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The specific covenant sign God established with Abraham, requiring circumcision of every male. Genesis 17:10-14 commands, 'Every male among you shall be circumcised... It will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.' Circumcision was performed on the eighth day (Genesis 17:12). The rite signified belonging to God's covenant community. Stephen noted that Abraham 'gave him the covenant of circumcision' (Acts 7:8). Yet from early on, the prophets emphasized its spiritual meaning: 'Circumcise your hearts' (Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4). Romans 2:28-29 distinguishes outward circumcision from true circumcision 'of the heart, by the Spirit.' Colossians 2:11 speaks of believers' spiritual circumcision in Christ.