Genesis 17:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Circumcision is the physical token that binds Abraham's people to the covenant.
The Context of Genesis 17:11
Circumcision serves as a perpetual physical token of the covenant.
What Does Genesis 17:11 Mean?
The flesh of your foreskin—the specific part to be circumcised—becomes a token or sign of the covenant. A token is a visible mark or proof of an agreement. By carrying this sign in their bodies, Abraham's descendants bear witness to themselves and others of their covenant relationship with God. It is a constant, embodied reminder written into flesh.
The token serves multiple purposes: identification, remembrance, and commitment. Every male circumcised carries within his body the mark of the covenant promise. It is more than mere physical procedure; it represents acceptance of the covenant terms and belonging to the people of God. The sign is permanent and unambiguous.
Genesis 17:11 in the Original Language
ot (אוֹת), 'token' or 'sign' — a visible mark, proof, or evidence of a covenant or agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 17:11
What does Genesis 17:11 mean?
Circumcision is the physical token that binds Abraham's people to the covenant.
What is the context of Genesis 17:11?
Circumcision serves as a perpetual physical token of the covenant.