Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

And I will make of thee {H6213} a great {H1419} nation {H1471}, and I will bless {H1288} thee, and make {H1431} thy name {H8034} great {H1431}; and thou shalt be a blessing {H1293}:

I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you, and I will make your name great; and you are to be a blessing.

I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing:

Commentary

Genesis 12:2 is a pivotal verse in the biblical narrative, detailing God's foundational promises to Abram (later Abraham). It marks the beginning of the Abrahamic Covenant, a central theme throughout the Old and New Testaments, establishing the lineage through which God's redemptive plan for humanity would unfold.

Historical and Cultural Context

Before this declaration, God commanded Abram to leave his homeland, kindred, and father's house in Haran (as seen in Genesis 12:1). This was a radical call to faith and obedience. In the ancient Near East, a large family and a renowned name were paramount for legacy and honor. God's promises here directly address these cultural values, but elevate them with a divine purpose, setting Abram apart for a unique covenant relationship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Abrahamic Covenant: This verse outlines key components of God's unilateral and unconditional promise to Abram, establishing the framework for His relationship with Israel and, ultimately, with all believers.
  • Divine Blessing and Purpose: God promises to "bless thee," signifying an impartation of divine favor, prosperity, and empowerment. This blessing is not for Abram's sole benefit but is intrinsically linked to a greater mission.
  • The Promise of a Great Nation: The assurance, "I will make of thee a great nation," directly addresses the promise of numerous descendants. This lineage would eventually become the nation of Israel, from whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. This promise is foundational to understanding Israel's identity and role in God's plan.
  • Becoming a Channel of Blessing: The crucial phrase, "and thou shalt be a blessing," highlights the broader scope of God's plan. Abram is not merely to receive blessings but to become an instrument through whom others are blessed. This foreshadows the universal reach of God's grace, which is further emphasized in Genesis 12:3, where "all families of the earth shall be blessed" through him.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of "I will" (Hebrew: 'e'eseh, "I will make"; 'avarekhkha, "I will bless"; 'agadillah, "I will make great") emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and unwavering commitment to these promises. The Hebrew word for "bless" (barak) implies an impartation of divine favor, enabling fruitfulness and prosperity in various aspects of life.

Practical Application

Genesis 12:2 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • God's Initiative: It reminds us that God often initiates His work in our lives, calling us to a journey of faith and purpose, much like He called Abram.
  • Blessed to Be a Blessing: Just as Abram was blessed to be a channel of blessing, followers of Christ are called to embody this principle. We receive spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) not merely for our own enjoyment, but to impact our families, communities, and the world with God's love, truth, and grace. Our "great name" might not be worldly fame, but a reputation for godliness and good works that glorify God.
  • Trust in God's Promises: Abram's journey required immense faith, as the fulfillment of these promises took many years (Genesis 15:6). This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term vision and faithfulness, even when His plans unfold over time.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:9 (33 votes)

    And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth.

  • Galatians 3:14 (30 votes)

    That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • Genesis 18:18 (28 votes)

    Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

  • Genesis 17:4 (26 votes)

    ¶ As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

  • Genesis 17:6 (26 votes)

    And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

  • Genesis 28:3 (20 votes)

    And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;

  • Genesis 28:4 (20 votes)

    And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.