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Genesis 17:14 - Covenant broken, soul severed?

Genesis 17:14 - בראשית 17:14

Hebrew Text

וְעָרֵל זָכָר אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יִמּוֹל אֶת־בְּשַׂר עָרְלָתוֹ וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ אֶת־בְּרִיתִי הֵפַר׃

English Translation

And the uncircumcised manchild the flesh of whose foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.

Transliteration

Ve'arel zachar asher lo-yimol et-b'sar orlato venichreta hanefesh hahi me'ameha et-briti hefar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָרֵ֣ל <b>׀</b> זָכָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יִמּוֹל֙ אֶת־בְּשַׂ֣ר עׇרְלָת֔וֹ וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּ֑יהָ אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י הֵפַֽר׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְעָרֵ֣ל ׀ זָכָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יִמּוֹל֙ אֶת־בְּשַׂ֣ר עׇרְלָת֔וֹ וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּ֑יהָ אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י הֵפַֽר׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Severity of Neglecting the Mitzvah of Milah

The verse (Bereishit 17:14) states that an uncircumcised male who fails to perform brit milah (circumcision) violates Hashem's covenant and is subject to karet (being "cut off" from his people). Rashi explains that karet refers to a severe spiritual punishment, either premature death or being deprived of a portion in the World to Come (Olam Haba). The Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:2) emphasizes that circumcision is a foundational mitzvah, as it is the physical sign of the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.

The Covenant of Avraham Avinu

This verse is part of the broader covenant established with Avraham Avinu (Bereishit 17). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:9) teaches that circumcision is so integral to Jewish identity that even if a Jew transgresses other mitzvot, as long as he bears the sign of brit milah, he retains his connection to the Jewish people. However, neglecting this mitzvah represents a rejection of the covenant itself.

Halachic Implications

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 260:1) rules that a father is obligated to circumcise his son on the eighth day, barring medical concerns.
  • The Mishnah (Nedarim 3:11) states that even if one performs all other mitzvot but neglects circumcision, it is as if he has rejected the entire Torah.
  • The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) includes brit milah among the few mitzvot for which a father bears absolute responsibility.

Spiritual Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 2) explains that circumcision symbolizes refining physical desires and dedicating oneself to spiritual growth. The foreskin represents the orlah (spiritual blockage) that must be removed to achieve holiness. The Zohar (Lech Lecha 93a) further teaches that circumcision allows the Divine Presence to dwell upon a person, completing the soul's connection to Hashem.

Exceptions and Considerations

While the verse is stringent, Halacha recognizes exceptions. The Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:18) rules that if a child's health is at risk (e.g., due to jaundice or hemophilia), circumcision is delayed until he is medically stable. The principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) overrides the mitzvah, as preserving life is paramount in Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 132a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of circumcision and the consequences of neglecting this commandment.
📖 Yevamot 72a
The verse is referenced in a debate about the timing and obligation of circumcision, particularly in relation to converts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 17:14 mean?
A: Genesis 17:14 states that a Jewish male who is not circumcised (does not have a brit milah) violates G-d's covenant and is spiritually cut off from the Jewish people. This verse emphasizes the importance of circumcision as a fundamental mitzvah (commandment) in Judaism, as established in the covenant between G-d and Abraham.
Q: Why is circumcision so important in Judaism?
A: Circumcision (brit milah) is a core commandment in Judaism, symbolizing the eternal covenant between G-d and the Jewish people. According to Rashi and other traditional sources, it is a physical and spiritual sign of our connection to G-d and our commitment to Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that circumcision strengthens faith and refines a person's character.
Q: What does 'cut off from his people' mean in Genesis 17:14?
A: The phrase 'cut off from his people' (ונכרתה הנפש ההוא מעמיה) refers to a spiritual separation from the Jewish community and a loss of connection to the afterlife (Olam Haba), as explained in the Talmud (Kiddushin 29b). It underscores the seriousness of neglecting this mitzvah, as it is a foundational part of Jewish identity.
Q: Does this verse apply to converts to Judaism?
A: Yes, according to Jewish law (Halacha), a male convert must undergo circumcision as part of the conversion process, as it is an essential sign of entering the covenant with G-d. The Talmud (Yevamot 46a) discusses this requirement, and the Rambam (Hilchot Milah) confirms that it applies to all Jewish males, whether born Jewish or converted.
Q: What if someone cannot be circumcised for health reasons?
A: If a medical condition makes circumcision dangerous (e.g., hemophilia), Jewish law (Halacha) permits delaying or forgoing it, as preserving life (pikuach nefesh) overrides almost all commandments. A rabbi should be consulted in such cases. The Talmud (Yoma 85b) teaches that saving a life takes precedence over mitzvot.