Genesis 15:9

KJV

And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, Take {H3947} me an heifer {H5697} of three years old {H8027}, and a she goat {H5795} of three years old {H8027}, and a ram {H352} of three years old {H8027}, and a turtledove {H8449}, and a young pigeon {H1469}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered him, "Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a dove and a young pigeon."

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old, and a she-goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 15:9 records God's specific instructions to Abram concerning the animals required for a solemn covenant ceremony. This divine directive details the procurement of a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon, all intended for a ritual that would formally ratify the extraordinary promises God had made to Abram regarding his numerous descendants and the inheritance of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Genesis chapter 15, which serves as the foundational account of the Abrahamic Covenant. Immediately prior, Abram has expressed his concern about being childless, prompting God to reiterate and expand upon His promise of an innumerable offspring, likening them to the stars in the sky ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants")). Crucially, Abram's belief in this divine assurance is explicitly stated to be "counted to him as righteousness" ([Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Abram's Faith Accounted as Righteousness")). Following this declaration of faith and righteousness, God initiates the formal covenant-making process by giving Abram these precise instructions for gathering the animals. The subsequent verses detail the cutting of these animals and God's dramatic appearance as a smoking firepot and flaming torch, passing between the pieces, thereby ratifying the covenant in a culturally significant "covenant of cutting" ritual ([Genesis 15:17-18](/genesis/15-17 "The Covenant Ceremony and Ratification")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ritual described in Genesis 15:9-17, often referred to as a "covenant of cutting" (*berith karat*), was a well-attested practice in the ancient Near East. In such ceremonies, parties entering into a solemn agreement would typically cut animals in half and walk between the divided pieces. This act symbolized the dire consequences—a self-malediction—that would befall either party if they broke the covenant, essentially saying, "May I become like these animals if I fail to uphold my end of the agreement." The specificity of the animals (heifer, she-goat, ram, turtledove, young pigeon) points to common sacrificial animals used in the region, and their age ("three years old") likely indicated prime maturity, signifying a complete and valuable offering. The inclusion of both large animals and birds also reflects a comprehensive range of sacrificial types, later echoed in Mosaic Law's provisions for various economic statuses.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 15:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is **Covenant and Promise**, as this verse initiates the formal establishment of the Abrahamic Covenant, which becomes the bedrock of God's redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for all nations. It underscores God's **Divine Initiative and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God takes the lead in confirming His word, not waiting for Abram to initiate, thereby showcasing His unwavering commitment to His promises. Furthermore, the selection of specific animals and the subsequent ritual foreshadow the central biblical theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, pointing to the necessity of blood-shedding for the ratification of covenants and the forgiveness of sins, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The concept of **Righteousness by Faith**, established in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Abram's Faith Accounted as Righteousness"), is also reinforced, as God's response to Abram's faith is to provide a tangible sign of His commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 15:9 marks the divine initiation of a profound covenant ritual, often referred to as a "covenant of cutting" (Hebrew: *berith karat*), a practice common in the ancient Near East. God's command to Abram is precise and laden with significance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say" or "to speak," used with great latitude. In this context, it signifies a divine utterance, a direct command from God to Abram, highlighting the authoritative and intentional nature of the instructions. It is not a suggestion but a clear directive that initiates the covenant ceremony.
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to accept, fetch, or receive. Here, it is an imperative verb, emphasizing Abram's immediate and active role in procuring the specific animals. It conveys the necessity of his participation in preparing for the sacred ritual.
* **three years old (Hebrew, _shâlash'_):** A primitive root, perhaps originally meaning "to intensify" or "to treble," and used as a denominative from the word for "three." It signifies being triplicate or in the third stage. In this verse, applied to the heifer, she-goat, and ram, it denotes their prime maturity, indicating that they are robust, healthy, and valuable offerings. This age likely symbolizes completeness, strength, or a period of readiness for the sacred purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine speaker (God) and the recipient (Abram), emphasizing that the following instructions are a direct, personal, and authoritative command from the Almighty. It sets a tone of solemnity and importance for what is about to be revealed.
* **"Take me an heifer of three years old,"**: God commands Abram to procure a female bovine in its prime. The "three years old" specification ensures the animal is mature, healthy, and of significant value, making it a worthy offering for a covenant of such magnitude. This animal would be one of the larger, more substantial sacrifices.
* **"and a she goat of three years old,"**: Similar to the heifer, a female goat of prime age is required. Goats were common sacrificial animals in the ancient world, and their inclusion alongside cattle indicates a comprehensive selection for the ritual. The age again emphasizes maturity and value.
* **"and a ram of three years old,"**: A male sheep, also in its prime, completes the trio of larger, mature animals. Rams were frequently used in offerings, symbolizing strength and leadership. The repetition of "three years old" for these three animals underscores their prime condition and the meticulousness of God's instructions.
* **"and a turtledove,"**: The inclusion of a turtledove, a smaller, pure bird, introduces a different category of sacrificial animal. These birds were accessible to those of lesser means and would later be prescribed in the Mosaic Law as acceptable offerings for certain situations, demonstrating God's provision for all.
* **"and a young pigeon."**: Completing the list, a young pigeon, similar to the turtledove, further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the required offerings. Its inclusion ensures that both larger, more costly animals and smaller, more accessible birds are represented, signifying the all-encompassing nature of the covenant and God's meticulous attention to detail in its establishment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Command** is paramount, as God directly issues precise instructions to Abram, underscoring His sovereignty and the non-negotiable nature of the covenant ritual. The **Repetition** of "of three years old" for the heifer, she-goat, and ram serves to emphasize the specific maturity and prime condition required for these animals, highlighting the value and completeness of the offering. This repetition also creates a rhythmic, solemn tone. The detailed list of animals itself functions as **Symbolism**, as each animal type would later be recognized within the Mosaic Law as suitable for sacrifice, thereby **Foreshadowing** the future sacrificial system and the necessity of blood atonement in God's redemptive plan. The very act of taking these animals initiates a **Ritualistic Preparation**, setting the stage for the profound "covenant of cutting" that follows, imbuing the scene with a sense of sacred purpose and impending divine action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 15:9 is not merely a list of animals; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's covenant with humanity and the means by which it is established. This divine instruction underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulousness in initiating and ratifying His promises. The specific requirements for the animals—their type, age, and number—speak to the seriousness and sanctity of the covenant, demonstrating that God's agreements are not made lightly but with precise, divinely ordained terms. This scene prefigures the necessity of sacrifice and blood-shedding in covenant-making, a theme that runs throughout the biblical narrative and points to the ultimate sacrifice required for the New Covenant. It also highlights God's unwavering faithfulness, as He takes the initiative to confirm His word to Abram in a tangible, culturally understandable way, thereby solidifying the promise made to a man who had simply believed.

* [Leviticus 1:2-3](/leviticus/1-2 "Types of Animal Offerings in the Law")
* [Jeremiah 34:18-20](/jeremiah/34-18-20 "Covenant of Cutting in Jeremiah")
* [Hebrews 9:18-22](/hebrews/9-18-22 "Necessity of Blood for Covenant Ratification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 15:9 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's promises are not abstract but are often confirmed through tangible, divinely ordained actions. Abram's immediate obedience to these detailed instructions, even when the full scope of the ritual was unclear, exemplifies the nature of true faith—a faith that trusts God's word and acts upon it. This passage encourages us to take God's covenants and promises seriously, recognizing His unwavering commitment to His word. Just as God initiated and confirmed His promise to Abram with such specificity, we are called to respond with diligent obedience and unwavering trust, knowing that His faithfulness endures through all generations. It prompts us to consider how God might be calling us to tangible acts of faith in response to His promises in our lives, even when the full picture is not yet revealed. Our obedience, like Abram's, becomes a testament to our belief in God's character and His unfailing word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous instruction to Abram in this verse challenge my own understanding of obedience to divine commands?**
* **In what ways does this ancient covenant ritual deepen my appreciation for the seriousness and binding nature of God's promises to us today?**
* **What specific, tangible actions might God be calling me to take in response to His promises in my life, even if the outcome is not yet fully clear?**

### FAQ
**Why did God specify "three years old" for the larger animals?**

Answer: The age "three years old" for the heifer, she-goat, and ram likely signifies that these animals were in their prime, mature, and thus represented a complete and valuable offering. In ancient cultures, animals of this age were considered robust and healthy, ensuring they were unblemished and fit for a sacred covenant. This age may also carry symbolic meaning, possibly representing completeness, stability, or even a foreshadowing of the three days between Christ's death and resurrection, or the third day of resurrection itself. It underscores the high value and perfection required for the covenant sacrifice.

**What is the significance of including both large animals and birds in the offering?**

Answer: The inclusion of both large animals (heifer, she-goat, ram) and birds (turtledove, young pigeon) reflects a comprehensive representation of sacrificial animals. Later, in the Mosaic Law, birds were permitted as offerings for those who could not afford larger animals ([Leviticus 5:7](/leviticus/5-7 "Offerings for the Poor")), demonstrating God's provision for all socio-economic levels to participate in atonement and covenant rituals. Here, it may signify that the covenant's scope is all-encompassing, or simply that various types of common sacrificial animals were required for the ritual to fully represent the breadth of the impending covenant and the ultimate sacrifice it prefigured.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The covenant ritual initiated in Genesis 15:9, involving the cutting of animals and the shedding of blood, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The animals offered here prefigure the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Christ, whose death established the New Covenant, providing forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Just as the covenant with Abram was confirmed through a solemn, bloody ritual, the new and better covenant is secured by Christ's singular, all-sufficient sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")). This ancient act points forward to the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the deepest meaning of covenant and redemption. Through His shed blood, Christ became the mediator of a [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), making possible a relationship with God based not on animal sacrifices but on His perfect and final offering, which cleanses us from all sin and grants us eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ's Death for the Redemption of S Transgressions")).

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

Leviticus 14:22

And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

Leviticus 14:30

And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;

Luke 2:24

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Leviticus 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:6

¶ And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD [be] of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

Leviticus 9:2

And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer [them] before the LORD.

Leviticus 1:14

And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD [be] of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.