Genesis 17:8

KJV

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will give {H5414} unto thee, and to thy seed {H2233} after thee {H310}, the land {H776} wherein thou art a stranger {H4033}, all the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, for an everlasting {H5769} possession {H272}; and I will be their God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give you and your descendants after you the land in which you are now foreigners, all the land of Kena'an, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God."

Berean Standard Bible

And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”

American Standard Version

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 17:8 solidifies God's covenant with Abraham, promising him and his descendants the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire for an intimate, covenantal relationship, culminating in the profound declaration, "and I will be their God."

### CONTEXT
Genesis 17 details the formal establishment of God's covenant with Abram, whose name is divinely changed to [Abraham, "father of many nations,"](/genesis/17-5 "Read about Abram's name change to Abraham in Genesis 17:5"). This chapter follows God's initial call to Abram in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12-1 "Explore God's initial call to Abram in Genesis 12:1"), where the promise of land and descendants was first made. Here, God reiterates and expands upon that promise, introducing circumcision as the physical sign of this everlasting covenant. Verse 8 specifically focuses on the land aspect of the covenant, solidifying Canaan as the promised inheritance for Abraham and his descendants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse begins with God's direct declaration, "And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee," emphasizing divine initiative and the generational scope of the promise. This promise is not merely for Abraham but extends to his future lineage, establishing a perpetual claim. The specific object of this promise is "the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan." This highlights Abraham's current status as a sojourner, emphasizing that the land is a gift, not something earned or possessed by right. The repetition of "all the land of Canaan" underscores the comprehensive nature of the grant.

The nature of this grant is described as "for an everlasting possession." The Hebrew phrase `achuzzath 'olam` (אֲחֻזַּת עוֹלָם) translates to "everlasting possession." The term `olam` (עוֹלָם) signifies a duration that is age-long, perpetual, or without end, emphasizing the permanent and divinely secured nature of this land grant to Abraham's descendants. It implies an ownership that transcends temporary human circumstances or political changes, signifying a perpetual right to the land for the nation of Israel.

The verse culminates with the profound covenant declaration: "and I will be their God." This phrase encapsulates the deepest relational aspect of the covenant, signifying an intimate, personal, and protective bond between the Almighty God and His chosen people. It extends beyond mere land ownership to a spiritual and relational identity, forming the bedrock of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. This promise is echoed throughout Scripture, serving as the ultimate goal of God's redemptive work, as seen in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Understand God's covenant promise in Jeremiah 31:33") regarding the new covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty:** God's unilateral declaration ("I will give," "I will be") demonstrates His absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His promises, regardless of human circumstances or Abraham's current status as a "stranger."
* **Covenant Permanence:** The term "everlasting possession" underscores the perpetual and enduring nature of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the relationship with His people.
* **Election and Inheritance:** This verse highlights God's gracious election of Abraham and his descendants, granting them a unique inheritance, both physical (the land) and relational (God as their God).
* **Relationship as Ultimate Goal:** The culminating phrase "and I will be their God" reveals that the land promise is not an end in itself but a means to foster and secure a deep, intimate, and exclusive covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 17:8 offers profound assurance for believers today, reminding us that God is a faithful promise-keeper. Just as He unequivocally promised and ultimately delivered the land to Abraham's descendants, we can trust that all His promises, both temporal and eternal, will be fulfilled. While the physical land promise was specific to Israel, believers in Christ are considered [Abraham's spiritual seed](/galatians/3-29 "Understand how believers are Abraham's seed in Galatians 3:29") and are heirs to a glorious spiritual inheritance that includes eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and a place in God's eternal kingdom. Furthermore, the ultimate promise, "I will be their God," reminds us that God's greatest desire is a deep, covenantal relationship with His people, a relationship that provides profound security, identity, and purpose.

### FAQ
**Does "everlasting possession" mean the land promise is unconditional and eternal for physical Israel?**

Answer: The term `achuzzath 'olam` (everlasting possession) signifies a perpetual and divinely secured right to the land for Abraham's descendants. While the *possession* itself is everlasting, the *enjoyment* of that possession has historically been conditional upon Israel's obedience to the covenant, as detailed in other parts of the Torah (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Read about blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28")). However, the underlying divine grant remains permanent, pointing to future restoration and fulfillment.

**How does God being "their God" relate to the land promise?**

Answer: The phrase "I will be their God" is the pinnacle of the covenant relationship, signifying a unique and exclusive bond. The land promise serves as the geographical context and tangible expression of this relationship, providing a place where God's people can dwell securely under His direct rule and blessing. It establishes the setting for their identity as God's chosen nation, where they can worship Him and live according to His covenant laws.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promises of Genesis 17:8 find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical land of Canaan was given to Abraham's physical descendants, Christ, as the true seed of Abraham, inherits all the promises. Through Him, believers from every nation become [Abraham's spiritual seed](/galatians/3-29 "Understand how believers are Abraham's seed in Galatians 3:29") and heirs according to the promise, inheriting not merely a physical land but an [eternal, heavenly inheritance](/hebrews/11-16 "Explore the heavenly inheritance in Hebrews 11:16") and the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Read about the new heavens and new earth in Revelation 21:1"). More profoundly, the declaration "I will be their God" is perfectly realized in Christ, who mediates the New Covenant, enabling a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through the indwelling Spirit, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends geographical boundaries.

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.