UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to conceal circumcision, to extend the foreskin

Semantic entry: 53.52

Semantic domains: Religious Activities

Subdomains: Dedicate, Consecrate

Definition: (a technical and medical term) to pull the foreskin over the end of the penis as a means of concealing former circumcision

Notes: A literal and descriptive rendering of ἐπισπάομαι could prove to be quite vulgar in some languages. Furthermore, such a practice might seem to be medically impossible or absurd, so that in general, translators have used some such expression as ‘do not conceal the circumcision’ or ‘do not change the circumcision to appear like uncircumcision,’ but often some additional marginal note is required if people are to understand satisfactorily what is involved.