Genesis 17:27

And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָל

H3605

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

אַנְשֵׁ֤י

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)

בָּ֔יִת

H1004

in the house

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

יְלִ֣יד

H3211

born

בָּ֔יִת

H1004

in the house

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

וּמִקְנַת

H4736

and bought

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

כֶּ֖סֶף

H3701

with money

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

מֵאֵ֣ת

H853

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

בֶּן

H1121

of the 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

#10

נֵכָ֑ר

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

#11

נִמֹּ֖לוּ

H4135

were circumcised

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

#12

אִתּֽוֹ׃

H854

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. 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 creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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