ἐπισπάομαι

I become uncircumcised

Definition

The verb ἐπισπάομαι (epispaomai) is a middle voice verb meaning 'to draw over' or 'to pull forward.' In its sole New Testament occurrence, it carries the specific sense of 'to become uncircumcised' or 'to reverse circumcision,' a practice known in the ancient world as epispasm. This involved a surgical procedure or method to restore the appearance of a foreskin. The term is used metaphorically by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:18 to address the issue of whether a circumcised man should seek to undo his circumcision upon converting to Christianity. The word encapsulates the physical act and the symbolic rejection of a Jewish identity marker.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 7:18. Paul employs it in a discussion about maintaining one's social and religious status upon conversion: 'Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision (μὴ ἐπισπάσθω).' The context is Paul's teaching that external religious signs are not essential for salvation in Christ; believers should remain in the condition they were in when called by God.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') combined with the verb σπάω (spaō, 'to draw' or 'to pull'). The middle voice form, ἐπισπάομαι, indicates the subject acts upon itself—'to draw over upon oneself.' It literally means to draw the foreskin forward over the glans, hence the specific meaning related to reversing circumcision.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on the early church's struggle with the role of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, for Gentile believers. Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:18, using this specific term, underscores the doctrine that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by adherence to Jewish ceremonial law. Understanding this Greek term clarifies that Paul was addressing a real, historical practice and reinforcing that one's physical state or ethnic identity does not determine standing before God in the new covenant.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, circumcision was a distinctive marker of Jewish identity, often viewed with disdain in Greek and Roman culture. Some Jewish men, particularly those involved in athletics or public life in Hellenistic cities, underwent epispasm (the process described by ἐπισπάομαι) to conceal their circumcision and avoid social stigma or persecution. This cultural pressure informs Paul's pastoral response, as some Jewish converts might have felt compelled to reverse their circumcision to fit into Gentile society.

περιτέμνω (peritemnō, G4059) — to circumcise; the direct opposite action. ἀκροβυστία (akrobystia, G203) — uncircumcision; the state of being uncircumcised.

Word Details

Scripture References