Concept Detail

Circumcision

glossary_term

The rite prescribed in Judaism and other cultures which involves cutting off the foreskin of a male. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and his people Israel and prefigured the rite of Christian initiation in Baptism. Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth in accord with Jewish law

← Back to concept map

Catechism Passages

Passages ranked by relevance to Circumcision, from most closely related outward.

§527 CHAPTER TWO I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD

Jesus' Circumcision, on the eighth day after his birth, 209 is the sign of his incorporation into Abraham's descendants, into the people of the covenant. It is the sign of his submission to the Law 210 and his deputation to Israel's worship, in which he will participate throughout his life. This sign prefigures that "circumcision of Christ" which is Baptism. 211

Catechism of the Catholic Church © Libreria Editrice Vaticana