περιτομή (peritomē)
peritomē
circumcision
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word peritomē refers to the physical act or rite of circumcision, as well as the resulting state of being circumcised. In the New Testament, it appears thirty-two times, frequently in Paul’s letters such as Romans and Galatians, where the term carries significant theological weight. It denotes the covenant sign given to Abraham, marking a distinct identity for the Jewish people.
The sources highlight that peritomē extends beyond the physical procedure to describe a group of people. Phrases like "those of the circumcision" serve as a metonymy for Jews or Jewish Christians, distinguishing them from Gentiles. This usage appears in passages describing Peter’s interaction with Cornelius’s household and Paul’s division of labor among the apostles.
A crucial development in the text is the metaphorical use of the word. Paul contrasts physical circumcision with a "circumcision of the heart" or a spiritual cutting away of sinful nature, as seen in Romans 2:29 and Colossians 2:11. This shift redefines the covenant community not by bodily marks but by the work of the Spirit, emphasizing internal transformation over external ritual.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peritomē marks the physical sign of God’s covenant with Abraham, establishing a distinct identity for His people. In the New Testament, this term carries deep theological weight as early Christians navigated the relationship between Jewish heritage and the new faith in Christ. It reminds us that God honors history and tradition while inviting all believers into a shared spiritual reality.
Paul’s letters reveal a profound shift from external ritual to internal transformation. He teaches that true belonging is not defined by bodily marks but by the work of the Spirit within. This perspective invites us to focus on the condition of our hearts, seeking integrity and faith rather than mere outward conformity.
Ultimately, this word points to a universal hope where distinctions fade in Christ. Whether rooted in ancient tradition or new faith, every believer is called to walk in the steps of Abraham’s trust. This shared journey unites us across cultures, grounding our identity in grace and the transformative power of love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- circumcision17×
- [the] circumcision5×
- circumcision,2×
- Circumcision2×
- with [the] circumcision1×
- of circumcision;1×
- of circumcision,1×
- of circumcision1×
- of [the] circumcision1×
- circumcision?1×
- circumcision —1×
- circumcision [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιτομῆς8×
- περιτομῇ5×
- περιτομὴν5×
- περιτομῆς,4×
- περιτομή3×
- περιτομὴ3×
- περιτομῆς·2×
- περιτομήν,2×
- περιτομή,2×
- περιτομῆς;1×
- Περιτομὴ1×
Key Verses
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Acts 7:8
He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
This verse anchors the rite in God’s original covenant with Abraham, showing its divine origin before it became a cultural marker.
-
Romans 2:29
but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
Here Paul redefines the term spiritually, arguing that true circumcision is an inward work of the Spirit rather than a physical act.
-
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision amounts to anything, but faith working through love.
Paul uses this word to emphasize that in Christ, external status is irrelevant compared to faith active through love.
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Acts 10:45
They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles.
This occurrence highlights the shock and wonder of early believers as the Holy Spirit was poured out on Gentiles without prior circumcision.