Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical tradition, the naming of a child at the time of circumcision is a significant event, deeply rooted in the covenantal practices of the Hebrew people. This practice is primarily derived from the Abrahamic covenant, where circumcision is established as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants.
Biblical FoundationThe practice of naming a child at circumcision is first observed in the account of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. In
Genesis 17:12, God commands Abraham, "Throughout your generations, every male among you at eight days old shall be circumcised." This command is part of the broader covenantal promise that God makes with Abraham, signifying the child's inclusion in the covenant community.
The specific instance of naming at circumcision is recorded in
Genesis 21:3-4: "Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him." Here, the act of naming coincides with the rite of circumcision, underscoring the importance of both the name and the covenantal sign.
New Testament ContextThe tradition continues into the New Testament, most notably in the account of John the Baptist and Jesus. In
Luke 1:59-60, the naming of John the Baptist occurs at his circumcision: "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.'" This event highlights the divine intervention in the naming process, as John's name was given by the angel Gabriel (
Luke 1:13).
Similarly, Jesus is named at His circumcision.
Luke 2:21 states, "On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived." This passage emphasizes the fulfillment of divine instruction, as the name Jesus was revealed to Mary by the angel Gabriel (
Luke 1:31).
Theological SignificanceThe naming of a child at circumcision holds profound theological significance. It marks the child's formal entry into the covenant community, symbolizing their identity and role within God's redemptive plan. The name given often reflects divine purpose or promise, as seen in the cases of Isaac, John, and Jesus.
In the broader biblical narrative, names carry deep meaning and often signify character, destiny, or divine intervention. The act of naming at circumcision thus becomes a moment of prophetic declaration, aligning the child's life with God's covenantal promises.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Jewish culture, circumcision was not merely a physical act but a spiritual rite that affirmed the child's place within the community of God's people. The eighth day was chosen in obedience to God's command, and it was believed to be the optimal time for the procedure, both physically and spiritually.
The practice of naming at circumcision reflects the intertwining of faith and tradition, where the physical act of circumcision and the spiritual act of naming converge to establish the child's identity in relation to God and the community.
ConclusionThe tradition of naming a child at circumcision is a testament to the enduring covenant between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to His promises and the importance of identity and purpose within the biblical narrative. Through this practice, the biblical text reveals the profound connection between name, identity, and divine calling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 1:59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
Torrey's Topical TextbookLuke 2:21
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ...
... is in faith our (common) father, [5315] so here also he named us "children of faith ...
As to the fact itself of his calling off faith from circumcision, did he ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iii st paul quite in.htm
Whether his Name was Suitably Given to Christ?
... name was not suitably given to Christ at His circumcision. ... be saved, therefore He
was becomingly named Jesus, ie ... life to come," in which the children of God ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether his name was suitably.htm
The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
... 12:3; Philippians 3:5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably
because at that time the names of Abram and Sarai had been changed (Genesis 17:5 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/viii the birth and early.htm
Baptism
... there is no mention here made of children; I answer, neither are servants named;
and yet it ... that was to be circumcised understand circumcision; yet the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 4 baptism.htm
Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... for ever." The name of Christ is named upon us: we ... sinners and unjust, but we become
the children of God ... was set forth to Abraham by the rite of circumcision. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm
Baptism.
... promise is unto you and to your children." [478:1 ... third century a bishop of that
country, named Fidus, appears ... letter of the law relative to circumcision, [478:2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii baptism.htm
The Relation of Christ to Prophecy, Continued.
... Shall we by circumcision add shame to shame, and believe that ... what is good and what
is not as children are of ... The next month, April, is named not from any god ...
/.../the relation of christ to.htm
Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ...
... of even these, no less than of circumcision, was appointed ... and dominion, and every
name that is named, not only ... So then, brethren, we are not children of the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter iv another instance of marcions.htm
The Author's Life.
... that they were better educated than the children of any ... childhood, five years being
the age named by the ... 2:9), and as apostles of the circumcision, while Paul ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the authors life.htm
Psalm XLVIII.
... that wall that cometh from the circumcision, and that ... as for Christ, even a Child,
the children dying for ... by it Carthage, being haply sometimes so named, or in ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlviii.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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