Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a physical sign of the covenant between God and His people, holds profound spiritual significance beyond its physical act. In the Scriptures, circumcision is often associated with purity, not only of the body but also of the heart and speech. This entry explores the concept of circumcision as it relates to the purity of speech, drawing from biblical texts and principles.Biblical Foundation The practice of circumcision was instituted by God as a covenantal sign with Abraham and his descendants. Genesis 17:10-11 states, "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." While the physical act was a mark of belonging to God's chosen people, the prophets and apostles later emphasized the importance of a deeper, spiritual circumcision. Circumcision of the Heart The concept of circumcision extends beyond the physical to the spiritual realm, particularly in the purification of the heart and speech. Deuteronomy 10:16 exhorts, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This call to circumcise the heart implies a transformation that affects one's entire being, including speech. The heart, in biblical terms, is the wellspring of thoughts, intentions, and words. Thus, a circumcised heart leads to purity in speech. Purity of Speech in the New Testament The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the transformation of the believer's inner life, which naturally extends to their speech. In Colossians 4:6 , Paul instructs, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Here, the apostle underscores the importance of speech that reflects the grace and truth of the Gospel, indicative of a heart transformed by Christ. James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the power and purity of speech. In James 3:9-10 , he writes, "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" This passage highlights the inconsistency of speech that is not aligned with a heart circumcised by the Spirit. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the circumcision of the heart and the resulting purity of speech. Romans 2:29 states, "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code." The Spirit's work in the believer's life brings about a transformation that affects all aspects of conduct, including speech. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 , includes qualities such as kindness, gentleness, and self-control, which directly influence how one speaks. Practical Implications For the believer, circumcision as purity of speech involves a conscious effort to align one's words with the character of Christ. This includes avoiding deceit, slander, and coarse language, and instead speaking truth, encouragement, and edification. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." In summary, while circumcision began as a physical sign of the covenant, its spiritual implications are profound, encompassing the transformation of the heart and the purity of speech. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their words, demonstrating the reality of a heart circumcised by faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 6:12And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not listened to me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? 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Resources Why do some cultures practice female genital mutilation (FGM)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the bodily discharges mentioned in Leviticus 15, and why did they make a person unclean? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Colossians - Bible Survey | 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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