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Genesis 17:27 - Abraham's household embraces covenant

Genesis 17:27 - בראשית 17:27

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־אַנְשֵׁי בֵיתוֹ יְלִיד בָּיִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּסֶף מֵאֵת בֶּן־נֵכָר נִמֹּלוּ אִתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of a stranger, were circumcised with him.

Transliteration

Vechol anshei beito yelid bayit umiknat kesef me'et ben nechar nimolu ito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־אַנְשֵׁ֤י בֵיתוֹ֙ יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֖סֶף מֵאֵ֣ת בֶּן־נֵכָ֑ר נִמֹּ֖לוּ אִתּֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְכׇל־אַנְשֵׁ֤י בֵיתוֹ֙ יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֖סֶף מֵאֵ֣ת בֶּן־נֵכָ֑ר נִמֹּ֖לוּ אִתּֽוֹ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 17:27) describes Avraham Avinu's fulfillment of the mitzvah of brit milah (circumcision) for himself and all the males of his household, following Hashem's commandment earlier in the chapter. The verse emphasizes the inclusivity of this mitzvah, applying not only to those born into Avraham's household but also to those acquired through purchase.

Interpretation of "Yelid Bayit" and "Miknat Kesef"

Rashi explains that "yelid bayit" refers to slaves born into Avraham's household, while "miknat kesef" refers to slaves purchased from non-Jews. The inclusion of both categories demonstrates Avraham's complete commitment to fulfilling Hashem's commandment without exception.

The Significance of Including Servants

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:8) derives from this verse that a Jewish household must ensure all male members - including servants - enter into the covenant of Avraham. This teaches that the spiritual environment of a Jewish home must extend to all its inhabitants.

Spiritual Implications

  • The Kli Yakar notes that this mass circumcision represented the first formal entry of multiple souls into the covenant with Hashem, setting a precedent for future generations.
  • The Sforno emphasizes that this act demonstrated Avraham's role as a spiritual leader, bringing others under the wings of the Shechinah.

Halachic Derivations

The Talmud (Yevamot 46a) discusses how this verse informs the halachic requirements for converting non-Jewish servants, establishing that circumcision alone (without immersion) was sufficient for servants in Avraham's time, though this changed after the giving of the Torah at Sinai.

Moral Lesson

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this verse teaches the responsibility of Jewish leadership to bring all under their influence into proper service of Hashem, creating a unified household dedicated to divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 59b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligation of circumcision for non-Jews and the extent of Abraham's commitment to the commandment.
📖 Avodah Zarah 3a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the righteous among the nations and their relationship to Jewish commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 17:27 mean?
A: Genesis 17:27 describes how Avraham (Abraham) fulfilled the commandment of circumcision (brit milah) not only for himself but also for all the males in his household—both those born into his home and those purchased as servants. This shows his complete obedience to Hashem's command (Rashi on Genesis 17:23).
Q: Why was circumcision performed on Avraham's entire household?
A: Circumcision was performed on Avraham's entire household because the covenant (brit) with Hashem applied not only to Avraham and his descendants but also to those under his authority. This demonstrated unity in serving Hashem and set a precedent for future generations (Rambam, Hilchot Milah 1:6).
Q: What can we learn from Avraham circumcising his household?
A: We learn the importance of leadership in mitzvot (commandments). Avraham didn’t just fulfill the mitzvah himself—he ensured his entire household did so as well, teaching us to inspire others in Torah observance (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 47:9).
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today?
A: Yes! This verse teaches that Jewish households should be unified in mitzvah observance. Just as Avraham ensured his household followed Hashem’s command, parents today must educate their children and household in Torah values (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 260:1).
Q: Why does the verse mention 'bought with money'?
A: The Torah emphasizes that even servants acquired through purchase were included in the covenant, showing that anyone under Jewish authority must adhere to Torah laws. This highlights the responsibility of Jewish masters to guide their households in mitzvot (Talmud, Yevamot 46a).