Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

But in the fourth {H7243} generation {H1755} they shall come hither {H2008} again {H7725}: for the iniquity {H5771} of the Amorites {H567} is not yet {H2008} full {H8003}.

Only in the fourth generation will your descendants come back here, because only then will the Emori be ripe for punishment."

In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 15:16 is part of a pivotal moment in biblical history: God's covenant with Abraham. In this chapter, God makes a solemn promise to Abraham, confirming that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan. Earlier in the chapter, God foretells a period of four hundred years of affliction for Abraham's descendants in a foreign land (Egypt, as later revealed). Verse 16 explains why the immediate possession of the land by Abraham's family was delayed, providing a profound insight into God's justice and timing regarding the current inhabitants of Canaan, primarily referred to here as the "Amorites."

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Patience: God's judgment is not arbitrary or hasty. He patiently waits for the sin of a nation or people to reach a certain threshold before bringing judgment. This demonstrates His righteousness and reluctance to punish.
  • God's Perfect Timing: The verse underscores that the fulfillment of God's promises operates on His divine timetable, which takes into account the moral state of all parties involved. The Israelites would return only when God deemed the time was right for both their deliverance and the Amorites' judgment.
  • Consequences of Persistent Sin: The "fullness of iniquity" highlights that continued, unrepentant sin leads to inevitable divine judgment and dispossession. The Amorites' wickedness was steadily accumulating.
  • The Land Promise: While delayed, the verse reaffirms that the land of Canaan was indeed destined for Abraham's descendants, but its transfer was tied to God's just dealings with its current inhabitants.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full" carries significant weight. The Hebrew word for "iniquity" (ʿāwōn - Χ’ΦΈΧ•ΦΉΧŸ) denotes perversity, guilt, or the punishment for sin. It implies a moral twisting or deviation from God's standard. The concept of it being "not yet full" (from the root shalam, meaning "to be complete" or "full") suggests a moral cup of wickedness that is slowly filling up. God, in His patience, waits until that cup overflows, signifying that their actions have reached a point where divine intervention and judgment are warranted. This reflects a deep theological principle of God's long-suffering before enacting judgment.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for a general audience:

  • God's Patience with Humanity: Just as God was patient with the Amorites, He extends patience to individuals and nations today, offering time for repentance before judgment. This divine patience is echoed in passages like 2 Peter 3:9, which speaks of God's longsuffering, not willing that any should perish.
  • The Reality of Sin's Consequences: The "fullness of iniquity" serves as a stark reminder that persistent, unrepentant sin has severe consequences. The wickedness of these nations, particularly their idolatry, sexual immorality, and child sacrifice, is detailed elsewhere in scripture, showing the depth of their depravity.
  • Trusting God's Timing: When God's promises or our prayers seem delayed, this verse encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and sovereign plan. He sees the full picture and acts justly and wisely.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 21:26 (11 votes)

    And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all [things] as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

  • Daniel 8:23 (9 votes)

    And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

  • Matthew 23:32 (7 votes)

    Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

  • Matthew 23:35 (7 votes)

    That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16 (6 votes)

    Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • Exodus 12:40 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Peter 3:8 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.