Genesis 15:13

KJV

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto Abram {H87}, Know {H3045} of a surety {H3045} that thy seed {H2233} shall be a stranger {H1616} in a land {H776} that is not theirs, and shall serve {H5647} them; and they shall afflict {H6031} them four {H702} hundred {H3967} years {H8141};

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Avram, "Know this for certain: your descendants will be foreigners in a land that is not theirs. They will be slaves and held in oppression there four hundred years.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

American Standard Version

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 15:13 records a pivotal prophetic declaration from God to Abram, revealing that his descendants would endure a 400-year period of sojourning, servitude, and severe affliction in a foreign land before their eventual deliverance and inheritance of the promised land. This divine foreknowledge underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His redemptive purpose, even through foreseen periods of intense hardship for His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the profound covenant-making ceremony between God and Abram in Genesis 15, often referred to as the "Covenant of the Pieces." Immediately preceding this, Abram expresses his concern about his childlessness, and God responds by reaffirming His promise of innumerable descendants, likening them to the stars ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise to Abram")). God then commands Abram to prepare for a solemn covenant ritual involving divided animals ([Genesis 15:9-10](/genesis/15-9-10 "The Covenant Ceremony Begins")). Before the formal ratification of the covenant, while Abram is in a deep sleep, God provides this detailed prophetic insight into the future of his "seed," including a challenging period of foreign oppression. This prophecy serves as a foundational narrative for the entire Exodus account and demonstrates the comprehensive, long-term nature of God's divine plan, which encompasses both blessing and trials.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant ceremony described in Genesis 15, involving the cutting of animals and the covenanting parties passing between the pieces, reflects ancient Near Eastern treaty practices. Such rituals symbolized the dire consequences (being cut in pieces) for breaking the covenant. By God alone passing through the pieces (symbolized by the smoking furnace and burning lamp in [Genesis 15:17](/genesis/15-17 "The Divine Ratification of the Covenant")), He unilaterally guarantees the covenant's fulfillment, placing the entire burden of its success upon Himself. The mention of "strangers" and "serving them" would resonate with the concept of resident aliens (gerim) in ancient societies, who lacked full rights and were often vulnerable. The prophecy of a 400-year affliction foreshadows the later Egyptian bondage, a powerful historical event that would define Israel's national identity and their understanding of God as their deliverer.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 15:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **God's absolute sovereignty and foreknowledge** over human history, demonstrating that even periods of suffering are part of His divine plan. It reinforces the theme of **God's unwavering covenant faithfulness**, showing that His promises will be fulfilled despite immense obstacles and delays. The concept of Abram's "seed" being "strangers" and "afflicted" introduces the theme of **Israel's identity as sojourners** in the world, distinct from the surrounding nations and often facing opposition, a theme that recurs throughout their history (e.g., [Psalm 105:23-25](/psalms/105-23-25 "God's Care for Israel in Egypt")). Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for the powerful theme of **divine deliverance and redemption**, setting the stage for the Exodus as a monumental act of God's saving power, where He would bring His people out with great substance, as foretold in [Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's Promise of Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ʼâmar (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say" and is used with great latitude, encompassing declaring, commanding, promising, and thinking. In Genesis 15:13, "And he said unto Abram," it signifies a direct, authoritative, and intentional divine communication, emphasizing that this is a deliberate revelation from God to Abram, not a mere suggestion or observation.
* **yâdaʻ (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to know," often implying to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, or to be aware. The phrase "Know of a surety" (KJV) translates the Hebrew infinitive absolute *yāḏōaʿ* followed by the finite verb *tēḏaʿ*, creating an emphatic construction. This repetition underscores absolute certainty and divine assurance. It is not merely a prediction but a divinely guaranteed and decreed future event that Abram can be absolutely sure will come to pass.
* **gêr (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** From the root *gûr* (to sojourn), this word properly means "a guest," but by implication, "a foreigner," "alien," or "sojourner." When God declares that Abram's "seed shall be a stranger," it denotes their status as resident aliens in a land not their own, lacking inherent rights or permanent belonging. This accurately describes the Israelites' experience in Egypt, initially welcomed but ultimately without land rights, becoming dependent and vulnerable.
* **ʻâbad (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to work" in any sense, but by implication, "to serve" or "to enslave." When God states "and shall serve them," it directly foretells the forced labor and bondage that Abram's descendants would endure. This service would not be voluntary but compelled, leading to their oppression.
* **ʻânâh (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to depress literally or figuratively," "to afflict," "to humble," or "to distress." The phrase "and they shall afflict them" indicates a period of severe hardship, cruelty, and emotional and physical suffering. This word precisely describes the harsh treatment and brutal oppression the Israelites would experience under the Egyptian pharaohs, as detailed in the book of Exodus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety":** This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and the absolute certainty of the prophecy. God Himself is speaking, and the emphatic Hebrew construction ("knowing, know") demands Abram's full attention and confidence in the truth of what is about to be revealed. It's a divine declaration of an unalterable future.
* **"that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs":** God reveals that Abram's descendants, the future Israelite nation, will not immediately inherit the promised land. Instead, they will live as resident aliens or foreigners in a country that does not belong to them. This accurately foreshadows their eventual sojourn in Egypt, where they would reside without inherent land rights, dependent on the host nation, yet remaining distinct from it.
* **"and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them":** This clause details the severe nature of their foreign sojourn. Not only will they be strangers, but they will be subjected to forced labor and cruel oppression by the inhabitants of that land. This is a direct prophetic vision of the harsh bondage and systematic affliction the Israelites would suffer under the Egyptian pharaohs, including forced labor, infanticide, and various forms of dehumanization.
* **"four hundred years;":** This precise duration specifies the length of this period of sojourning, servitude, and affliction. This timeframe is significant, marking a divinely appointed period of testing, growth, and preparation for the Israelite nation. While other biblical texts might refer to a slightly longer period (e.g., 430 years in [Exodus 12:40](/exodus/12-40 "The Sojourn of the Children of Israel")), the 400 years specifically highlights the period of intense oppression leading up to the Exodus, setting the stage for God's dramatic act of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 15:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as God directly reveals future events to Abram, providing a detailed outline of his descendants' experience over centuries. This specific foretelling of a period of sojourning, servitude, and affliction, culminating in a precise duration, highlights God's **Omniscience** and **Sovereignty** over history. The use of the infinitive absolute with the finite verb in "Know of a surety" (Hebrew: *yāḏōaʿ tēḏaʿ*) is a powerful form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute certainty and divine guarantee of the prophecy. Furthermore, the description of Abram's "seed" as "stranger" (*ger*) functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the entire narrative of the Exodus and establishing a recurring theme of Israel's identity as sojourners and pilgrims, distinct from the nations around them. The specific numerical detail of "four hundred years" provides a concrete element that lends credibility and precision to the divine word, functioning as a marker of divine control over time and history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 15:13 is a profound revelation of God's character and His intricate plan for humanity. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over history, showing that even the suffering of His chosen people is not outside His knowledge or control but is woven into His larger redemptive purposes. This prophecy, given within the context of a covenant, powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, assuring Abram that despite foreseen hardship, His word will ultimately come to pass. The period of affliction in Egypt served a crucial redemptive purpose: it allowed the Israelites to multiply into a great nation, forged their collective identity under oppression, and prepared them for the unique covenant relationship at Sinai, demonstrating that God uses adversity as a crucible for His people's growth and His glory.

* [Deuteronomy 26:5](/deuteronomy/26-5 "The Confession of Firstfruits") - Recounts Israel's history as a "perishing Syrian" (referring to Jacob/Israel) who went down to Egypt and became a great nation, oppressed there.
* [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8-14 "The Oppression of Israel in Egypt") - Details the fulfillment of the prophecy, describing how the Egyptians enslaved and afflicted the Israelites with harsh labor.
* [Psalm 105:23-25](/psalms/105-23-25 "God's Care for Israel in Egypt") - Remembers God's bringing Israel to Egypt as sojourners and their subsequent oppression, emphasizing God's role in their growth and eventual deliverance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 15:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, primarily calling us to cultivate unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign control over all circumstances, including periods of deep suffering and apparent delay. Just as God meticulously planned for Israel's deliverance after their long and arduous affliction, we can find profound hope and assurance that our own trials, difficulties, and seasons of waiting are never outside of His divine knowledge or ultimate redemptive purpose. This verse encourages us to endure with steadfast faith, knowing that God uses challenging seasons—which may feel like foreign lands of affliction—to refine our character, deepen our dependence on Him, demonstrate His power, and ultimately fulfill His promises in ways that far exceed our immediate understanding. It reminds us that even in our deepest valleys, God is actively working towards our ultimate good and His glorious redemption, shaping us for His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's foreknowledge of Israel's affliction in Egypt strengthen your trust in His sovereignty over your own life's challenges?**
* **In what ways might a period of "being a stranger" or "afflicted" serve a purpose in your spiritual growth or preparation for God's future plans for you?**
* **How can the certainty of God's promises, even amidst foreseen hardship, encourage you to persevere when circumstances seem bleak or delayed?**

### FAQ
**Why did God reveal this future hardship to Abram?**

Answer: God revealed this hardship to Abram primarily to demonstrate His absolute foreknowledge and sovereignty over history, assuring Abram that His covenant promises were not contingent on human circumstances but on His divine plan. It also served to prepare Abram and, by extension, his descendants for the long wait and the eventual suffering they would endure, reinforcing the certainty of God's ultimate deliverance and the fulfillment of the land promise. This revelation also highlights that God's plan is comprehensive, encompassing both blessing and the necessary trials that refine His people and set the stage for His greater glory, as seen in the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus").

**What is the significance of the "four hundred years" of affliction?**

Answer: The "four hundred years" signifies a divinely appointed and precise period of testing, growth, and preparation for the Israelite nation. This duration allowed for their demographic growth from a small family into a multitude, fulfilling God's promise of numerous descendants ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Descendants to Abram")). It also served as a crucible to forge their national identity under oppression, separating them from the idolatry of Egypt and preparing them for the unique covenant relationship at Mount Sinai. This specific timeframe sets the stage for God's spectacular demonstration of power in the Exodus, which would establish His name and covenant with them on a grand scale, proving His faithfulness to Abram's descendants.

**How does this prophecy relate to the Exodus from Egypt?**

Answer: Genesis 15:13 is a direct and precise prophecy of the events that culminate in the Exodus. The "land [that is] not theirs" is Egypt, where Abram's descendants became "strangers" and were "afflicted" for "four hundred years." The book of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") provides the historical fulfillment of this prophecy, detailing how the Israelites multiplied greatly, were enslaved by a new pharaoh who "knew not Joseph" ([Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "The New King in Egypt")), and suffered severe oppression. God then remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "God Hears the Cry of Israel")), and delivered His people from bondage with a mighty hand, precisely as foretold in [Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's Promise of Deliverance and Wealth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 15:13, while specifically foretelling Israel's sojourn and suffering in Egypt, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment through the lens of redemptive history. Just as Israel, God's chosen people, endured a period of alienation and severe affliction before their miraculous deliverance into the promised land, so too does Christ identify with and ultimately fulfill this pattern. He became a "stranger" in His own land, rejected by many ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Comes to His Own")), and bore the ultimate affliction on the cross, suffering for the sins of humanity ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant")). His sacrifice is the ultimate act of deliverance, freeing humanity from the bondage of sin and death, a spiritual slavery far more profound than that in Egypt ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Crucified with Christ")). Furthermore, believers in Christ are called "strangers and pilgrims" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Exhortation to Holy Living")) in this world, awaiting their true inheritance in the heavenly city ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Faith of the Patriarchs and the Heavenly Homeland")). Christ's redemptive work brings His new covenant people into the glorious freedom of God's kingdom ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Freedom in Christ")), fulfilling the pattern of suffering leading to glorious salvation established in this early prophecy to Abram.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:6

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years.

Acts 7:7

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Exodus 1:11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Acts 7:17

¶ But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

Exodus 12:40

Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, [was] four hundred and thirty years.

Exodus 12:41

And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

Exodus 1:1

¶ Now these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.