Definition: And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 17:24. It’s a really significant passage about God’s promise to Abraham and the beginning of his covenant with him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is promising that Abraham will be a very long and fruitful man. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Abraham…” : This refers to Abraham, who was a very important figure in the story of the Bible. “…was ninety years old and nine…” : This tells us how old he was at the time this promise was made. It's a long age! “…when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.” : This is where it gets interesting. “Circumcised” means to cut a piece of skin around Abraham’s penis. The Bible says God cut this piece of skin. "In the flesh of his foreskin" means that the cutting was done during his life – it wasn't a one-time event. So, what does this all mean? It’s a symbolic promise. It signifies that God is establishing a special relationship with Abraham and that he will be blessed with a long and significant life. The circumcision is seen as a sign of this covenant – a binding agreement between God and Abraham. Why was this important? This verse is often interpreted as a key part of the story of Genesis, which tells us that God made a special promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and become the ancestor of many people. It's a foundational moment in the creation story and a cornerstone of Jewish tradition. Important Note: It’s worth noting that this specific detail – the circumcision – is debated among scholars. Some believe it was a symbolic act, while others argue it had a more practical purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 17? Discuss the significance of this verse in a broader context (like the story of Noah)?