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Book of Genesis - Chapter 17 - Verse 14

17:14
And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Meaning

Genesis 17:14 presents a significant passage in the context of the ancient covenant between God and the people of Israel. The act of circumcision was a visible sign of this covenant, representing purity and devotion to God. In this verse, it is made clear that any man child who is not circumcised will be cut off from his people because he has failed to uphold his end of the divine agreement. The emphasis on the uncircumcised man child not being a part of his community highlights the importance of obedience and adherence to God's laws. By breaking the covenant through neglecting circumcision, the individual is essentially separating himself from the community of believers and the protection and blessings that come with being a part of the covenant. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disregarding the sacred covenant and the necessity of upholding the practices and traditions established by God.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the word "uncircumcised" refers to someone who has not undergone the physical act of circumcision, which was a covenant made by God with the people of Israel. This act symbolized the commitment and obedience of the individual to God's commands. The cutting off of the foreskin was a sign of dedication and was considered as an essential part of the covenant between God and his people. The phrase "that soul shall be cut off from his people" signifies the exclusion or separation of the individual from the community of believers due to their failure to uphold the terms of the covenant. It is a severe consequence for breaking the covenant with God, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in maintaining the relationship with Him. This verse highlights the significance of keeping the covenant and following God's commands as a way to remain within the community of believers and uphold the bond with God.

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