Genesis 15:1
What does Genesis 15:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 15:1 means
After Abram's military victory and his refusal to take spoils from Sodom, God appears to him in a vision, offering reassurance and affirming His protective presence. God declares Himself to be Abram's 'shield,' safeguarding him from harm, and his 'exceeding great reward,' implying that God Himself is the greatest blessing Abram could possess, far surpassing any earthly wealth or honor. This divine declaration addresses any potential fears or anxieties Abram might have had about possible retaliation from the kings he defeated or about his future security and provision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
KJV
King James Version · 1611After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Have no fear, Abram: I will keep you safe, and great will be your reward.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862After these things hath the word of Jehovah been unto Abram in a vision, saying, `Fear not, Abram, I <FI>am<Fi> a shield to thee, thy reward <FI>is<Fi> exceeding great.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now when these things were done, the word of the Lord came to Abram by a vision, saying: Fear not, Abram, I am thy protector, and thy reward exceeding great.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890After these things the word of Jehovah came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward.
Context
This verse opens a new chapter in Abram's journey, immediately following his refusal of the King of Sodom's offerings in Genesis 14. It sets the stage for a profound dialogue with God, where divine promises are reiterated and expanded. The vision and the initial words of comfort from God provide the necessary foundation for the weighty covenant discussions that unfold in the subsequent verses.
v.1This passage
v.2And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
- Exodus 14:13
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will work for you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
- Genesis 26:24
And Jehovah 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.
- Deuteronomy 33:26
There is none like unto God, O Jeshurun, Who rideth upon the heavens for thy help, And in his excellency on the skies.
- Psalms 84:9
Behold, O God our shield, And look upon the face of thine anointed.
- Isaiah 51:12
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;
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