Circumcision Through the Ages: History, Physical Effects, and the Covenant with Abraham

Circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) covering the head of the penis, has a long and complex history. From its ancient origins to present day, circumcision has been a subject of religious, cultural, and medical significance. This article will explore the history of circumcision, its physical effects on male sexual function, the biblical account of its institution with Abraham, and an estimation of the number of men subjected to the practice throughout history.

Ancient Origins

Circumcision is one of the oldest surgical procedures, with evidence suggesting it was practiced in ancient Egypt as early as 2400 BCE. Hieroglyphics and ancient artwork depict the ritual, which was likely performed for religious or cultural reasons. The practice was later adopted by other civilizations, including the Hebrews, who incorporated it as a religious rite of passage. In the Roman Empire, circumcision was largely rejected, as it was seen as a mutilation of the body.

Circumcision in the Modern World

In the 19th and 20th centuries, circumcision became increasingly popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The rise in popularity was largely driven by the belief that the procedure had various health benefits, including improved hygiene, reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections, and lower rates of penile cancer. However, in recent decades, many of these claims have been questioned or debunked by medical research.

Today, circumcision remains a common procedure worldwide, with an estimated one-third of males circumcised. Rates vary significantly between regions, with high prevalence in North America, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, and lower rates in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Physical Effects and Damage to Male Sexual Function

The debate surrounding circumcision’s impact on male sexual function has intensified in recent years, with studies producing conflicting results. Here are some key findings on the subject:

1. Sensitivity: Circumcision removes the foreskin, which contains a high concentration of nerve endings. Some studies have found that circumcised men report reduced penile sensitivity, while others have found no significant difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men.
2. Erectile dysfunction: Research on the relationship between circumcision and erectile dysfunction is inconclusive. Some studies suggest a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction in circumcised men, while others have found no significant difference.
3. Sexual satisfaction: Some circumcised men report decreased sexual satisfaction due to reduced sensitivity, while others do not report any significant changes in their sexual experiences. The impact of circumcision on sexual satisfaction appears to be highly individualistic.
4. Complications: Although circumcision is generally considered a safe procedure, complications can occur. These may include infection, bleeding, and, in rare cases, damage to the penis. Some men who experience complications may also experience reduced sexual function or satisfaction.

The Covenant of Circumcision with Abraham

The practice of circumcision has deep religious roots, particularly in Judaism, where it is considered a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. The passage describing the covenant of circumcision can be found in Genesis 17:1-14 of the World English Bible:

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Abram fell on his face. God talked with him, saying, 4 “As for me, behold, my covenant is with you. You will be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 Your name will no longer be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you. 7 I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are traveling, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. I will be their God.”

9 God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins. It will be a token of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old will be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he who is born in the house, or bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring. 13 He who is born in your house, and he who is bought with your money, must be circumcised. My covenant will be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant.”

In this passage, Yahweh establishes a covenant with Abraham, who was then 99 years old. As part of the covenant, God promised to make Abraham the father of a multitude of nations, grant him numerous descendants, and bestow the land of Canaan upon his offspring as an everlasting possession. In return, Abraham and his descendants were required to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant.