To circumcise is to remove the prepuce or foreskin off of a penis. In the Old Testament times, it was used as a holy ritual to consecrate or set apart those who followed God. It was established as a command for the nation of Israel.
(Some cultures practice female circumcision, though this isn’t commanded in the Bible).
The practice did not continue after the death and resurrection of Jesus, as circumcision was no longer deemed necessary. (Even so, some Jewish converts to Christianity, wrongly tried to impose it on others.)
The sacrament of baptism (which is for both genders and all nationalities) is the New Testament replacement for circumcision.
Key verse about Circumcise: This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised (Genesis 17:10, NIV)
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
