Genesis 17:12

he that is eight days old The performance of the rite at this early age is distinctive of the Israelite usage. Cf. Genesis 21:4; Leviticus 12:3; Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21; Philippians 3:5. The operation at this exceedingly early age (see note on Genesis 17:25) is probably for the purpose (1) of including all males, (2) of coinciding with the first period of the mother's uncleanness, Leviticus 12:2-3, (3) of inflicting the smallest degree of suffering.

every male The important principle is here laid down that the rite is to be required of every male member of the household. All slaves are to be circumcised, both those "born in the house" (cf. Genesis 14:14), and those "bought with money" (cf. Exodus 12:44). It was thus that the first principles of charity were interwoven with the foundation of the Chosen People. The privileges of the covenant relation are at once extended beyond the literal seed of Abraham.