Genesis 17:7

ยถ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

And I will establish {H6965} my covenant {H1285} between me and thee and thy seed {H2233} after thee {H310} in their generations {H1755} for an everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285}, to be a God {H430} unto thee, and to thy seed {H2233} after thee {H310}.

"I am establishing my covenant between me and you, along with your descendants after you, generation after generation, as an everlasting covenant, to be God for you and for your descendants after you.

I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.

Commentary

Genesis 17:7 marks a pivotal moment in God's relationship with Abraham, where the Lord reiterates and expands upon His solemn commitment, establishing the Abrahamic covenant as an enduring promise for generations.

Context

This verse comes during a significant encounter between God and Abram (whose name is changed to Abraham in Genesis 17:5). Abram is 99 years old, and though God has previously promised him numerous descendants, he still has no heir through Sarai. In this chapter, God reaffirms His promises, introduces the sign of circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14), and confirms that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac. Verse 7 specifically defines the nature and scope of the covenant God is establishing.

Key Themes

  • The Everlasting Covenant: The phrase "everlasting covenant" underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God's promise. It is not temporary but extends through all time, demonstrating God's faithfulness and enduring commitment to His chosen people.
  • God's Initiative and Faithfulness: "And I will establish my covenant" highlights that this covenant is God's sovereign act. He initiates it, and He is the one who will ensure its fulfillment, regardless of human shortcomings. This emphasizes God's reliability and His steadfast love.
  • Scope of the Covenant: The covenant extends not just to Abraham himself, but explicitly "to thee and thy seed after thee in their generations." This encompasses all of Abraham's physical descendants, but more profoundly, it also includes the spiritual "seed" of Abrahamโ€”all who believe by faith, as highlighted in the New Testament (Galatians 3:29).
  • The Core Promise: "To be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee": This is the heart of the covenant. It signifies a deep, personal, and intimate relationship where God commits Himself to be the ultimate provider, protector, and guide for Abraham and his descendants. This promise echoes throughout Scripture, pointing to God's desire for fellowship with humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covenant" is b'rith (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), which implies a solemn, binding agreement, often involving mutual obligations and promises. When used in the context of God, it signifies a divine oath or commitment. The term "everlasting" comes from the Hebrew 'olam (ืขื•ึนืœึธื), which denotes a duration that is perpetual, eternal, or extends far into the future beyond human reckoning. It emphasizes permanence and continuity from God's perspective. The word "seed" is zera' (ื–ึถืจึทืข), which can be singular or plural, referring to offspring or descendants. Its dual meaning is crucial, pointing to both the physical lineage of Abraham and the singular spiritual descendant, Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

Practical Application

For believers today, Genesis 17:7 offers profound reassurance. It reminds us that God is a covenant-keeping God whose promises are eternal and trustworthy. Through Christ, we are grafted into this spiritual lineage of Abraham, inheriting the promise that God will be "our God." This means we can rely on His faithfulness, His provision, and His presence in our lives across all generations. The everlasting nature of this covenant provides a secure foundation for our hope and faith, knowing that God's commitment to His people is unwavering.

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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 26:24 (13 votes)

    And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

  • Romans 9:7 (13 votes)

    Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Romans 9:9 (13 votes)

    For this [is] the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.

  • Acts 2:39 (12 votes)

    For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

  • Genesis 15:18 (10 votes)

    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:

  • Hebrews 8:10 (9 votes)

    For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

  • Hebrews 11:16 (8 votes)

    But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.