Genesis 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
H1121
of any stranger
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
שְׁמֹנַ֣ת
H8083
And he that is eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#3
יָמִ֗ים
H3117
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
יִמּ֥וֹל
H4135
shall be circumcised
to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
#5
לָכֶ֛ם
H0
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
זָכָ֖ר
H2145
among you every man child
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#8
לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
H1755
in your generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#9
יְלִ֣יד
H3211
he that is born
born
#10
בָּ֔יִת
H1004
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
וּמִקְנַת
H4736
or bought
properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid
#12
כֶּ֙סֶף֙
H3701
with money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#13
מִכֹּ֣ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
בֶּן
H1121
of any stranger
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
נֵכָ֔ר
H5236
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
#16
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֖
H2233
which is not of thy seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#19
הֽוּא׃
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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