Genesis 17:4

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

As for me {H589}, behold, my covenant {H1285} is with thee, and thou shalt be a father {H1} of many {H1995} nations {H1471}.

"As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father of many nations.

โ€œAs for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.

As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations.

Commentary

Genesis 17:4 (KJV) is a powerful declaration from God to Abram, reaffirming and expanding the foundational covenant established between them. This verse sets the stage for a significant transformation in Abram's life and destiny, highlighting God's faithfulness and the vast scope of His promises.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial encounter between God and Abram, occurring when Abram is ninety-nine years old. It follows years after God's initial promise of descendants in Genesis 15, where Abram believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness. In Genesis 17, God appears to Abram to formalize and reiterate the terms of the covenant, introducing the sign of circumcision and preparing Abram for a new identity and purpose, directly leading to the change of his name from Abram to Abraham.

Key Themes

  • God's Unilateral Covenant: The phrase "As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee" emphasizes that this is God's initiative, a divine commitment based on His character, not on Abram's merit. It underscores God's faithfulness to His promises.
  • Promise of Numerous Descendants: The core promise, "thou shalt be a father of many nations," signifies an extraordinary multiplication of Abram's lineage. This is not merely about physical descendants but also about spiritual posterity, extending to all who would later share his faith.
  • Divine Transformation: This declaration foreshadows the immediate name change from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of a multitude"), signifying a new identity and purpose directly tied to God's expansive promise.
  • Global Scope: The promise of "many nations" indicates that God's plan through Abraham would have a far-reaching impact, extending beyond a single tribe or people to encompass a diverse multitude.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covenant" here is berit (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), which denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party. The phrase "father of many nations" (ืื‘ ื”ืžื•ืŸ ื’ื•ื™ื - av hamon goyim) is particularly significant as it explains the forthcoming change of Abram's name to Abraham. The word hamon itself carries the idea of a multitude or a great company, directly linking the new name to the vastness of the promised lineage.

Related Scriptures

This foundational verse finds echoes throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul frequently references Abraham's faith and the nature of this covenant, particularly in relation to justification by faith. For instance, in Romans 4:16-17, Paul explains how Abraham became the "father of all them that believe," regardless of their physical lineage. Similarly, Galatians 3:7 states that "they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."

Practical Application

Genesis 17:4 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a covenant-keeping God whose promises are sure, even when they seem impossible from a human perspective. It encourages us to trust in God's vast and often unpredictable plans, knowing that His purposes extend far beyond our immediate understanding. Furthermore, it highlights how God can transform our identity and destiny to fulfill His greater purposes, calling us to a faith that looks beyond present circumstances to the multitude of possibilities in His hands.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 35:11 (6 votes)

    And God said unto him, I [am] God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

  • Genesis 12:2 (4 votes)

    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:

  • Galatians 3:28 (4 votes)

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 3:29 (4 votes)

    And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

  • Romans 4:11 (4 votes)

    And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

  • Romans 4:18 (4 votes)

    Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

  • Genesis 48:19 (2 votes)

    And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.