Genesis 13:17
What does Genesis 13:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 13:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 13:17 means
God then commanded Abram to physically walk through the length and breadth of the land, affirming that He would indeed give it to him. This was not merely a symbolic act; it was a visible, tangible appropriation of the promised inheritance. By walking the land, Abram was actively engaging with God's promise, taking possession of it by faith. This act reinforced the reality of God's gift and prepared Abram for a future in which his descendants would literally inhabit that very territory for generations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for unto thee will I give it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for unto thee will I give it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Come, go through all the land from one end to the other for I will give it to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862rise, go up and down through the land, to its length, and to its breadth, for to thee I give it.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Arise and walk through the land in the length, and the breadth thereof: for I will give it to thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Arise, walk through the land according to the length of it and according to the breadth of it; for I will give it to thee.
Context
Following the monumental promises of land and innumerable descendants in verses 15 and 16, this verse contains God's next instruction to Abram: to physically walk through the promised land. This directive serves as a tangible act of faith and appropriation, solidifying the promises in Abram's mind and actions. It directly leads to Abram's response of moving his tent and building an altar, showing his continued obedience and worship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 13:17
And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way by the South, and go up into the hill-country:
- Genesis 13:15
for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
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