Old Testament
Intimacy
This website is not connected with, nor endorsed by, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Views here are those of the authors. The information provided here is intended to help fellow members discuss, study and weigh in on an uncomfortable topic in a faith promoting environment: Therefore, no explicit images are displayed. Articles here are typically sympathetic towards the abrahamic practice but skeptical towards the modern practice. We earnestly challenge you, our reader, to sincerely study and to ask God your hard questions about ancient biblical circumcision and modern posthectomy
Joseph Smith Translation
The Joseph Smith Translation also known as the Inspired Version provides some insight and several new questions. A church news editorial stated the following about the JST:
The Inspired Version does not supplant the King James Version as the official Church version of the Bible, but the explanations and changes made by the Prophet Joseph Smith provide enlightenment and useful commentary on many biblical passages
The Joseph Smith Translation doesn't appear to be a complete restoration of the Bible to its original texts but corrections and explanations that may shed more light on certain passages. For example section 74 of Doctrine and Covenants is an explanation of an incomplete passage in the Bible and the JST doesn't comment on that same passage. In short, the JST doesn't give a complete picture.
Here is the only addition (underlined) to biblical passages on circumcision. It is when circumcision is first instituted.
11 And I will establish a covenant of circumcision with thee, and it shall be my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations; that thou mayest know forever that children are not accountable before me until they are eight years old.
12 And thou shalt observe to keep all my covenants wherein I covenanted with thy fathers; and thou shalt keep the commandments which I have given thee with mine own mouth, and I will be a God unto thee and thy seed after thee.
The most obvious difference is "eight years old" rather than eight days old. Note also that within the same chapter of the JST, it reads (emphasis added):
17 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations;
Also note that all other references to eight days old are not changed to eight years old in the JST.
Study Questions:
-
Is circumcision somehow a symbol of innocence that signifies accountability at eight years old? What might be missing in the Lord's explanation?
-
Is it possible that circumcisions were originally prescribed to be done at 8 years old when boys would be old enough to make a covenant for themselves? What about all of the other references to 8 days old?
-
What do you think about 8 as the age of accountability? Are 8-year olds completely accountable? Is anyone completely accountable?