Genesis 17:2

KJV

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H5414} my covenant {H1285} between me and thee, and will multiply {H7235} thee exceedingly {H3966}{H3966}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will increase your numbers greatly."

Berean Standard Bible

I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”

American Standard Version

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 17:2 marks a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic narrative, as God reappears to Abram after thirteen years of silence, powerfully reaffirming and expanding His covenant promises. This verse unequivocally declares God's sovereign initiative in establishing a solemn, binding agreement with Abram ("And I will make my covenant between me and thee") and reiterates the foundational promise of an immense posterity ("and will multiply thee exceedingly"), setting the immediate stage for the institution of circumcision and the explicit promise of Isaac's birth through Sarah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 17 opens with God's appearance to Abram when he is ninety-nine years old, thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael ([Genesis 16:16](/genesis/16-16 "Genesis 16:16 - Ishmael's Age")). This divine encounter represents a profound re-engagement following a significant period of divine silence, during which Abram's life had continued without explicit new divine direction concerning the promised heir. The chapter immediately follows the account of Sarai giving Hagar to Abram, an attempt to fulfill God's promise through human ingenuity, which resulted in Ishmael's birth. In this pivotal chapter, God not only reconfirms His covenant but also changes Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah, institutes circumcision as the perpetual sign of the covenant, and explicitly promises a son, Isaac, through Sarah. Verse 2 serves as the initial, powerful declaration of God's renewed commitment, emphasizing the unilateral and binding nature of His promise to Abram.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants were foundational to social, political, and religious life, often involving solemn oaths, rituals, and sacrifices (like "cutting a covenant," which the Hebrew term implies). The concept of an heir was paramount in ancient patriarchal societies, as a large lineage ensured continuity, strength, and legacy. Barrenness was considered a great misfortune, and the lack of an heir was a significant personal and social crisis. Abram and Sarai's advanced age (99 and 89 respectively) made the promise of "exceeding multiplication" humanly impossible, highlighting the supernatural nature of God's intervention. Furthermore, the practice of a barren wife giving her maidservant to her husband to bear children on her behalf (as Sarai did with Hagar in [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Hagar and Ishmael")) was a recognized cultural practice, yet God's re-engagement here corrects this human attempt, emphasizing that His divine plan would unfold through His chosen means, not human contrivance.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 17:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises despite human failure or the passage of time. It reinforces the **Sovereignty of God**, as He initiates and guarantees the covenant's fulfillment, independent of human ability or merit. The verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**, specifically the promise of **Innumerable Descendants**, which began with the initial call in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Promise of Great Nation") and was reiterated in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Stars as Descendants"). This promise of a vast lineage is not merely physical but foreshadows a spiritual multitude, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical story of redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 17:2 is a concise yet immensely powerful declaration, foundational to understanding the Abrahamic covenant. It encapsulates two core components of God's renewed promise to Abram: the establishment of a unique relationship and the assurance of an innumerable lineage.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** (H1285) This term, derived from a root meaning "to cut," refers to a solemn, binding agreement or compact. In the biblical context, it often signifies a relationship initiated by God, establishing terms and obligations, and sealed by an oath or ritual. Here, it underscores the formal, unbreakable nature of the relationship God is establishing with Abram, emphasizing its divine origin and unilateral guarantee.
* **make (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give," "put," "appoint," or "make." In the phrase "I will make my covenant," it highlights God's active, sovereign agency. He is not merely proposing a covenant but powerfully bringing it into existence, demonstrating His absolute authority and initiative in establishing this foundational relationship with Abram.
* **multiply (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** (H7235) This root means "to increase," "be great," or "abound." Coupled with the intensive adverb _mᵉʼôd_ (H3966), meaning "exceedingly" or "very," the phrase "multiply thee exceedingly" forms a powerful emphatic construction. This signifies not just a quantitative increase but an overwhelming, superabundant multiplication of descendants, far beyond any human expectation or natural capacity, underscoring the miraculous nature of God's promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make my covenant between me and thee":** This clause highlights God's sovereign initiative and the exclusive, personal nature of the solemn agreement. The "I will make" emphasizes God as the primary actor and guarantor, establishing the terms and ensuring its fulfillment. This covenant is not a negotiation but a divine declaration, setting Abram apart for a unique purpose and establishing an intimate, direct relationship between the Almighty and His chosen servant. It is a re-establishment and expansion of the unconditional promises made earlier, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness.
* **"and will multiply thee exceedingly":** This declaration reiterates and powerfully intensifies a promise previously hinted at (e.g., [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Promise of Innumerable Descendants")). The emphatic Hebrew construction conveys the vastness and certainty of the promised increase in descendants. It signifies that Abram would become the father of not just a few, but a multitude of nations and peoples, far beyond any human expectation or capacity. This divine certainty, conveyed through the declarative "I will multiply," underscores the absolute dependability of God's word and His commitment to bring His promises to fruition, even in the face of human impossibility.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 17:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, as God directly addresses Abram, lending immense authority and weight to the words. The use of the first-person singular "I will make" and "I will multiply" emphasizes God's **Sovereign Agency** and His unilateral commitment to the covenant. Furthermore, the phrase "multiply thee exceedingly" utilizes **Intensification** through the repetition inherent in the Hebrew construction (_harbâ harbeh_), literally "multiplying, I will multiply." This emphatic repetition serves as a powerful **Hyperbole**, conveying the vastness and certainty of the promised increase in descendants, assuring Abram of a lineage far beyond human comprehension or natural means. This divine declaration also functions as a **Covenant Formula**, setting the tone for the subsequent details of the Abrahamic covenant in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 17:2 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign initiative in establishing His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that the covenant originates solely from God's will, not from human merit or performance, showcasing His character as a covenant-keeping God who is utterly dependable. This verse serves as a crucial reaffirmation and expansion of the Abrahamic Covenant, establishing the foundational framework for God's interaction with humanity throughout history. The emphatic language underscores the absolute certainty and power of God's promises, which will inevitably come to pass, irrespective of human limitations or circumstances. The pledge to "multiply thee exceedingly" signifies not only a physical lineage but also foreshadows the spiritual multitude of believers who would later be counted as Abraham's true descendants through faith, extending the scope of the covenant beyond ethnic boundaries.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Promise of a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Stars as Descendants")
* [Romans 4:16-17](/romans/4-16-17 "Romans 4:16-17 - Abraham, Father of Many Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 17:2 offers profound encouragement and insight for believers today, reminding us of the unshakeable nature of God's promises. Just as God remained faithful to Abram despite a long period of silence and human attempts to fulfill divine promises through their own means, we are reminded that God is utterly dependable in His word and His commitments to us. Our circumstances, no matter how challenging, seemingly impossible, or marked by our own impatience, do not limit His power or His perfect plans. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's covenant faithfulness, understanding that His commitments are secure and His purposes will prevail, even when the path is unclear or delayed. Furthermore, the promise of "exceeding multiplication" can be understood not only physically but also spiritually, encouraging us to embrace God's desire to bless and multiply the impact of our lives for His kingdom, enabling us to be a blessing to others as we walk in faithful reliance upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's initiative in making the covenant challenge or affirm your understanding of His relationship with humanity?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "help God out" rather than trusting in His timing and method, similar to Abram and Sarai?**
* **How does the promise to "multiply thee exceedingly" encourage your faith regarding God's ability to work beyond your natural limitations?**

### FAQ

**What does "covenant" (berît) signify in Genesis 17:2?**

Answer: In Genesis 17:2, *berît* (בְּרִית) signifies a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God. It is primarily a unilateral covenant, meaning God is the primary party establishing the terms and guaranteeing its fulfillment. This emphasizes God's sovereign commitment to Abram, rather than a reciprocal agreement based solely on human merit. It establishes a unique, enduring relationship between God and Abram, and by extension, his descendants.

**How is the promise to "multiply thee exceedingly" fulfilled?**

Answer: The promise to "multiply thee exceedingly" has a multi-faceted fulfillment. Primarily, it refers to the physical descendants of Abraham, who became the vast nation of Israel. However, it also extends to a profound spiritual fulfillment: through faith in Christ, all believers, regardless of their ethnic background, are considered the spiritual "seed" of Abraham, inheriting the blessings of the covenant ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Spiritual Descendants of Abraham")). This encompasses a vast, innumerable multitude from every nation, tribe, and tongue, fulfilling God's promise on a global, spiritual scale.

**Does God's statement "I will make my covenant" imply any conditions on Abram's part?**

Answer: In Genesis 17:2, the emphasis is squarely on God's initiative ("I will make"). The initial establishment of the covenant itself is presented as God's sovereign, unconditional act, rooted in His faithfulness rather than Abram's prior actions. While subsequent verses in the chapter introduce circumcision as a sign and a requirement for Abraham's household ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Sign of Circumcision")), these are responses to, and signs of belonging to, a covenant already graciously established by God. The covenant is fundamentally a promise, though it does call for a faithful response from Abram and his descendants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 17:2, with its declaration of God's covenant and the powerful promise to "multiply thee exceedingly," finds its ultimate and most expansive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "covenant" established with Abraham, though initially for a physical lineage and a specific land, always pointed to a greater spiritual reality and a universal blessing. Through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ is the Seed")), the promise of "exceeding multiplication" is realized in the vast, spiritual family of God, comprising all who believe in Him. As [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise") affirms, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Thus, the blessing promised to Abraham—that he would be the father of many nations ([Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - Abraham, Father of Many Nations"))—is fulfilled in the global church, where believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are brought into covenant relationship with God through Christ, experiencing the ultimate multiplication of spiritual descendants and the full scope of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

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

Genesis 17:4

¶ As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Genesis 17:6

And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 13:16

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Psalms 105:8

¶ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations.

Psalms 105:11

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: