Foreskin
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Foreskin in the Bible?
The foreskin, or prepuce, is the fold of skin covering the glans penis. In ancient Israelite tradition, its removal through circumcision served as the physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, a ritual typically performed on male infants on the eighth day after birth.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the foreskin as the specific anatomical element removed in circumcision clarifies the tangible nature of the Abrahamic covenant. This understanding illuminates biblical passages where uncircumcision symbolizes spiritual rebellion or hardness of heart, while circumcision represents a dedicated relationship with God, thereby deepening the interpretation of prophetic metaphors regarding inner purification and covenantal fidelity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Foreskin in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.