Genesis 17:6

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

And I will make {H6509} thee exceeding {H3966}{H3966} fruitful {H6509}, and I will make {H5414} nations {H1471} of thee, and kings {H4428} shall come out {H3318} of thee.

I will cause you to be very fruitful. I will make nations of you, kings will descend from you.

I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you.

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

Commentary

Genesis 17:6 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of God's covenant with Abram, whose name is changed to Abraham shortly after in this chapter (see Genesis 17:5). Here, God reiterates and expands upon His magnificent promises, specifically focusing on the patriarch's future progeny and influence.

Context of the Promise

This divine declaration is part of the Abrahamic Covenant, first initiated in Genesis 12:2. In Genesis 17, God appears to Abraham when he is ninety-nine years old, establishing circumcision as the sign of the covenant and promising a son, Isaac, through Sarah. Verse 6 specifically amplifies the aspect of descendants, moving beyond merely a "great nation" to "nations" and "kings," underscoring the immense scope of God's plan for Abraham's lineage and the fulfillment of His earlier promise of innumerable descendants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Divine Faithfulness: The verse powerfully demonstrates God's commitment to His promises, even when human circumstances (like Abraham's and Sarah's old age) seem to defy them. It highlights God's sovereign ability to bring about what He declares, demonstrating His divine faithfulness.
  • Supernatural Fruitfulness: The phrase "exceeding fruitful" emphasizes a miraculous and abundant multiplication of descendants. This promise extends beyond physical progeny to include a spiritual lineage, as seen in the New Testament concept of all who believe being children of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:7).
  • Foundation of Nations: The promise "I will make nations of thee" signifies that Abraham would be the progenitor not just of Israel, but of various peoples. This includes descendants through Ishmael and Keturah, expanding the scope of his influence across the ancient world.
  • Royal Lineage: The declaration "and kings shall come out of thee" is a direct prophecy of royalty emerging from Abraham's line. This was fulfilled through the Davidic monarchy in Israel and ultimately points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the King of kings, who descended from Abraham (Revelation 19:16).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "exceeding fruitful" is pārāh pārāh, a repetition of the verb "to be fruitful," intensifying the meaning to "be fruitful, exceedingly" or "multiply greatly." This linguistic emphasis underscores the extraordinary nature of the promise. The word for "nations," goyim, often refers to ethnic groups or Gentiles, indicating a broad scope of descendants beyond just the chosen people of Israel. "Kings," mělākîm, clearly denotes rulers and monarchs, solidifying the promise of significant leadership and authority stemming from Abraham.

Practical Application and Reflection

Genesis 17:6 reminds us of God's boundless power and faithfulness to His word. For believers today, it serves as an encouragement that God's plans are grander than we can imagine, often unfolding over generations. It highlights that God can bring life and fruitfulness even from seemingly barren circumstances, fulfilling His purposes in unexpected ways. This verse also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, through whom all nations are blessed, affirming the universal reach of God's redemptive plan and the enduring legacy of faith that began with Abraham.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 17:4 (22 votes)

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

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • Matthew 1:6 (6 votes)

    And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

  • Matthew 1:17 (6 votes)

    So all the generations from Abraham to David [are] fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon [are] fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ [are] fourteen generations.

  • Ezra 4:20 (3 votes)

    There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

  • Genesis 17:20 (2 votes)

    And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.