12 Bible Verses About Circumcision

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about circumcision

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about circumcision:

1. Genesis 17:10 – “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.”
2. Leviticus 12:3 – “And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”
3. Deuteronomy 10:16 – “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.”
4. Romans 2:29 – “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
5. Galatians 5:6 – “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”
6. Colossians 2:11 – “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.”

7. Acts 15:1 – “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”
8. Acts 15:5 – “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
9. Acts 15:24 – “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment.”
10. Galatians 2:3 – “But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.”
11. Galatians 6:15 – “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”
12. Philippians 3:3 – “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”

What does the bible say about circumcision?

The Bible discusses circumcision as a physical sign of the covenant between God and his people.

It is seen as a symbol of purification, obedience, and commitment to God.

In the New Testament, circumcision is also discussed in terms of the heart, emphasizing the importance of spiritual transformation and inner purity.

The Bible teaches that true circumcision is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one that involves a change of heart and a dedication to following God’s will.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about circumcision?

1. Genesis 17 – This chapter details God’s covenant with Abraham, in which circumcision is established as a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. This chapter provides the historical and religious context for the practice of circumcision in the Bible.

2. Acts 15 – In this chapter, the early Christian church debates whether circumcision is necessary for Gentile converts to Christianity. The decision is ultimately made that Gentile believers do not need to be circumcised in order to be saved, highlighting the shift away from the importance of physical circumcision in the New Testament era.

3. Galatians 5 – In this chapter, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of circumcision in the context of the Galatian church, emphasizing that circumcision is not necessary for salvation. Paul argues that faith in Christ is what truly matters, not adherence to Jewish laws such as circumcision.

These chapters are relevant to the topic of circumcision as they provide a comprehensive overview of the significance of circumcision in the Bible, its historical context, and its relevance in the early Christian church. They also highlight the theological implications of circumcision and its relationship to faith in God.

Ideas and concepts related to circumcision that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Covenant: In the Bible, circumcision is often associated with the concept of covenant. In the Old Testament, God establishes a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, commanding them to circumcise all males as a sign of their commitment to the covenant. Circumcision symbolizes the Israelites’ separation and dedication to God.

2. Purity: Circumcision is also linked to the idea of purity in the Bible. In the Old Testament, circumcision was seen as a way to purify oneself and demonstrate obedience to God’s commandments. It was believed to cleanse the individual of sin and impurity, allowing them to be in a closer relationship with God.

3. Identity: Circumcision is a physical mark that sets apart the Israelites as God’s chosen people. It serves as a visible sign of their unique identity and relationship with God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul discusses the concept of circumcision of the heart, emphasizing that true circumcision is a spiritual transformation that comes from faith in Christ rather than a physical act.

4. Inheritance: Circumcision is connected to the idea of inheritance in the Bible. In the Old Testament, circumcision was a requirement for males to participate in certain religious rituals and inherit the promises of God. It symbolized the passing down of faith and blessings from one generation to the next, reinforcing the importance of continuity and lineage within the community of believers.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.