CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 21:4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_21_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:4 - The Birth of Isaac" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/21-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/21-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/21-3.htm" title="Genesis 21:3">◄</a> Genesis 21:4 <a href="/genesis/21-5.htm" title="Genesis 21:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, just as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and when the boy was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, just as God had commanded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and when Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />On the eighth day after his son Isaac had been born, Abraham circumcised him, just as God had commanded him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him just as God had commanded him to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abraham circumcises his son Isaac, [being] a son of eight days, as God has commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abraham circumciseth Isaac his son, being a son of eight days, as God hath commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham shall circumcise Isaak his son, the son of eight days, as God commanded him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he circumcised him the eighth day, as God had commanded him, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he circumcised him on the eighth day, just as God had instructed him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised Isaaq his son, a son of eight days, as God commanded him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam circumcised Isaac on the eighth day, as God commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4560" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">The Birth of Isaac</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">When his son</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/8083.htm" title="8083: šə·mō·naṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shmowneh; feminine shmonah; or shmownah; apparently from shamen through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight; also eighth.">was eight</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days old,</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4135.htm" title="4135: way·yā·māl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To circumcise. A primitive root; to cut short, i.e. Curtail; by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy.">circumcised him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">had commanded him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-12</a></span><br />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 circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-23.htm">Genesis 17:23-27</a></span><br />On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. / So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, / and his son Ishmael was thirteen; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Leviticus 12:3</a></span><br />And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-8.htm">Acts 7:8</a></span><br />Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11</a></span><br />And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">Galatians 5:3</a></span><br />Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a></span><br />circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-59.htm">Luke 1:59</a></span><br />On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Luke 2:21</a></span><br />When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-22.htm">John 7:22-23</a></span><br />But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) / If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/5-2.htm">Joshua 5:2-9</a></span><br />At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. / Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-25.htm">Exodus 4:25-26</a></span><br />But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. / So the LORD let him alone. (When she said, “bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a></span><br />Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a></span><br />Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11-12</a></span><br />In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-12</a></b></br> This <i>is</i> my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-48.htm">Exodus 12:48</a></b></br> And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Leviticus 12:3</a></b></br> And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-3.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/17-27.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/joshua/5-4.htm">Circumciseth</a> <a href="/genesis/17-26.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/genesis/12-20.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/genesis/17-12.htm">Eight</a> <a href="/genesis/21-3.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/17-14.htm">Undergo</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-5.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/34-14.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/joshua/5-3.htm">Circumciseth</a> <a href="/genesis/34-14.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/genesis/26-11.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/genesis/22-23.htm">Eight</a> <a href="/genesis/21-5.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/34-17.htm">Undergo</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Isaac is born, and circumcised.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Sarah's joy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Isaac is weaned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Hagar and Ishmael sent away.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Hagar in distress.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">The angel relieves and comforts her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When his son Isaac was eight days old</b><br>The practice of circumcision on the eighth day is significant in Jewish tradition, as it aligns with God's covenant with Abraham. The number eight often symbolizes new beginnings in the Bible. Scientifically, it is noted that the eighth day is optimal for circumcision due to the natural peak in vitamin K levels, which aids in blood clotting. This timing underscores the divine wisdom in God's command.<p><b>Abraham circumcised him</b><br>Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, marking them as God's chosen people. Abraham's obedience in circumcising Isaac demonstrates his faithfulness to God's commands. This act is a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on the circumcision of the heart, symbolizing spiritual purity and dedication to God (<a href="/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29</a>).<p><b>as God had commanded him</b><br>This phrase highlights Abraham's obedience to God's specific instructions, which were first given in <a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>. It reflects the importance of following divine commands precisely, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture. Abraham's compliance is a model of faith and obedience, which is later echoed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's will (<a href="/john/6-38.htm">John 6:38</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. He is a model of faith and obedience, as seen in his adherence to God's command to circumcise his son.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a></b><br>The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth was a fulfillment of God's promise. His circumcision signifies his inclusion in the covenant between God and Abraham.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/circumcision.htm">Circumcision</a></b><br>A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, instituted in <a href="/bsb/genesis/17.htm">Genesis 17</a>. It represents obedience and dedication to God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_command.htm">God's Command</a></b><br>The directive given by God to Abraham in <a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-12</a>, establishing circumcision as a sign of the covenant.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/eight_days_old.htm">Eight Days Old</a></b><br>The specific age at which circumcision was to be performed, as commanded by God, signifying the importance of early dedication to God's covenant.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>Abraham's immediate obedience to God's command to circumcise Isaac demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions without delay. Believers are called to trust and obey God's Word, even when the reasons are not fully understood.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/significance_of_covenants.htm">Significance of Covenants</a></b><br>Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Today, believers are part of the New Covenant through faith in Christ, which calls for a heart transformation rather than a physical sign.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/early_dedication_to_god.htm">Early Dedication to God</a></b><br>The circumcision of Isaac at eight days old highlights the importance of dedicating children to God from an early age. Christian parents are encouraged to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_righteousness.htm">Faith and Righteousness</a></b><br>Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before the act of circumcision. This teaches that righteousness comes through faith, not merely through external rituals or works.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_strength_alone_enough_for_success.htm">What is the Abrahamic Family House?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_ishmaelites.htm">Who were the Ishmaelites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_abraham's_faith_'righteousness'.htm">In Romans 4:3, how can Abraham's faith be considered 'righteousness' when James 2:21-24 suggests a different view of his justification?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abraham_plan_to_sacrifice_isaac.htm">Why did Abraham prepare to sacrifice his son Isaac?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abraham circumcised</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> on Genesis 17:11, and note at the end of that chapter) <span class="cmt_word">his son Isaac being eight days old</span> (literally, <span class="accented">a son of eight days</span>)<span class="accented">, <span class="cmt_word"></span>as</span> (not only because, but in the manner in which) <span class="cmt_word">God had commanded him.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When his son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Isaac</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְחָ֣ק</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ḥāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> </span><span class="str2">Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was eight</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמֹנַ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mō·naṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8083.htm">Strong's 8083: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cardinal number, eight, eighth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days old,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abraham</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">circumcised him,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤מָל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·māl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4135.htm">Strong's 4135: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had commanded him.</span><br /><span class="heb">צִוָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiw·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-4.htm">Genesis 21:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:4 Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>