# circumcise, circumcision #

## Definition: ##

The term "circumcise" means to cut off the foreskin of a man or male child. A circumcision ceremony may be performed in connection with this.

* God commanded Abraham to circumcise every male among his family and servants as a sign of God's covenant with them.
* God also commanded Abraham's descendants to continue to do this for every baby boy born into their households.
* The phrase, "circumcision of the heart" refers figuratively to the "cutting away" or removal of sin from a person.
* In a spiritual sense, "the circumcised" refers to people whom God has purified from sin through the blood of Jesus and who are his people.
* The term "uncircumcised" refers to those who have not been circumcised physically. It can also refer figuratively to those who have not been circumcised spiritually, who do not have a relationship with God.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* If the culture of the target language performs circumcisions on males, the word used to refer to this should be used for this term.
* Other ways to translate this term would be, "cut around" or "cut in a circle" or "cut off the foreskin."
* In cultures where circumcision is not known, it may be necessary to explain it in a footnote or glossary.
* Make sure the term used to translate this does not refer to females. It may be necessary to translate this with a word or phrase that includes the meaning of "male."

(See also: [How to Translate Unknowns](en/ta-vol1/translate/man/translate-unknown))

(See also: [uncircumcised](../kt/uncircumcised.md), [covenant](../kt/covenant.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Acts 10:44-45](en/tn/act/help/10/44)
* [Acts 11:1-3](en/tn/act/help/11/01)
* [Acts 15:1-2](en/tn/act/help/15/01)
* [Colossians 02:10-12](en/tn/col/help/02/10)
* [Exodus 12:47-48](en/tn/exo/help/12/47)
* [Galatians 05:3-4](en/tn/gal/help/05/03)
* [Genesis 17:9-11](en/tn/gen/help/17/09)
* [Genesis 17:12-14](en/tn/gen/help/17/12)
* [Joshua 05:2-3](en/tn/jos/help/05/02)
* [Philippians 03:1-3](en/tn/php/help/03/01)

## Examples from the Bible stories: ##

* __[05:03](en/tn/obs/help/05/03)__"You must __circumcise__  every male in your family."
* __[05:05](en/tn/obs/help/05/05)__ That day Abraham __circumcised__  all the males in his household.