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Genesis 17:10 - Divine covenant through circumcision

Genesis 17:10 - בראשית 17:10

Hebrew Text

זֹאת בְּרִיתִי אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁמְרוּ בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם וּבֵין זַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ הִמּוֹל לָכֶם כָּל־זָכָר׃

English Translation

This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every manchild among you shall be circumcised.

Transliteration

Zot briti asher tishmeru beini uveineichem uvein zar'acha achareicha himol lachem kol-zachar.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֹ֣את בְּרִיתִ֞י אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֗וּ בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֥ין זַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ הִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֖ם כׇּל־זָכָֽר׃
זֹ֣את בְּרִיתִ֞י אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֗וּ בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֥ין זַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ הִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֖ם כׇּל־זָכָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Covenant of Circumcision (ברית מילה)

The verse states: "זֹאת בְּרִיתִי אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁמְרוּ בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם וּבֵין זַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ הִמּוֹל לָכֶם כָּל־זָכָר" ("This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every manchild among you shall be circumcised"). This establishes ברית מילה (the covenant of circumcision) as an eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 17:9) emphasizes that the phrase "זֹאת בְּרִיתִי" ("This is My covenant") refers specifically to the mitzvah of מילה (circumcision). He explains that this is the foundational sign of the covenant with Avraham Avinu and his descendants, distinguishing them as Hashem's chosen people.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Milah 1:1), the Rambam teaches that circumcision is one of the 613 mitzvot and is incumbent upon every Jewish male. He notes that its significance is so great that one who neglects it is considered to have transgressed a severe commandment, as it is the physical mark of our relationship with Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Tazria 5) compares circumcision to a seal on a document, symbolizing that the Jewish people are "signed" as Hashem's treasured nation.
  • The Zohar (Lech Lecha 93a) teaches that circumcision completes the human form, elevating the physical body to a higher spiritual state.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) rules that a father is obligated to circumcise his son on the eighth day, as derived from this verse. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 260:1) codifies this as halacha, emphasizing the importance of performing the mitzvah at the proper time.

Spiritual Significance

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (Bereshit 17:9) explains that circumcision represents the subjugation of physical desires to spiritual ideals. By marking the organ of procreation, we dedicate even our most basic human drives to the service of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 132a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the commandment of circumcision and its importance in the covenant between God and Abraham.
📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of circumcision as a divine commandment and its role in the covenant.
📖 Avodah Zarah 27a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the obligations of the covenant and the commandment of circumcision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'This is My covenant... Every manchild among you shall be circumcised' mean?
A: This verse (Genesis 17:10) establishes the covenant of circumcision (brit milah) between Hashem and Avraham, along with all future generations of Jewish males. It is a physical sign of the eternal bond between the Jewish people and G-d, as explained by Rashi and other Torah commentators.
Q: Why is circumcision so important in Judaism?
A: Circumcision (brit milah) is a fundamental mitzvah in Judaism, marking the physical and spiritual covenant between G-d and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that it symbolizes our commitment to refine our physical nature and connect to holiness. It is the first commandment given to Avraham and applies to all Jewish males.
Q: At what age is a Jewish boy circumcised?
A: According to halacha (Jewish law), a baby boy is circumcised on the eighth day after birth, as derived from Genesis 17:12. This applies even if the eighth day falls on Shabbat or Yom Kippur, showing its importance (Talmud, Shabbat 132a). Exceptions are made only for health reasons under rabbinic guidance.
Q: What is the significance of performing brit milah on the eighth day?
A: The Midrash explains that the eighth day represents going beyond nature (since seven represents the natural order of creation). By performing the brit on the eighth day, we show that our covenant with G-d transcends the physical world. Additionally, medical studies have shown this is when a baby's blood clotting factors are optimal.
Q: Does the commandment of circumcision apply to converts to Judaism?
A: Yes, the Talmud (Yevamot 46a) states that a male convert must undergo circumcision as part of the conversion process, just as our forefather Avraham did. This demonstrates his full acceptance of the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people. A convert who cannot medically be circumcised requires special halachic guidance.