He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

GENESIS 17:13KJV
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Genesis 17:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 17:13 mean?

Genesis 17:13 says that every male in Abraham’s household, whether born there or bought as a servant, must be circumcised as a sign of God’s covenant. This physical act marks the lasting agreement between God and Abraham’s family, making the covenant visible “in your flesh” for all generations.

God is speaking directly to Abraham, giving him specific instructions about who should be circumcised. The situation is God establishing a formal, everlasting covenant with Abraham, and the requirement for circumcision applies not just to Abraham’s biological descendants but also to anyone living in his household, including servants. This shows the seriousness and inclusiveness of the covenant, making it a defining sign for the whole community.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 17:13

  • בֵּית (bêth, “house”): This word refers to the entire household, not just family by blood, but everyone living under Abraham’s authority. It highlights that the covenant sign extends beyond direct descendants.
  • מִקְנָה (miqnah, “bought”): This term means someone acquired or purchased, usually as a servant. The use of this word shows that the covenant is not just for Abraham’s family line but for all under his care.
  • בְּשַׂר (basar, “flesh”): The word for “flesh” here emphasizes the physical, bodily nature of the covenant sign. It is not just a spiritual or symbolic agreement, but one marked on the body.
  • עוֹלָם (olam, “everlasting”): This word is often understood as “perpetual” or “lasting through the ages.” It stresses that this covenant is meant to endure, not just for Abraham’s lifetime but for future generations.

Why Genesis 17:13 matters

  • Genesis 17:13 clarifies that God’s covenant with Abraham was not limited to his biological children but included everyone in his household, making the covenant community much broader.
  • The verse emphasizes the physical sign of circumcision as a visible, ongoing reminder of God’s promise, not just a private or spiritual matter.
  • By requiring circumcision for those bought with money, the verse shows that God’s promises and expectations were meant to shape the entire community, not just individuals or families.

Where else these words appear

“born” Hebrew H3211 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Leviticus 22:11 But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.
  • 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.

“bought” Hebrew H4736 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
  • Exodus 12:44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
  • Jeremiah 32:11 So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open:

“needs” Hebrew H4135 · used in 32 verses

  • 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.
  • Genesis 34:17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
  • Joshua 5:4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.