Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision is a significant rite in the Judeo-Christian tradition, marking the covenant between God and His people. This practice, instituted by God, is first detailed in the Old Testament and carries profound religious and cultural implications. One notable aspect of circumcision in biblical times is the naming of the child, which often occurred at the time of this ritual.Biblical Foundation The practice of circumcision is first commanded by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-12 : "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. For the generations to come, every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring." This command establishes circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, a practice that would be observed by the Israelites throughout their history. Naming at Circumcision The tradition of naming a child at the time of circumcision is exemplified in the New Testament with the account of John the Baptist and Jesus. In Luke 1:59-63 , the narrative describes the circumcision and naming of John the Baptist: "On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah. But his mother replied, 'No! He shall be called John.' They said to her, 'There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.' So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child. Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' And they were all amazed." Similarly, the naming of Jesus is recorded in Luke 2:21 : "When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb." Cultural and Religious Significance The act of naming a child during circumcision underscores the importance of identity and divine purpose in the life of the child. In the case of John the Baptist, the name "John" was divinely appointed, signifying God's plan and purpose for his life as the forerunner of Christ. Likewise, the name "Jesus," meaning "The Lord is salvation," was given by divine instruction, highlighting His mission as the Savior. In Jewish tradition, the eighth day circumcision and naming ceremony, known as a "brit milah," is a joyous occasion, celebrating the child's entry into the covenant community. This practice emphasizes the continuity of faith and the transmission of religious identity from one generation to the next. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, circumcision and the associated naming ceremony symbolize the child's inclusion in the covenant community and the beginning of their spiritual journey. It reflects the biblical principle that names hold significant meaning and often convey God's purpose and promise for an individual's life. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul discusses the spiritual significance of circumcision, emphasizing that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit (Romans 2:29). This teaching highlights the transition from the physical act to the spiritual reality it represents in the life of a believer. Conclusion The practice of circumcision and the naming of a child at this time is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, serving as a powerful symbol of covenant, identity, and divine purpose. Through this rite, the child is not only physically marked as part of God's people but also spiritually named and set apart for God's plan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:3,4And Abraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. Nave's Topical Index Luke 1:59 Luke 2:21 Library Whether his Name was Suitably Given to Christ? The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist. The Child-Life in Nazareth Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ... Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Baptism. The Author's Life. The Epistle to the Galatians A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ... The Christian Church a Family. Resources What is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism the New Covenant equivalent of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the Christian view of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org Circumcision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
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