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Genesis 17:12 - Covenant's sign at eight days?

Genesis 17:12 - בראשית 17:12

Hebrew Text

וּבֶן־שְׁמֹנַת יָמִים יִמּוֹל לָכֶם כָּל־זָכָר לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם יְלִיד בָּיִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּסֶף מִכֹּל בֶּן־נֵכָר אֲשֶׁר לֹא מִזַּרְעֲךָ הוּא׃

English Translation

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every manchild in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, who is not of thy seed.

Transliteration

U-ven-shmonat yamim yimol lakhem kol-zakhar l'doroteikhem yelid bayit u-miknat-kesef mi-kol ben-neikhar asher lo mi-zar'akha hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבֶן־שְׁמֹנַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֛ם כׇּל־זָכָ֖ר לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֙סֶף֙ מִכֹּ֣ל בֶּן־נֵכָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹ֥א מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא׃
וּבֶן־שְׁמֹנַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֛ם כׇּל־זָכָ֖ר לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֙סֶף֙ מִכֹּ֣ל בֶּן־נֵכָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹ֥א מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Milah on the Eighth Day

The verse (Bereishit 17:12) establishes the commandment of brit milah (circumcision) for male infants on the eighth day after birth. Rashi explains that the Torah specifies the eighth day to teach that even if the child is born on Shabbat, the brit milah overrides Shabbat restrictions, as it must be performed precisely on the eighth day. The Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:18) further clarifies that this timing is optimal for the child's health, as the infant gains sufficient strength by this day.

Inclusion of All Male Members of the Household

The verse extends the obligation to three categories of males:

  • Yelid Bayit (born in the house): Rashi interprets this as referring to a child born to a maidservant owned by the household, even if the father is not Jewish. The Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:7) rules that such a child requires circumcision as a sign of entering Avraham's covenant.
  • Miknat Kesef (bought with money): This includes non-Jewish slaves purchased by a Jew, who must be circumcised as part of their conversion process (Talmud Yevamot 46a).
  • Ben Nechar (stranger not of your seed): The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 27a) explains this excludes descendants of Eisav and Yishmael, as they are considered "of your seed" in a broader familial sense.

Perpetual Covenant for All Generations

The phrase l'doroteichem (for your generations) emphasizes the eternal nature of this commandment. The Sforno notes that this mitzvah applies in all circumstances - whether the Jewish people reside in their land or in exile. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:9) connects this to the promise that the Jewish people will endure forever, with brit milah serving as an everlasting sign of our unique relationship with Hashem.

Spiritual Significance of the Eighth Day

The Kli Yakar offers a profound insight: the number seven represents the natural order (e.g., seven days of creation), while eight symbolizes transcendence of nature. Circumcision on the eighth day demonstrates that the Jewish people are elevated above mere natural existence through their covenant with the Divine. This aligns with the Zohar's teaching that brit milah completes the human form, bringing the child into full spiritual potential.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 132a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper time for circumcision, emphasizing that it should be performed on the eighth day.
📖 Yevamot 71b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the inclusion of converts and slaves in the commandment of circumcision.
📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the laws of circumcision and its applicability to all male descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is circumcision performed on the eighth day according to Genesis 17:12?
A: According to Jewish tradition, the eighth day is chosen for circumcision (brit milah) because it represents the ideal time when the newborn has had a week to stabilize physically, yet is still in a state of purity. The Talmud (Shabbat 135b) explains that the eighth day ensures the baby is strong enough for the procedure. Additionally, the number seven symbolizes the natural world (as in the seven days of Creation), while eight represents going beyond nature—connecting the child to the covenant with Hashem.
Q: Does Genesis 17:12 require converts to be circumcised?
A: Yes, the verse includes 'he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger,' which our sages interpret as extending the mitzvah of circumcision to converts (gerim) and their households. The Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:6) states that a male convert must undergo circumcision as part of the conversion process, just as our forefather Avraham did when he entered the covenant.
Q: What is the significance of circumcision in Judaism based on this verse?
A: Circumcision (brit milah) is a foundational covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, first commanded to Avraham in Genesis 17. Rashi explains that it is an eternal sign of our unique relationship with Hashem. The physical act represents a spiritual commitment to live by Torah values. The Talmud (Nedarim 31b) also teaches that circumcision completes a person, elevating both body and soul.
Q: Can circumcision be delayed if the baby is unwell?
A: Yes, the Torah’s commandment to circumcise on the eighth day is overridden by the higher priority of preserving life (pikuach nefesh). The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 263:1) rules that if a baby is ill or weak, the brit milah is postponed until a doctor confirms it is safe. Health always takes precedence in Jewish law.
Q: Why does Genesis 17:12 specify 'every male in your generations'?
A: The phrase 'לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם' (for your generations) emphasizes that this mitzvah is eternal and binding for all future descendants of Avraham. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:9) teaches that this covenant cannot be broken, and the Rambam (Hilchot Milah 3:1) states that neglecting circumcision is a severe transgression, as it rejects this foundational bond with Hashem.