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 articulates a pivotal aspect of God's covenant with Abraham, unequivocally promising him and his burgeoning lineage the entire land of Canaan as an enduring and permanent possession. This divine declaration not only underscores God's absolute faithfulness and sovereign initiative but also reveals His profound desire for an intimate, exclusive, and perpetual covenantal relationship, culminating in the foundational statement, "and I will be their God."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 17 marks a significant re-affirmation and expansion of God's covenant with Abram, initiated in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - God's Call to Abram") and further developed in [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abram"). Following the interlude of Ishmael's birth in [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Sarai and Hagar"), chapter 17 presents God's appearance to Abram when he is ninety-nine years old, formally establishing the "covenant of circumcision." This chapter introduces the name change from Abram to Abraham, signifying his new role as "father of a multitude of nations" ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abram's Name Change")). Verse 8, specifically, reiterates and solidifies the land promise, which is a recurring theme throughout these covenant chapters, emphasizing its everlasting nature and the divine guarantee behind it, setting the stage for the birth of Isaac and the continuation of the promised lineage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land was intrinsically linked to identity, security, and prosperity. Covenants often involved grants of land from a superior king to a vassal, but God's covenant with Abraham is unique in its unilateral, unconditional nature regarding the initial promise. Abraham's status as a "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger* or *magur*) in Canaan highlights his nomadic, landless existence at the time of the promise, making the divine grant even more significant. This nomadic lifestyle was common for pastoralists, but the promise of a permanent, inherited land was revolutionary. Furthermore, the concept of a deity being "their God" was a profound declaration of exclusive relationship and protection, far surpassing typical patron-client relationships in the ancient world, establishing a unique national and spiritual identity for Abraham's descendants.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 17:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Promise-Keeping**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word despite human doubt or delay. The phrase "everlasting possession" underscores the **Permanence of God's Covenant**, particularly concerning the land and the lineage through whom the covenant would be maintained. It also highlights **Election and Inheritance**, as God sovereignly chooses Abraham and his descendants for a unique relationship and a specific geographical inheritance. Finally, the culminating declaration, "and I will be their God," establishes the theme of **Covenant Relationship as the Ultimate Goal**, revealing that the land promise is not an end in itself but a means to foster a deep, intimate, and exclusive bond between the Creator and His chosen people, a theme echoed in passages like [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Promise to Israel") and [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** (H2233) This term, derived from the root "to sow," primarily refers to offspring or posterity. In the context of Genesis 17:8, it signifies Abraham's biological descendants, through whom the covenant promises would be perpetuated. Beyond a simple biological lineage, "seed" also carries theological weight, pointing to the specific line through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately culminating in the singular "Seed," Christ.
* **everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** (H5769) This word denotes a duration that is concealed or extends beyond the vanishing point, implying perpetuity, age-long, or without end. When applied to the land as an "everlasting possession," it emphasizes the permanent and divinely secured nature of the grant, indicating a perpetual right to the land for Abraham's descendants that transcends temporary human circumstances or political shifts.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** (H430) This plural noun, often used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. In the phrase "I will be their God," it signifies an exclusive, intimate, and protective relationship between the Almighty and His chosen people. It implies His ownership, care, and covenantal commitment to them, establishing their unique identity as His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the unilateral nature of the covenant promise. God, as the sovereign giver, bestows this gift upon Abraham and extends it generationally to his future descendants, establishing a perpetual claim that is not dependent on human merit but on God's faithfulness.
* **"the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan":** This specifies the object of the promise: the entire geographical region of Canaan. The description of Abraham as a "stranger" (Hebrew: *magur*) highlights his current transient status, underscoring that the land is a gracious gift, not something he earned or possessed by right. The repetition and emphasis on "all the land of Canaan" stress the comprehensive and undivided nature of the promised inheritance.
* **"for an everlasting possession":** This phrase defines the duration and nature of the land grant. It is not a temporary lease or a conditional occupancy, but a permanent, divinely secured ownership. The Hebrew term *achuzzah 'olam* (everlasting possession) signifies a perpetual right and inheritance, ensuring that the land would forever belong to Abraham's descendants.
* **"and I will be their God":** This climactic declaration encapsulates the deepest relational aspect of the covenant. It moves beyond mere land ownership to signify an intimate, personal, and exclusive bond between the Almighty God and His chosen people. This covenant formula, central to biblical theology, establishes Israel's unique identity and purpose, revealing that the land is a means to facilitate a secure environment for this profound, saving relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Repetition** and **Covenant Formula** to underscore its significance. The phrase "all the land of Canaan" reiterates the comprehensive scope of the promised territory, ensuring no ambiguity regarding the extent of the inheritance. More profoundly, the culminating declaration, "and I will be their God," is a classic **Covenant Formula** found throughout Scripture (e.g., [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant Promise"), [Leviticus 26:12](/leviticus/26-12 "Leviticus 26:12 - God's Presence Among His People")). This formula signifies the establishment of a unique, exclusive, and intimate relationship between God and His chosen people, serving as the ultimate goal and bedrock of the covenant. The use of this formula elevates the land promise from a mere geographical grant to a foundational element of a spiritual and relational identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 17:8 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. It reveals that God's plan for Abraham and his descendants is not merely about a physical piece of land, but about establishing a unique, intimate relationship where He is their God and they are His people. The land serves as the tangible context for this relationship, providing a secure place for the chosen nation to grow, worship, and fulfill their role in God's redemptive plan for humanity. This verse solidifies the promise of a distinct people, in a distinct place, under the direct authority and blessing of the Almighty, setting the stage for the nation of Israel and the subsequent unfolding of salvation history.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")
* [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant with Israel")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 17:8 offers enduring assurance for believers today, reminding us of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. 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 in His perfect timing and way. While the physical land promise was specific to ancient Israel, believers in Christ are considered [Abraham's spiritual seed](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Believers as Abraham's Offspring") and are heirs to a glorious spiritual inheritance that transcends geographical boundaries. This inheritance includes eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and a secure place in God's eternal kingdom. Furthermore, the ultimate promise, "I will be their God," reminds us that God's deepest desire is a profound, covenantal relationship with His people—a relationship that provides ultimate security, identity, and purpose, grounding our faith in His faithful character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:8 challenge or affirm your understanding of His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you experience God being "your God" in a personal and intimate way, mirroring the covenant relationship described here?**
* **Considering the "everlasting possession" of the land, how does this ancient promise relate to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ today?**

### 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 *grant* of the land is indeed everlasting and unconditional on God's part, the *enjoyment* and continued dwelling in that possession have historically been conditional upon Israel's obedience to the covenant, as detailed in other parts of the Torah (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). However, the underlying divine promise and ultimate claim to the land remain permanent, pointing to future restoration and fulfillment, as seen in prophetic passages like [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Restoration of Israel").

**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 between the Creator and His chosen people. The land promise serves as the geographical context and tangible expression of this relationship, providing a secure place where God's people can dwell under His direct rule and blessing. It establishes the setting for their identity as God's chosen nation, where they can worship Him, live according to His covenant laws, and be a light to the nations ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")). The land is not an end in itself, but a means to facilitate and demonstrate this profound, intimate, and exclusive relationship.

### 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 and singular "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")), inherits all the promises in their fullest sense. Through His atoning work, believers from every nation become [Abraham's spiritual seed](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Believers as Abraham's Offspring") and are thus heirs according to the promise. This inheritance is not merely a physical land but an [eternal, heavenly inheritance](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - Longing for a Better Country") and a share in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where righteousness dwells. Most profoundly, the declaration "and I will be their God" is perfectly realized in Christ, who mediates the New Covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")), enabling a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with God")). Through Him, God's people are gathered from all nations into a spiritual kingdom that transcends geographical boundaries, living in the presence of their God forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man")).

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

Leviticus 26:12

And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

Psalms 105:11

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

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Exodus 6:7

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Deuteronomy 29:13

That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and [that] he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Genesis 13:15

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Deuteronomy 14:2

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.