Theology
What does the Bible say about circumcision?A Scripture-grounded answer about bible about circumcision
Published Reviewed
Published Reviewed
Circumcision was given to Abraham as a sign of God's covenant (Genesis 17:10-11) and required for all Israelite males. In the New Testament, the Jerusalem Council declared circumcision unnecessary for Gentile believers (Acts 15). Paul taught that 'circumcision of the heart' through faith in Christ is what matters (Romans 2:29), not the physical act.
Why this answer? It starts with Romans 2:29, then cross-checks Genesis 17:10-11 and Acts 15:1-11 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Circumcision in the Bible begins in Genesis 17 when God commands Abraham to circumcise every male as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant. For centuries, this physical mark distinguished God's people Israel and signified their covenant relationship with Him. Under the Mosaic Law, circumcision was required on the eighth day after birth. However, even in the Old Testament, prophets like Moses (Deuteronomy 10:16) and Jeremiah (4:4) spoke of circumcision of the heart—the inward reality the outward sign was meant to represent. The pivotal shift came in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem Council, where the early church determined that Gentile believers did not need physical circumcision to be saved. Paul argued passionately in Galatians that requiring circumcision for salvation was a denial of grace—Galatians 5:6 declares that in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. Romans 2:29 defines true circumcision as a matter of the heart by the Spirit. This transition from external sign to internal reality illustrates the new covenant's emphasis on faith over ritual.
“But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.”
- Romans 2:29
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ. It includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by human effort or good works.
The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, containing 39 books written before Christ. It includes the Law (Torah), History, Poetry/Wisdom, and Prophets. It records creation, the fall, Israel's history, God's covenants, and prophecies pointing to Jesus. Christians see it fulfilled in Christ.
The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, containing 27 books written after Christ's resurrection. It includes four Gospels (Jesus' life), Acts (early church), Epistles (letters to churches), and Revelation (prophecy). It records Jesus' teaching, death, resurrection, and the spread of Christianity.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.