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G1986 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπισπάομαι
epispaomai
Verb
To draw over, to become uncircumcised

Definition

From G1909 (epi, upon) and G4685 (spao, to draw). A technical medical term for surgically reversing circumcision — pulling the foreskin forward. Used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:18, where he tells believers not to attempt this procedure.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul's instruction 'Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised (epispaomai)' (1 Cor 7:18) addresses a real practice in the Greco-Roman world: Jewish men who underwent painful surgery to reverse circumcision in order to fit into Greek gymnasiums and society. Paul's point cuts both ways: neither adding circumcision (for Gentiles) nor removing it (for Jews) matters. What matters is 'keeping the commandments of God' (1 Cor 7:19). The theological principle is liberation: in Christ, identity is not determined by physical marks or cultural conformity, but by faith and obedience.

Key Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 7:18
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Galatians 5:6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Romans 2:28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.

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