And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

GENESIS 17:27KJV
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Genesis 17:27 (KJV)

What does Genesis 17:27 mean?

Genesis 17:27 states that every male in Abraham’s household, whether born in his house or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised along with Abraham. This verse shows that Abraham included all the men under his authority in the covenant sign of circumcision, not just his biological family.

God is speaking to Abraham, giving him instructions about the covenant of circumcision as a sign of their special relationship. Genesis 17:27 describes how Abraham obeyed fully, making sure that every man connected to his household—whether a servant born in his home or purchased from outsiders—was circumcised that same day. This action demonstrates Abraham’s thoroughness and the inclusive nature of the covenant, extending beyond blood relatives to everyone under his care.

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:

“circumcised” 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.

“stranger” Hebrew H5236 · used in 35 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.
  • 2 Samuel 22:45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: