Genesis 12:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then Avram traveled on, continuing toward the Negev.

Berean Standard Bible:

And Abram journeyed on toward the Negev.

American Standard Version:

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Abram{H87} journeyed{H5265}, going on{H1980} still{H5265} toward the south{H5045}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Genesis 13:3

  • And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;

Genesis 13:1

  • ¶ And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

Genesis 24:62

  • ¶ And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

Hebrews 11:13

  • These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Hebrews 11:14

  • For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

Psalms 105:13

  • When they went from one nation to another, from [one] kingdom to another people;

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Commentary for Genesis 12:9

Genesis 12:9 is a part of the narrative concerning Abram (later named Abraham), who is a pivotal figure in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). This verse is set within the context of Abram's journey from Haran to Canaan, a region that God promised to show him and give to his descendants (Genesis 12:1-7).

In this particular verse, Abram is continuing his southward journey through the land of Canaan. The themes present in this verse include faith, obedience, and journey. Abram's act of moving his entire household and possessions in response to God's call demonstrates his trust in God's promises and his willingness to obey, even without full knowledge of the outcome. This journey is not just a physical migration but also a spiritual pilgrimage, as Abram seeks the land and the future that God has prepared for him and his offspring.

Historically, this journey would have taken Abram through significant ancient territories, and his movements would have been influenced by the geography and political landscape of the time. The southward direction mentioned in the verse suggests a progression through the Negev, an arid region that posed challenges for travelers and settlers. Abram's journey is emblematic of the nomadic lifestyle common in the ancient Near East, where herders and their families moved with their flocks in search of pasture and water.

This verse is also part of the larger biblical theme of God's guidance and providence. Abram's trust in God's leading sets a precedent for future generations and establishes him as the father of faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. His journey serves as a model for how individuals can respond to divine calling with faith and obedience, despite the uncertainties that lie ahead.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H87
    There are 17014 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַבְרָם
    Transliteration: ʼAbrâm
    Pronunciation: ab-rawm'
    Description: contracted from אֲבִירָם; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham; Abram.
  2. Strong's Number: H5265
    There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָסַע
    Transliteration: nâçaʻ
    Pronunciation: naw-sah'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on ajourney; cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way.
  3. Strong's Number: H1980
    There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: הָלַךְ
    Transliteration: hâlak
    Pronunciation: haw-lak'
    Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl.
  4. Strong's Number: H5045
    There are 98 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נֶגֶב
    Transliteration: negeb
    Pronunciation: neh'-gheb
    Description: from an unused root meaning to be parched; the south (from its drought); specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah, occasionally, Egypt (as south to Palestine); south (country, side, -ward).