Genesis 17:14

Authorized King James Version

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעָרֵ֣ל׀

H6189

And the uncircumcised

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

זָכָ֗ר

H2145

man child

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

whose

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמּוֹל֙

H4135

is not circumcised

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּשַׂ֣ר

H1320

flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

עָרְלָת֔וֹ

H6190

of his foreskin

the prepuce

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה

H3772

shall be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#10

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

that soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#11

הַהִ֖וא

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

#12

מֵֽעַמֶּ֑יהָ

H5971

from his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

בְּרִיתִ֖י

H1285

my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#15

הֵפַֽר׃

H6565

he hath broken

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Genesis. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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