Genesis 17:23

Authorized King James Version

And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אַבְרָהָ֑ם

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶת

H853

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

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל

H3458

Ishmael

jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites

בְּנ֗וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֵ֨ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְלִידֵ֤י

H3211

and all that were born

born

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מִקְנַ֣ת

H4736

and all that were bought

properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid

#13

כַּסְפּ֔וֹ

H3701

with his money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#14

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

זָכָ֕ר

H2145

every male

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

#16

בְּאַנְשֵׁ֖י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#17

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

אַבְרָהָ֑ם

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

#19

וַיָּ֜מָל

H4135

and circumcised

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

#20

אֶת

H853

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

#21

בְּשַׂ֣ר

H1320

the flesh

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

#22

עָרְלָתָ֗ם

H6190

of their foreskin

the prepuce

#23

בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙

H6106

in the selfsame

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

#24

הַיּ֣וֹם

H3117

day

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

#25

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#26

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

#27

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

had said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#28

אִתּ֖וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#29

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

as God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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