Definition: And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 17:11. It's a really important passage in Jewish tradition and has a lot of meaning about God’s relationship with humanity. Here’s what it says, explained simply: What it means: This verse describes a ritual circumcision performed on the foreskin – the skin covering on the front part of your eye – of a newborn baby boy. It's a sign of a covenant, which is basically a special agreement or promise between God and humanity. Here’s a breakdown: “And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin” : This means the Jewish people (and later Christians who trace their roots back to Judaism) were instructed to cut a small piece of skin from the boy's foreskin, right where it meets the cheek. It’s a physical act. “And it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you” : This is the key part. The circumcision isn’t just about a physical action; it symbolizes a binding agreement. "Covenant" means a promise or agreement. God made this covenant with Noah, and then with all of humanity, to protect them and bless them. This act of cutting the foreskin is a visible reminder that we are part of God's plan and have been chosen. It’s like saying, “We’re in this together.” In essence, it’s a symbolic declaration: “I am God, and you are my people. By this act, I make a promise to protect and bless you.” Important Context (Briefly): This practice was part of the Jewish Law, which was established before Jesus' time. It was believed to be a way for God to establish his covenant with Israel and ensure their protection. It wasn’t required for all Jews, but it was a significant and important tradition within Judaism. Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is so important in Jewish history? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse over time? Talk about how this practice relates to other religious traditions?