Genesis 15:4

And, behold, the word of the LORD [came] unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

And, behold, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto him, saying {H559}, This shall not be thine heir {H3423}; but he that shall come forth {H3318} out of thine own bowels {H4578} shall be thine heir {H3423}.

But the word of ADONAI came to him: "This man will not be your heir. No, your heir will be a child from your own body."

Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.”

And, behold, the word of Jehovah came unto him, saying, This man shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

Commentary

Genesis 15:4 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in God's interaction with Abram (later Abraham), directly addressing his concern about an heir. This verse records God's clear and specific promise that Abram's true heir would not be his servant, Eliezer, but a son who would come forth from his own body.

Context

Prior to this verse, Abram had expressed his distress to the LORD about his childlessness, lamenting that his servant, Eliezer of Damascus, was destined to be his heir (see Genesis 15:2-3). This was a significant concern because God had previously promised Abram that he would become a great nation and that his descendants would be as the dust of the earth. God's direct response in verse 4 serves to clarify and reaffirm His divine plan, dispelling Abram's immediate fears and setting the stage for the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Promise and Assurance: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto him" highlights God's direct and authoritative communication. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His faithfulness in reiterating His promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them.
  • The Specificity of the Heir: God explicitly states, "This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir." This clarifies that the promised heir would be a biological son, not an adopted servant, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the forthcoming birth to an elderly couple.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite Abram's age and Sarah's barrenness, God's promise stands firm. This verse is a testament to God's ability to bring about His will, even when it seems humanly impossible, laying a foundation for Abraham's remarkable faith.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The word of the LORD came unto him": This specific phrase (Hebrew: davar YHWH hayah el) signifies a direct, personal, and authoritative revelation from God, often indicating a prophetic message or a covenantal declaration. It emphasizes the divine origin and certainty of the message.
  • "Out of thine own bowels": The Hebrew word for "bowels" (me'ey) in this context refers to one's innermost being, often signifying offspring or direct descendants. It emphatically points to a biological son, distinguishing him from an adopted heir or a servant.

Significance and Application

Genesis 15:4 is crucial because it solidifies the promise of a specific, biological heir through whom God's covenant promises would be fulfilled. This promise was ultimately realized with the birth of Isaac (see Genesis 21:2-3), demonstrating God's perfect timing and unwavering commitment. For believers today, this verse offers profound encouragement:

  • God's Promises Are Sure: Just as God was faithful to Abram, He is faithful to us. Even when circumstances seem bleak or contrary to what we expect, God's word will prevail.
  • Patience and Trust in God's Timing: Abram had to wait many years for the fulfillment of this promise. This reminds us to trust in God's perfect timing, even when it requires patience and perseverance.
  • God Works Supernaturally: The birth of Isaac was a miracle. This verse highlights God's power to accomplish His purposes in ways that defy human logic and ability, inviting us to rely on His supernatural intervention in our lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 17:16 (6 votes)

    And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother] of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

  • Galatians 4:28 (5 votes)

    Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12 (4 votes)

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:21 (3 votes)

    And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

  • Genesis 21:12 (3 votes)

    And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Philemon 1:12 (2 votes)

    Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

  • 2 Samuel 16:11 (1 votes)

    And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.