The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 17:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Abraham was ninety and nine years old, when he circumcised the flesh of his foreskin.

Douay-Rheims

וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם בֶּן־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים וָתֵ֖שַׁע שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִמֹּל֖וֹ בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Consider that the Scriptures provide the duration of years with a meaningful intent: this serves to highlight the profound obedience of the faithful one, who, despite his advanced age, persevered through his affliction (circumcision) out of reverence for God's command. Thus, the Scriptures detail the number of years for this purpose.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.