Genesis 15:15

KJV

And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt go {H935} to thy fathers {H1} in peace {H7965}; thou shalt be buried {H6912} in a good {H2896} old age {H7872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for you, you will join your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age.

Berean Standard Bible

You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.

American Standard Version

But thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Delivers a profound and comforting assurance from God to Abram, nestled within the solemn declaration of the Abrahamic covenant. This verse specifically promises Abram a peaceful and honorable end to his earthly life, culminating in a burial at a venerable old age, thereby underscoring God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness concerning His servant's personal future and the fulfillment of His divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral and deeply personal component of the broader covenant God established with Abram in [Genesis chapter 15](/genesis/15 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). The chapter opens with Abram expressing his deep concern about his childlessness and the lack of an heir to inherit God's promises ([Genesis 15:2-3](/genesis/15-2-3 "Abram's concern about an heir")). In response, God not only reaffirms His extraordinary promises of countless descendants and the land ([Genesis 15:4-7](/genesis/15-4-7 "God's promises reaffirmed")) but also condescends to enter into a formal, binding covenant ceremony. This ceremony is vividly symbolized by a smoking furnace and a burning lamp passing between divided animal pieces, a ritual signifying a unilateral, unconditional commitment from God ([Genesis 15:9-18](/genesis/15-9-18 "The Covenant Ceremony")). Amidst this weighty declaration of future blessings for Abram's descendants and the prophecy of Israel's sojourn in Egypt ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Prophecy of Israel's sojourn in Egypt")), God provides Abram with this deeply personal assurance regarding his own passing. It serves as a profound comfort and a guarantee of God's benevolent plan for his life, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness even concerning the end of one's days, ensuring that Abram himself would experience the blessing of the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concepts of longevity, a peaceful death, and a proper burial were highly valued and universally regarded as significant blessings and signs of divine favor. To die "in a good old age" was not merely about the number of years, but about completing one's life honorably, having seen one's descendants, and being gathered to one's ancestors in peace. This contrasted sharply with an untimely, violent, or dishonorable death, which was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure. The phrase "go to thy fathers" was a common idiom for death, implying a peaceful transition to the realm of the deceased ancestors, often associated with a family burial plot. This cultural understanding amplifies the comfort and significance of God's promise to Abram, assuring him that his life would culminate in a blessed and honored end, free from the anxieties of a premature or violent demise.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 15:15](/genesis/15-15 "God's promise to Abram") contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness** and **Covenant Assurance**. God's specific promise concerning Abram's death, given amidst grander promises, underscores His meticulous care for every detail of Abram's life, demonstrating His reliability to fulfill every aspect of His word. It also highlights the theme of **Blessing and Longevity** as a tangible sign of God's favor, a concept frequently seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Honor your father and mother"), [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1-2 "The blessings of wisdom")). The promise of dying "in peace" introduces the theme of **Shalom**, a holistic well-being that extends even to the moment of death, signifying completeness and divine favor. Furthermore, this verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Continuity and Hope Beyond Life**, as being "gathered to one's fathers" hints at a collective existence beyond the grave, even if the full theological implications of the afterlife were not yet fully revealed. This personal assurance reinforces the overarching theme of God's comprehensive providence over the lives of His chosen servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of [Genesis 15:15](/genesis/15-15 "Abram's peaceful end") states: "And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age." This verse contains two distinct yet interconnected promises regarding Abram's death.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This primitive word denotes a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application of "father." In this context, it refers to Abram's ancestors, signifying a joining of the lineage of the deceased. The idiom "go to thy fathers" implies a peaceful and natural death, where one is gathered to their forebears, rather than a violent or premature end.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be safe" or "complete," _shâlôwm_ encompasses far more than merely the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and a state of divine favor. To die "in peace" means to depart from life in a state of spiritual and physical well-being, free from distress, violence, or unfulfilled promises, resting securely in God's blessing and having completed one's life's course.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, used in its widest sense, describes something as beautiful, best, bountiful, cheerful, favorable, fine, glad, joyful, kindly, pleasant, and prosperous. When applied to "old age," it implies not just longevity, but a life that has been well-lived, blessed by God, and brought to a fulfilling, honorable conclusion. It speaks of a life marked by divine favor and completion, culminating in a respected burial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace":** This clause uses a common Hebrew idiom for death, signifying a peaceful transition to the realm of the deceased or, more literally, being gathered to one's ancestors. The addition of "in peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) is crucial. It promises not just death, but a death characterized by wholeness, well-being, and a state of divine favor. Abram would not die a violent or premature death, nor would his end be marked by turmoil or unfulfilled promises. Instead, he would depart from life in a state of tranquility and rest, having completed his journey under God's benevolent hand.
* **"thou shalt be buried in a good old age":** This second clause reinforces and elaborates on the first. It assures Abram of longevity and a full life. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a long life culminating in a proper burial was highly valued and universally regarded as a sign of divine favor, righteousness, and a life well-lived. This promise contrasts sharply with the untimely or dishonorable deaths that could befall individuals. It assures Abram that his life, despite its challenges and wanderings, would reach its natural, blessed conclusion, marked by completion, honor, and the respect of a proper burial. This specific prophecy was indeed fulfilled, as recorded in [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham's death"), where Abraham died "in a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people."

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "thou shalt go to thy fathers" is a classic **Idiom**, a common expression whose meaning is not directly deducible from the individual words. It serves as a euphemism for death, specifically implying a peaceful and natural passing where one joins their deceased ancestors. This idiom carries connotations of continuity and a collective destiny. The promise of being "buried in a good old age" functions as **Prophecy** and **Assurance**, a direct divine declaration of a future event that provides comfort and certainty. Furthermore, the concept of a "good old age" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just numerical longevity, but a life blessed by God, marked by fulfillment, honor, and divine favor. The entire verse, through its straightforward yet profound language, acts as a powerful **Affirmation** of God's meticulous providence, even over the most personal aspects of human existence—life and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 15:15](/genesis/15-15 "God's promise of peace to Abram") stands as a powerful testament to God's comprehensive providence and unwavering covenant faithfulness. It highlights that God's care extends beyond grand national destinies to the intimate details of an individual's life and death. The promise of a peaceful end and a burial in a "good old age" signifies God's blessing and the completion of a life lived in faith. This assurance would have been a profound comfort to Abram, who faced many uncertainties and challenges throughout his journey. It underscores the biblical theme that a life lived in obedience and trust in God is ultimately blessed, culminating in a tranquil departure, secure in God's presence.

* [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham's death and burial"): This verse records the precise fulfillment of God's promise to Abram, noting that Abraham "died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people," demonstrating God's perfect faithfulness.
* [Psalm 37:37](/psalm/37-37 "The end of the upright"): "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." This psalm echoes the promise of a peaceful end for the righteous, reinforcing the concept of divine blessing in death.
* [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"): "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." This New Testament passage provides the ultimate spiritual fulfillment of a "peaceful end" for believers, promising rest and blessing in Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [Genesis 15:15](/genesis/15-15 "God's promise of peace") offers profound comfort and a powerful reminder of God's comprehensive providence. It assures us that God holds our times in His hand, and His benevolent plan for our lives extends even to our final moments. This verse encourages deep trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that a life lived in faith, like Abram's, can anticipate a peaceful and fulfilling end, regardless of its specific duration. While not every believer may physically live to a "good old age," the promise of peace in God's presence at the end of life remains a central hope for all who are in Christ. The New Testament echoes this concept, promising [rest for those who die in the Lord](/revelation/14-13 "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"). This verse also implicitly emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God, thereby anticipating a blessed transition when our earthly journey is complete and we are gathered to Him, not just to human ancestors, but ultimately to the Lord Himself. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting God with both our days and our final destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a "peaceful" end and "good old age" to Abram challenge or comfort your own anxieties about death and the future?**
* **In what ways can a Christian today experience the "peace" and "goodness" promised in this verse, even if physical longevity is not guaranteed?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's meticulous care for individuals, even amidst His grand plans for nations and covenants?**

### FAQ
**What does "go to thy fathers" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "go to thy fathers" is a common Hebrew idiom for death, signifying a peaceful transition to the afterlife or, more literally, being gathered to one's ancestors in the grave. It implies a natural, honorable death, joining the lineage of the deceased, rather than a violent or premature end. It does not necessarily convey a specific theological concept of the afterlife or heaven, but rather a dignified and collective passing.

**Was this promise of a peaceful, long life fulfilled for Abraham?**

Answer: Yes, this promise was literally and faithfully fulfilled. [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham's death") records that Abraham "died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people," precisely as God had promised him decades earlier. This fulfillment serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 15:15](/genesis/15-15 "Abram's peaceful death") is a direct, personal promise to Abram concerning his earthly lifespan and death, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ. Abram's "peace" in death, and his "gathering to his fathers," prefigures the greater peace and eternal rest that believers receive through Jesus Christ. Christ, through His death and resurrection, has conquered death itself, transforming the grave from a place of finality into a passageway to eternal life and fellowship with God ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the resurrection and the life")). For those who are "in Christ," the promise of a "good old age" is not merely about physical longevity but about the completeness and perfection of life found in Him, culminating in the resurrection and eternal fellowship with God and all the saints ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ, the firstfruits of resurrection")). Our true "fathers" are not just our physical ancestors, but God Himself, to whom we are gathered through Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who guarantees our peaceful and eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's victory over death")). Through Christ, the sting of death is removed, and believers can face their end with the ultimate peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord ([Philippians 1:21-23](/philippians/1-21-23 "To live is Christ, to die is gain")).

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

Job 5:26

Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

Genesis 25:7

And these [are] the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.

Genesis 25:9

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which [is] before Mamre;

2 Chronicles 34:28

Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

Numbers 27:13

And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.

Daniel 12:13

But go thou thy way till the end [be]: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

1 Chronicles 29:28

And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.