requirement for salvation, it remains an important practice for many believers. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about circumcision, its spiritual meaning, and the benefits of the practice.

We will begin by examining circumcision in the Old Testament and how it was viewed as a symbol of God’s covenant with the Israelites. We will also explore the controversy of circumcision in early Christianity and Paul’s teachings on the practice.

Additionally, we will discuss the spiritual significance of circumcision and how it represents the removal of sin and being made new in Christ. Finally, we will examine the medical benefits of circumcision and how it can help prevent certain diseases and infections.

circumcision in the Bible

Circumcision in the Old Testament

The Covenant of Circumcision with Abraham

Circumcision was first introduced in the Old Testament when God made a covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 17:10-11 (NKJV), God says to Abraham:

“This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.”

Circumcision as a Symbol of God’s Covenant with the Israelites

Circumcision was not just a practice for Abraham and his descendants, but it was also a symbol of the covenant between God and the Israelites. In Leviticus 12:3 (NKJV), it states:

“And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”

This shows that circumcision was a significant ritual for the Israelites and was viewed as an act of obedience to God’s commandments.

The Importance of Circumcision in Jewish Culture and Tradition

Circumcision has been an important aspect of Jewish culture and tradition for thousands of years. In fact, it is considered a fundamental covenant between God and the Jewish people. It is performed on the eighth day of a male child’s life and is viewed as a rite of passage and a symbol of Jewish identity.

Circumcision in the New Testament

The Controversy of Circumcision in Early Christianity

In the New Testament, circumcision was a controversial topic among early Christians. In Acts 15:1 (NKJV), it says:

“And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.'”

This controversy was known as the circumcision controversy and caused much debate among early Christians.

Paul’s Teachings on Circumcision

Paul was one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, and he had much to say about circumcision. In Galatians 5:2-3 (NKJV), he states:

“Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.”

This shows that Paul did not view circumcision as a requirement for salvation and that salvation is obtained through faith in Christ.

The Rejection of Circumcision as a Requirement for Salvation

The early Christians ultimately rejected circumcision as a requirement for salvation. In Acts 15:10-11 (NKJV), it says:

“Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

This shows that salvation is not obtained through circumcision but rather through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Spiritual Meaning of Circumcision

The Symbolism of Circumcision in the Bible

Circumcision is a physical act, but it also holds spiritual significance. In Deuteronomy 10:16 (NKJV), it states:

“Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”

This verse suggests that circumcision is not only a physical act but also a symbol of the need for spiritual purification.

The Spiritual Significance of Circumcision

Circumcision represents the removal of the flesh, which symbolizes the removal of sin and the old self. In Colossians 2:11-12 (NKJV), it says:

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

This verse highlights the spiritual significance of circumcision and how it represents the removal of sin and being made new in Christ.

The Role of Circumcision in Christian Faith and Practice

While circumcision is no longer a requirement for salvation in Christianity, it still holds significant meaning for many Christians. Some view circumcision as a symbol of their faith, while others see it as a way to honor their Jewish heritage.

Ultimately, circumcision is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with one’s faith and medical professionals.

The Benefits of Circumcision

While the spiritual significance of circumcision is important, there are also medical benefits to the practice.

Medical Benefits of Circumcision

Research has shown that circumcision can reduce the risk of certain diseases and infections, including:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Penile cancer
  • Balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin)

Prevention of Diseases and Infections

Circumcision can help prevent the spread of diseases and infections by removing the foreskin, which can harbor bacteria and viruses. This can be especially important in areas of the world where access to medical care is limited.

Improved Hygiene and Genital Health

Circumcision can also improve hygiene and genital health by making it easier to clean the penis. This can help prevent infections and other issues that can arise from poor hygiene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, circumcision holds great significance in both religious and cultural contexts. The Bible discusses circumcision in both the Old and New Testaments, providing insight into its spiritual meaning and importance.

While circumcision is no longer a requirement for salvation in Christianity, it remains an important practice for many believers and should be approached with careful consideration.

As Christians, we should seek to understand the spiritual significance of circumcision and the role it plays in our faith. We should also consider the medical benefits of circumcision and make informed decisions in consultation with medical professionals and our faith.

Ultimately, circumcision is a personal decision that should be made in accordance with one’s beliefs and values.

As Christians, it is important to understand the history and spiritual meaning of circumcision. While it is no longer a requirement for salvation, it remains an important practice for many believers. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about circumcision, its spiritual meaning, and the benefits of the practice.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.