Genesis 17:23
New International Version
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him.

New Living Translation
On that very day Abraham took his son, Ishmael, and every male in his household, including those born there and those he had bought. Then he circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins, just as God had told him.

English Standard Version
Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.

Berean Standard Bible
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him.

New American Standard Bible
Then Abraham took his son Ishmael, and all the slaves who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on this very same day, as God had said to him.

NASB 1995
Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had said to him.

NASB 1977
Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had said to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had spoken with him.

Amplified Bible
Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were purchased with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin the very same day, as God had said to him.

Christian Standard Bible
So Abraham took his son Ishmael and those born in his household or purchased—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on that very day, just as God had said to him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all the slaves born in his house or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on that very day, just as God had said to him.

American Standard 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.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Abraham took his son Ishmael, everyone born in his household, and everyone bought with money-every male in his household-and circumcised them that day, as God had told him.

Good News Translation
On that same day Abraham obeyed God and circumcised his son Ishmael and all the other males in his household, including the slaves born in his home and those he had bought.

International Standard Version
Abraham took his son Ishmael and all the servants born in his house or purchased with his money—every male among the men of his household—and circumcised them that very day, just as God had spoken to him.

Majority Standard Bible
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money?every male among the members of Abraham?s household?and he circumcised them, just as God had told him.

NET Bible
Abraham took his son Ishmael and every male in his household (whether born in his house or bought with money) and circumcised them on that very same day, just as God had told him to do.

New Heart English Bible
Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money; every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 same day, as God had said to him.

World English Bible
Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money: every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abraham takes his son Ishmael, and all those born in his house, and all those bought with his money—every male among the men of Abraham’s house and circumcises the flesh of their foreskin, in this very same day, as God has spoken with him.

Young's Literal Translation
And Abraham taketh Ishmael his son, and all those born in his house, and all those bought with his money -- every male among the men of Abraham's house -- and circumciseth the flesh of their foreskin, in this self-same day, as God hath spoken with him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abraham will take Ishmael his son, and all born in his house and bought with his silver, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he will circumcise the flesh of their uncircumcision, in the self-same day, according to which God spake to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Abraham took Ismael his son, and all that were born in his house: and all whom he had bought, every male among the men of his house: and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin forthwith the very same day, as God had commanded him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Abraham took his son Ishmael, and all who were born in his house, and all whom he had bought, every male among the men of his house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin promptly, the very same day, just as God had instructed him.

New American Bible
Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all his slaves, whether born in his house or acquired with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins on that same day, as God had told him to do.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all the slaves born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abraham took Ishmael his son and all of those that were born in his house and all of those that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in that very day, as God had said unto him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abraham was a son of ninety and nine years when he circumcised the flesh of his foreskin.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abraam took Ismael his son, and all his home-born servants, and all those bought with money, and every male of the men in the house of Abraam, and he circumcised their foreskins in the time of that day, according as God spoke to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Covenant of Circumcision
22When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him. 23On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money— every male among the members of Abraham’s household— and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. 24So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,…

Cross References
Genesis 21:4
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

Exodus 12:48
If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it.

Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.

Joshua 5:2-9
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. / Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. ...

Acts 7:8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

Romans 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.

Galatians 5:3
Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

Colossians 2:11-12
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”

Genesis 22:3
So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated.

Genesis 26:5
because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”


Treasury of Scripture

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 to him.

circumcised.

Genesis 17:10-14,26,27
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…

Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Genesis 34:24
And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.

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Abraham Abraham's Born Bought Circumcised Flesh Foreskin House Ishmael Male Money Selfsame Servants
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Abraham Abraham's Born Bought Circumcised Flesh Foreskin House Ishmael Male Money Selfsame Servants
Genesis 17
1. God renews the covenant with Abram,
5. and changes his name to Abraham, in token of a greater blessing.
9. Circumcision is instituted.
15. Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, and she is blessed.
17. Isaac is promised, and the time of his birth fixed.
23. Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised.














On that very day
This phrase emphasizes immediate obedience. In the Hebrew text, the word "בְּעֶצֶם" (be'etzem) signifies the exactness and promptness of Abraham's actions. It reflects a deep trust and commitment to God's command, highlighting the importance of not delaying obedience to divine instructions. This immediacy is a model for believers, illustrating the urgency and priority that should be given to God's directives in our lives.

Abraham took his son Ishmael
The mention of Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn through Hagar, is significant. It underscores Abraham's role as a father who includes all his offspring in the covenantal promise, even those not born through Sarah. The Hebrew name "יִשְׁמָעֵאל" (Yishma'el) means "God hears," reminding us of God's attentiveness to human affairs and His inclusive nature in the unfolding of His plans.

and all those born in his household or purchased with his money
This phrase indicates the inclusivity of the covenant. The Hebrew word "יְלִידֵי" (yelidei) refers to those born in the household, while "מִקְנַת" (miqnat) refers to those acquired or purchased. This reflects the patriarchal society where the household included not just family but also servants and slaves. It shows that God's covenant extends beyond biological lineage to all who are part of the community of faith, prefiguring the New Testament concept of spiritual adoption.

every male among the members of Abraham’s household
The focus on "every male" highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where males were often the covenant bearers. The Hebrew "זָכָר" (zakar) for male signifies the role of men in the covenant community, yet it also points to the broader spiritual truth that all members of the household, regardless of status, are included in God's promises.

and he circumcised them
Circumcision, "מוּל" (mul) in Hebrew, is a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. It symbolizes purity, dedication, and separation unto God. This act of obedience is a precursor to the New Testament's spiritual circumcision of the heart, as seen in Romans 2:29, where true belonging to God is marked by inward transformation rather than external ritual alone.

as God had told him
This phrase underscores the divine origin of the command. The Hebrew "כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר" (ka'asher diber) indicates that Abraham's actions were in direct response to God's spoken word. It highlights the importance of adhering to God's instructions precisely as given, reflecting a life of faith that is responsive to divine revelation. This obedience is a testament to Abraham's faith and sets a precedent for believers to follow God's word with precision and faithfulness.

Verse 23. - 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 self-same day. Literally, in the bone of that day, an expression occurring in Genesis 7:13, which is commonly regarded as Jehovistic, while this is Elohistic; though Quarry suggests that the ensuing section should commence with this verse, in which case the present paragraph would also be Jehovistic, and the appearance of unnecessary repetition in its statements avoided by viewing them as the customary recapitulations that mark the opening of a new division of the history (vide Genesis, p. 440); against which, however, is the name of God which continues to be here employed. As God (Elohim) had said unto him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Abraham
אַבְרָהָ֜ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

took
וַיִּקַּ֨ח (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

his son
בְּנ֗וֹ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Ishmael
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל (yiš·mā·‘êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites

and all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

those born
יְלִידֵ֤י (yə·lî·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3211: Born

in his household
בֵיתוֹ֙ (ḇê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

or purchased
מִקְנַ֣ת (miq·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4736: A buying, acquisition, a piece of property, the sum paid

with his money—
כַּסְפּ֔וֹ (kas·pōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

male
זָכָ֕ר (zā·ḵār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145: Remembered, a male

among the members
בְּאַנְשֵׁ֖י (bə·’an·šê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Abraham’s
אַבְרָהָ֑ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

household—
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

and he circumcised them
וַיָּ֜מָל (way·yā·māl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4135: To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy

that
הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

very
בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙ (bə·‘e·ṣem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame

day,
הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

God
אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

had told
דִּבֶּ֥ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

him.
אִתּ֖וֹ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among


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OT Law: Genesis 17:23 Abraham took Ishmael his son all who (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 17:22
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